How Heating Systems Work

Here we give you a clear idea of what that white box in your kitchen actually does - and how it does it.

How does a boiler work?

A controlled burn of fossil fuels, like gas, takes place within the boiler and the heat produced is transferred to water.

The boiler consists of various components which transfer the heat energy from fuel to a heating system.

A heating system consists of:

  • A boiler (the heat source)
  • A cylinder (to store the hot water)
  • A pump (to push water around the system)
  • A timer (to turn the hot water and heating system on automatically)
  • Room thermostat (to control the temperature of the house)
  • Cylinder thermostat (to control the hot water temperature)
  • Radiators (to heat the room)

There are different types of boiler:

  • Heat only boilers - work in conjunction with a hot water storage cylinder and cold water top up tanks to provide both central heating and hot water
  • System boilers - contain all the components (pump, expansion vessel etc.) that are normally external to a heat only boiler
  • Combination (or combi) boilers - a boiler that heats water instantaneously on opening a hot tap so there is no need for a storage cylinder.

The type of boiler you need will depend on a number of factors, such as the size of your house and your hot water requirements.

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