Electricity and heating - Revision history

Editor at 11:44, 21 May 2025

2025-05-21T11:44:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:44, 21 May 2025
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	* Hot water heat pumps.		* Hot water heat pumps.
	* Hybrid heat pump electric panel heating.		* Hybrid heat pump electric panel heating.
		+	* Hydronic heat pump.
	* Immersion heaters.		* Immersion heaters.
	* Infrared Bar Heaters.		* Infrared Bar Heaters.

Editor at 10:13, 9 May 2025

2025-05-09T10:13:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:13, 9 May 2025
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	* Tankless waterheaters.		* Tankless waterheaters.
	* Thermostatic tubular heaters.		* Thermostatic tubular heaters.
		+	* Underfloor heating dry electric element.
		+	* Underfloor heating wet system
	* Undersink water heaters.		* Undersink water heaters.
	* Water source heat pumps.		* Water source heat pumps.

Editor at 10:11, 9 May 2025

2025-05-09T10:11:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:11, 9 May 2025
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	* Mica heaters.		* Mica heaters.
	* Phase-Change Heat Batteries.		* Phase-Change Heat Batteries.
		+	* Plinth heaters.
	* Skirting heaters.		* Skirting heaters.
	* Smart Heat Batteries.		* Smart Heat Batteries.

Designing Buildings at 06:16, 9 May 2025

2025-05-09T06:16:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:16, 9 May 2025
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	= Whole houses =		= Whole houses =

−	Firstly, from the get-go, and so it is clear, I am an advocate for heat pumps. I am also an avid, probably more so, strong supporter of the strict Passivhaus approach as the most logical approach to new builds. ~~Whilst~~ I see the Passivhaus EnerPHit standard being very suitable for many retrofit projects.	+	Firstly, from the get-go, and so it is clear, I am an advocate for heat pumps. I am also an avid, probably more so, strong supporter of the strict Passivhaus approach as the most logical approach to new builds. And I see the Passivhaus EnerPHit standard being very suitable for many retrofit projects.

−	In terms of the latter~~, the use of any technology~~, MVHR is so carefully aligned with ~~the~~ high-level fabric ~~standards or~~ improvements, which means that what is asked of any heating system is dramatically reduced. To my mind, and secondary to this, it is the holistic entirety of the fabric performance that is key, and this whole house system (whole house MVHR) will be the nearest one can get to the feel and functionality of what used to be a centrally heated system but one that doesn't rely on burning cheap gas.	+	In terms of the latter, MVHR is carefully aligned with high-level fabric improvements, which means that what is asked of any heating system is dramatically reduced. To my mind, and secondary to this, it is the holistic entirety of the fabric performance that is key, and this whole house system (whole house MVHR) will be the nearest one can get to the feel and functionality of what used to be a centrally heated system but one that doesn't rely on burning cheap gas.

	Furthermore, there isn't much give in terms of how much that entire building fabric needs to be improved to achieve the Passivhaus standard, so any heating requirements (or indeed cooling requirements in hotter climates) are minimised by those fabric performance uplifts.		Furthermore, there isn't much give in terms of how much that entire building fabric needs to be improved to achieve the Passivhaus standard, so any heating requirements (or indeed cooling requirements in hotter climates) are minimised by those fabric performance uplifts.
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	= Centralised systems =		= Centralised systems =

−	Gas was first used in the UK as early as the 1800s for gas stoves and lighting, but it wasn't until the 1970s and 1980s, driven by the discovery of North Sea gas and government-led programmes, that gas for heating, in particular central heating systems, became ~~increasingly~~ widespread. These gas-driven, centralised wet radiator heating systems are possibly still the most common form of heating in the UK ~~today~~ and typically have running flow temperatures of 70-80°C.	+	Gas was first used in the UK as early as the 1800s for gas stoves and lighting, but it wasn't until the 1970s and 1980s, driven by the discovery of North Sea gas and government-led programmes, that gas for heating, in particular central heating systems, became more widespread. These gas-driven, centralised wet radiator heating systems are possibly still the most common form of heating in the UK and typically have running flow temperatures of 70-80°C.

	Heat pumps at their most efficient generally run at lower temperatures of 35-55°C, some 25-35°C lower. It is this temperature difference that impacts not only the speed of heating but also the overall comfort of the system and why the use of heat pumps needs to be treated as a whole package. There is, however, in some areas still a continued sense that it is ok to just swap out a gas boiler for a heat pump and that same comfort warmth that we became so used to with central heating will be achieved; to my mind it won't.		Heat pumps at their most efficient generally run at lower temperatures of 35-55°C, some 25-35°C lower. It is this temperature difference that impacts not only the speed of heating but also the overall comfort of the system and why the use of heat pumps needs to be treated as a whole package. There is, however, in some areas still a continued sense that it is ok to just swap out a gas boiler for a heat pump and that same comfort warmth that we became so used to with central heating will be achieved; to my mind it won't.
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	I have and continue to hear unfortunate heat pump tales of woe, that costs are dramatically higher or that the new system just doesn't work, and whilst I don't know enough about the projects, my guess is it is related to running temperatures, the need for them to be constantly on, user expectations and how they use the controls. It still surprises me the number of people who see heat pumps as simply a one in, one out replacement for a gas boiler, and many risks exist in that. The danger being that the technology, as a result, gets a bad reputation from the instances where it fails or is perceived to have failed.		I have and continue to hear unfortunate heat pump tales of woe, that costs are dramatically higher or that the new system just doesn't work, and whilst I don't know enough about the projects, my guess is it is related to running temperatures, the need for them to be constantly on, user expectations and how they use the controls. It still surprises me the number of people who see heat pumps as simply a one in, one out replacement for a gas boiler, and many risks exist in that. The danger being that the technology, as a result, gets a bad reputation from the instances where it fails or is perceived to have failed.

−	It has always seemed to me that there are other more localised advantages to fabric improvement which are often overlooked. For example, where the internal surface temperatures between wall and window in the case of triple glazing do not vary as much as with standard double glazing. It is, in terms of comfort, often the temperature differences that the body notices, and merely levelling off those differences by reducing radiant coolth from windows can also help improve comfort without necessarily increasing room temperature ~~as such~~.	+	It has always seemed to me that there are other more localised advantages to fabric improvement which are often overlooked. For example, where the internal surface temperatures between wall and window in the case of triple glazing do not vary as much as with standard double glazing. It is, in terms of comfort, often the temperature differences that the body notices, and merely levelling off those differences by reducing radiant coolth from windows can also help improve comfort without necessarily increasing room temperature.

	= Broader interpretations =		= Broader interpretations =

−	So my point here is there should perhaps be a widening of what we consider to be a heating system~~; for~~ instance, Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR), with its ability to recycle and preheat air, should be considered alongside heat pumps and other systems as a form of heating system.	+	So my point here is there should perhaps be a widening of what we consider to be a heating system. For instance, Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR), with its ability to recycle and preheat air, should be considered alongside heat pumps and other systems as a form of heating system.

−	The differences are the nature of combustion, wet versus dry systems (in this case, ventilation), and the fabric. And the similarity is that both the correct approach to the installation of heat pumps (alongside fabric upgrades) and the Passivhaus approach ~~look~~ towards whole-house solutions, both in terms of the fabric and technology. The result is the potential to achieve comfort which is in line with centralised heating of the past, albeit without the burning of gas. But is there also perhaps some value in re-examining alternatives to whole-house systems, be that in terms of fabric performance and technologies?	+	The differences are the nature of combustion, wet versus dry systems (in this case, ventilation), and the fabric. And the similarity is that both the correct approach to the installation of heat pumps (alongside fabric upgrades) and the Passivhaus approach looks towards whole-house solutions, both in terms of the fabric and technology. The result is the potential to achieve comfort which is in line with centralised heating of the past, albeit without the burning of gas. But is there also perhaps some value in re-examining alternatives to whole-house systems, be that in terms of fabric performance and technologies?

−	Electrical heating systems, since the introduction of cheaper gas, have generally been considered ~~as being~~ the more expensive option when it comes to both space and water heating. But technology has moved on; there are numerous heating systems on the market that might now be brought into the race rather than seeing heat pumps as a one-horse race (especially if poorly installed). This was highlighted in the recent report “[https://www.beama.org.uk/static/2a56c77c-42e3-4c46-8d591f39915f0b4c/What-should-I-do-Accelerating-Heat-Electrification-by-Providing-Customer-Choice.pdf What should I do?” Accelerating Heat Electrification by providing customer choice], published by BEAMA, which runs through the market potential of electric heating technologies, starting with the focus on air source heat pumps but going on to describe domestic hot water heat pumps, electric panel heaters, electric radiators, electric underfloor heating, modern high heat retention (HHR) storage heating systems, phase-change heat batteries, smart heat batteries, and smart hot water cylinders.	+	Electrical heating systems, since the introduction of cheaper gas, have generally been considered the more expensive option when it comes to both space and water heating. But technology has moved on; there are numerous heating systems on the market that might now be brought into the race rather than seeing heat pumps as a one-horse race (especially if poorly installed). This was highlighted in the recent report “[https://www.beama.org.uk/static/2a56c77c-42e3-4c46-8d591f39915f0b4c/What-should-I-do-Accelerating-Heat-Electrification-by-Providing-Customer-Choice.pdf What should I do?” Accelerating Heat Electrification by providing customer choice], published by BEAMA, which runs through the market potential of electric heating technologies, starting with the focus on air source heat pumps but going on to describe domestic hot water heat pumps, electric panel heaters, electric radiators, electric underfloor heating, modern high heat retention (HHR) storage heating systems, phase-change heat batteries, smart heat batteries, and smart hot water cylinders.

	= Localised needs =		= Localised needs =
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	Prior to the uptake of gas central heating systems, the nature of heating, as well as house planning, was more localised; for example, the kitchen would be heated when in use, the living room heated the same, and importantly with doors between. Would open-plan living have been possible without gas central heating? Is there a case to move back (just a little) to sensibly dividing homes, be that by drapes, curtains or doors, and might more localised heating systems also have a part to play in the electrification revolution?		Prior to the uptake of gas central heating systems, the nature of heating, as well as house planning, was more localised; for example, the kitchen would be heated when in use, the living room heated the same, and importantly with doors between. Would open-plan living have been possible without gas central heating? Is there a case to move back (just a little) to sensibly dividing homes, be that by drapes, curtains or doors, and might more localised heating systems also have a part to play in the electrification revolution?

−	The use of electricity and heating systems shouldn't be just about direct heating systems or even just about heat pumps but should include the wide range of types, locations, shapes and sizes of how and particularly when electricity might be used to create heat. It includes its indirect use as well in the transfer of heat and preheating, taking a broader view to include indirect heating, heat transfer, heat storage, heat pumping and heat conversion, but also solar solutions that might rely on electrical pump systems. Consideration of both water and space heating solutions, which have very different requirements, but there is perhaps the need to reiterate that many of these solutions need ~~an almost~~ different understanding of us ~~than~~ what centrally heated users have been used to.	+	The use of electricity and heating systems shouldn't be just about direct heating systems or even just about heat pumps but should include the wide range of types, locations, shapes and sizes of how and particularly when electricity might be used to create heat. It includes its indirect use as well in the transfer of heat and preheating, taking a broader view to include indirect heating, heat transfer, heat storage, heat pumping and heat conversion, but also solar solutions that might rely on electrical pump systems. Consideration of both water and space heating solutions, which have very different requirements, but there is perhaps the need to reiterate that many of these solutions need a different understanding from us compared to what centrally heated users have been used to.

	= Efficiency in timing =		= Efficiency in timing =
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	The benefits of night storage or economy-seven heating still exist and, economically, at least in some cases, can balance out some of the efficiency benefits of heat pump systems, which, although three times more efficient, may be using daytime electricity at three times the price. As well as the aforementioned need for heat pumps to effectively stay on, whereas night storage systems are intermittent systems. Plus, the nature of wet versus dry, for example, in older buildings can potentially come with associated risks or at least complications.		The benefits of night storage or economy-seven heating still exist and, economically, at least in some cases, can balance out some of the efficiency benefits of heat pump systems, which, although three times more efficient, may be using daytime electricity at three times the price. As well as the aforementioned need for heat pumps to effectively stay on, whereas night storage systems are intermittent systems. Plus, the nature of wet versus dry, for example, in older buildings can potentially come with associated risks or at least complications.

−	Many of these technologies' direct, intermittent and localised systems have improved with efficiency and design over time, such as HHR heaters over standard night storage heaters. Immersion heaters that can store heated water for much longer also benefit from reduced night rates and even have integrated tank heat pumps included. Agreed, many of these systems cannot compete in a race with the feel of gas central heating or the comfort in a Passivhaus, some providing background heating that needs perhaps localised top-ups. But they should be considered in the discussions about electrification of existing homes and perhaps at the moment at least in terms of support funding. don't feel like they are.	+	Many of these technologies' direct, intermittent and localised systems have improved with efficiency and design over time, such as HHR heaters over standard night storage heaters. Immersion heaters that can store heated water for much longer also benefit from reduced night rates and even have integrated tank heat pumps included. Agreed, many of these systems cannot compete in a race with the feel of gas central heating or the comfort in a Passivhaus, some providing background heating that needs perhaps localised top-ups. But they should be considered in the discussions about electrification of existing homes and perhaps at the moment at least in terms of support funding. they don't feel like they are.

	= Conclusion =		= Conclusion =
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	In summary, whilst Passivhaus or significant fabric improvements and air source heat pumps might remain front runners, like the hare and the tortoise, there are many different heating animals in the race, running in different ways. Perhaps thinking differently about where we heat as well as how we heat can help more people step away from gas, especially in circumstances where the front runners are out of reach, so that the finish line is still crossed even if in a different way.		In summary, whilst Passivhaus or significant fabric improvements and air source heat pumps might remain front runners, like the hare and the tortoise, there are many different heating animals in the race, running in different ways. Perhaps thinking differently about where we heat as well as how we heat can help more people step away from gas, especially in circumstances where the front runners are out of reach, so that the finish line is still crossed even if in a different way.

−	And finally it does sometimes feel that there is a ~~tendancy~~ to use the same thinking that was adopted with the introduction of gas and central heating. That is that there is one solution per household, it was gas and now it is heat pumps, but in truth there is sense in looking at more than one system. For example if a system functions at its best for the majority of the year don't try to make it work for all of the year, just use a system, perhaps intermittent and local like a direct heater or dare I say it wood burner for those few days. Importantly from a grant perspective and encouraging users to adopt ~~to the~~ new technology, smaller steps might work better than all or nothings.	+	And finally it does sometimes feel that there is a tendency to use the same thinking that was adopted with the introduction of gas and central heating. That is that there is one solution per household, it was gas and now it is heat pumps, but in truth there is sense in looking at more than one system. For example if a system functions at its best for the majority of the year don't try to make it work for all of the year, just use a system, perhaps intermittent and local like a direct heater or dare I say it a wood burner for those few days. Importantly from a grant perspective and encouraging users to adopt new technology, smaller steps might work better than all or nothings.

−	A long list of different types of what might be considered as electrically driven heating systems~~, feel free to add~~:	+	Below is a long list of different types of what might be considered as electrically driven heating systems:

	* Air source heat pumps.		* Air source heat pumps.
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	* Wind turbines.		* Wind turbines.
	* Passivhaus.		* Passivhaus.
−
−	~~[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]]~~

Editor at 21:13, 8 May 2025

2025-05-08T21:13:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:13, 8 May 2025
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	* High heat retention storage heaters.		* High heat retention storage heaters.
	* Hot water heat pumps.		* Hot water heat pumps.
		+	* Hybrid heat pump electric panel heating.
	* Immersion heaters.		* Immersion heaters.
	* Infrared Bar Heaters.		* Infrared Bar Heaters.
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	--[[User:Editor\|editor]]		--[[User:Editor\|editor]]
		+
		+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =
		+
		+	* Carbon capture.
		+	* Carbon emissions.
		+	* Carbon emissions of electric heating v gas.
		+	* Community energy network.
		+	* Debunking the misconceptions of electric panel heating.
		+	* Domestic micro-generation.
		+	* ECA articles.
		+	* Heat pump.
		+	* Hybrid heat pump electric panel heating.
		+	* Hydroelectricity.
		+	* Is hydrogen the heating fuel of the future?
		+	* Passivhaus.
		+	* Renewable energy.
		+	* Solar energy.
		+	* Wind turbines.
		+	* Passivhaus.

	[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]]		[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]]

Editor at 21:09, 8 May 2025

2025-05-08T21:09:18Z

Show changes

Editor at 15:02, 8 May 2025

2025-05-08T15:02:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:02, 8 May 2025
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	It has always seemed to me that there are other more localised advantages to fabric improvement which are often overlooked. For example where the internal surface temperatures between wall and window in the case of triple glazing do not vary as much as with standard double glazing. It is in term sof comfort often the temperature differences that the body notices and merely levelling off those differences, by reducing radiant coolth from windows can also help improve comfort, without necessarily increase room temperature, as such.		It has always seemed to me that there are other more localised advantages to fabric improvement which are often overlooked. For example where the internal surface temperatures between wall and window in the case of triple glazing do not vary as much as with standard double glazing. It is in term sof comfort often the temperature differences that the body notices and merely levelling off those differences, by reducing radiant coolth from windows can also help improve comfort, without necessarily increase room temperature, as such.

−	= ~~Broad~~ interpretation ~~of heating~~ =	+	= Broader interpretation =

	So my point here is there should be a widening of what we consider as being a heating system, for instance would include MVHR in its ability to recycle and preheat air, alongside heat pumps. But also both the correct approach to heat pumps and the Passivhaus approach look towards whole house solutions, to achieve comfort inline with centralised heating of the past. The difference being one is a wet system and the other is a dry (or ventilation) system, but is there also value in re-examining alternatives to whole house systems be that in terms of fabric performance and or technology.		So my point here is there should be a widening of what we consider as being a heating system, for instance would include MVHR in its ability to recycle and preheat air, alongside heat pumps. But also both the correct approach to heat pumps and the Passivhaus approach look towards whole house solutions, to achieve comfort inline with centralised heating of the past. The difference being one is a wet system and the other is a dry (or ventilation) system, but is there also value in re-examining alternatives to whole house systems be that in terms of fabric performance and or technology.
−
−	Prior to the uptake of gas central heating systems the nature of heating, as well as house planning was more localised, for example the kitchen would be heated when in use, the living room heated the same and importantly with doors between. Would open plan living have been possible with out gas central heating ? Is there a case to move back (just a little) to sensibly dividing homes, be that by drapes, curtains or doors, and might more localised heating systems also have a part to play in?

	Electrical heating systems, since the introduction of cheaper gas, have generally been considered as being the more expensive option when it comes to both space and water heating. But technology has moved on there are numerous heating systems on the market that might now be brought into the race rather than seeing heat pumps as a one horse race (especially if poorly installed). This was highlighted in the recent report “[https://www.beama.org.uk/static/2a56c77c-42e3-4c46-8d591f39915f0b4c/What-should-I-do-Accelerating-Heat-Electrification-by-Providing-Customer-Choice.pdf What should I do?” Accelerating Heat Electrification by providing customer choice] published by BEAMA, which runs through the market potential of electric heating technologies, starting with the focus of air source heat pumps but going on to describe domestic hot water heat pumps, electric panel heaters, electric radiators and electric underfloor heating, modern high heat retention (HHR) storage heating systems, phase-change heat batteries, smart heat batteries, and smart hot water cylinders.		Electrical heating systems, since the introduction of cheaper gas, have generally been considered as being the more expensive option when it comes to both space and water heating. But technology has moved on there are numerous heating systems on the market that might now be brought into the race rather than seeing heat pumps as a one horse race (especially if poorly installed). This was highlighted in the recent report “[https://www.beama.org.uk/static/2a56c77c-42e3-4c46-8d591f39915f0b4c/What-should-I-do-Accelerating-Heat-Electrification-by-Providing-Customer-Choice.pdf What should I do?” Accelerating Heat Electrification by providing customer choice] published by BEAMA, which runs through the market potential of electric heating technologies, starting with the focus of air source heat pumps but going on to describe domestic hot water heat pumps, electric panel heaters, electric radiators and electric underfloor heating, modern high heat retention (HHR) storage heating systems, phase-change heat batteries, smart heat batteries, and smart hot water cylinders.

	I would argue that we don't need to stop there and there is potentially a place in certain circumstances for the wide variety of other heating types, designs, locations and so on, when we look at localised heating solutions. Further more whilst the focus is often on Passivhaus and whole house mechanical heat recovery systems, localised systems may also be part of the solution such as dual flow or single sided heat recovery systems. Especially given the context that most houses are required in the building regulations to install for example extractor fans to bath and shower rooms, many of which extract heat as well as stale air, which could potentially be exchanged.		I would argue that we don't need to stop there and there is potentially a place in certain circumstances for the wide variety of other heating types, designs, locations and so on, when we look at localised heating solutions. Further more whilst the focus is often on Passivhaus and whole house mechanical heat recovery systems, localised systems may also be part of the solution such as dual flow or single sided heat recovery systems. Especially given the context that most houses are required in the building regulations to install for example extractor fans to bath and shower rooms, many of which extract heat as well as stale air, which could potentially be exchanged.
		+
		+	= Localised needs =
		+
		+	Prior to the uptake of gas central heating systems the nature of heating, as well as house planning was more localised, for example the kitchen would be heated when in use, the living room heated the same and importantly with doors between. Would open plan living have been possible with out gas central heating ? Is there a case to move back (just a little) to sensibly dividing homes, be that by drapes, curtains or doors, and might more localised heating systems also have a part to play in?

	The use of electricity and heating systems shouldn't be just about direct heating systems, or even just about heat pumps but should include the wide range of types, locations, shapes and sizes of how and particularly when, electricity might be used to create heat. It includes its indirect use as well in the transfer of heat and preheating, taking a broader view to include indirect heating, heat transfer, heat storage, heat pumping and heat conversion, but also solar solutions that might rely on electrical pump systems. Consideration of both water and space heating solutions, which have very different requirements.		The use of electricity and heating systems shouldn't be just about direct heating systems, or even just about heat pumps but should include the wide range of types, locations, shapes and sizes of how and particularly when, electricity might be used to create heat. It includes its indirect use as well in the transfer of heat and preheating, taking a broader view to include indirect heating, heat transfer, heat storage, heat pumping and heat conversion, but also solar solutions that might rely on electrical pump systems. Consideration of both water and space heating solutions, which have very different requirements.

−	= ~~Timing~~ =	+	= Efficiency in timing =

	Homes, often in remote locations, that were never connected to the gas grid have been forced into continued use electricity for space and water heating, often topped up by wood or coal. In general typical homes in these areas would have (and often still do) used night storage heaters for space heating and immersion heaters for water heating. The benefits of night store or economy seven heating still exists and economically at least, in some case balances out some of the benefits of heat pumps systems which although 3 times more efficient may be using day time electricity at 3 times the price. There is also the consideration that like mechanical heat recovery systems night storage systems are dry systems, so avoid the introduction of a wet heating system to a house, which may have some advantages.		Homes, often in remote locations, that were never connected to the gas grid have been forced into continued use electricity for space and water heating, often topped up by wood or coal. In general typical homes in these areas would have (and often still do) used night storage heaters for space heating and immersion heaters for water heating. The benefits of night store or economy seven heating still exists and economically at least, in some case balances out some of the benefits of heat pumps systems which although 3 times more efficient may be using day time electricity at 3 times the price. There is also the consideration that like mechanical heat recovery systems night storage systems are dry systems, so avoid the introduction of a wet heating system to a house, which may have some advantages.

Editor at 14:55, 8 May 2025

2025-05-08T14:55:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:55, 8 May 2025
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−	[[File:Heating-radiator-~~key 1000~~.jpg]]	+	[[File:Heating-radiator-key_1000.jpg\|link=File:Heating-radiator-key_1000.jpg]]

	= Whole houses =		= Whole houses =
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	In summary whilst Passivhaus or significant fabric improvements and air source heat pumps might remain front runners, like the hare and the tortoise there are many different heating animals in the race, running in different ways. Perhaps thinking differently about where we heat as well as how can help step away from gas especially in circumstances where the front runners are out of reach, so as the finish line is still crossed.		In summary whilst Passivhaus or significant fabric improvements and air source heat pumps might remain front runners, like the hare and the tortoise there are many different heating animals in the race, running in different ways. Perhaps thinking differently about where we heat as well as how can help step away from gas especially in circumstances where the front runners are out of reach, so as the finish line is still crossed.
		+
		+	--[[User:Editor\|editor]]

	= Types of electrically driven heating systems =		= Types of electrically driven heating systems =

Editor at 14:55, 8 May 2025

2025-05-08T14:55:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:55, 8 May 2025
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		+	[[File:Heating-radiator-key 1000.jpg]]
		+
	= Whole houses =		= Whole houses =

Editor at 14:51, 8 May 2025

2025-05-08T14:51:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:51, 8 May 2025
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	Gas was first used in the UK as early as the 1800s for gas stoves and lighting, but it wasn't until the 1970s and 1980s, driven by the discovery of North Sea gas and government-led programs that gas for heating, that central heating systems became widespread. These gas driven centralised wet radiator heating systems are possibly the most common form of heating still in the UK today, they typically have running flow temperatures of 70-80°C.		Gas was first used in the UK as early as the 1800s for gas stoves and lighting, but it wasn't until the 1970s and 1980s, driven by the discovery of North Sea gas and government-led programs that gas for heating, that central heating systems became widespread. These gas driven centralised wet radiator heating systems are possibly the most common form of heating still in the UK today, they typically have running flow temperatures of 70-80°C.

−	Heat pumps at their most efficient generally run at lower temperatures of 35-55°C, some 25-35°C lower. It is this temperature difference that impacts not only the speed of heating but also the overall comfort of the system and why the use of heat pumps needs to be treated as a whole package. There is however in some areas still a continued sense that it is ok to just swap out a gas boiler for heat pump and that same comfort warmth that we became so used to with central heating will be achieved, to my mind it ~~wont~~.	+	Heat pumps at their most efficient generally run at lower temperatures of 35-55°C, some 25-35°C lower. It is this temperature difference that impacts not only the speed of heating but also the overall comfort of the system and why the use of heat pumps needs to be treated as a whole package. There is however in some areas still a continued sense that it is ok to just swap out a gas boiler for heat pump and that same comfort warmth that we became so used to with central heating will be achieved, to my mind it won't.

−	I have and continue to hear unfortunate heat pump tales of woe, that costs are dramatically higher or that the new system just doesn't work and whilst I don't know enough about the projects, my guess is it is related to running temperatures, the need for them to be constantly on ~~and users~~ expectations / controls. It still surprises me the number of people who see heat pumps as simply a one in, one out replacement for a gas boiler, and many ~~points are being missed~~. The danger being that the technology, as a result gets a bad reputation from the instances where it fails, or is perceived to have failed.	+	I have and continue to hear unfortunate heat pump tales of woe, that costs are dramatically higher or that the new system just doesn't work and whilst I don't know enough about the projects, my guess is it is related to running temperatures, the need for them to be constantly on, user expectations and how they use the controls. It still surprises me the number of people who see heat pumps as simply a one in, one out replacement for a gas boiler, and many risks exist in that. The danger being that the technology, as a result gets a bad reputation from the instances where it fails, or is perceived to have failed.

−	~~So my point here is~~ there ~~should be a widening~~ of ~~what we consider~~ as ~~being a heating system, I would include MVHR alongside heat pumps, so long~~ as ~~the space it~~ is ~~working~~ in ~~is conditioned correctly ie~~ the ~~fabric improved. But also both~~ the ~~correct approach to heat pumps~~ and ~~the passivhaus approach look towards whole house solutions~~, ~~to achieve~~ comfort ~~inline with centralised heating of the past. The difference being one is a wet system and the other is a dry (or ventilation) system~~, ~~but is there also value in re-examining alternatives to whole house systems be that in terms of fabric performance and or technology~~.	+	It has always seemed to me that there are other more localised advantages to fabric improvement which are often overlooked. For example where the internal surface temperatures between wall and window in the case of triple glazing do not vary as much as with standard double glazing. It is in term sof comfort often the temperature differences that the body notices and merely levelling off those differences, by reducing radiant coolth from windows can also help improve comfort, without necessarily increase room temperature, as such.

−	~~Prior to the uptake~~ of ~~gas central~~ heating systems the nature of heating, as well as house planning was more localised, for example the kitchen would be heated when in use, the living room heated the same and importantly with doors between. Would open plan living have been possible with out gas central heating ? Is there a case to move back (just a little) to sensibly dividing homes, be that by drapes, curtains or doors, and might more localised heating systems also have a part to play in?	+	= Broad interpretation of heating =

−	~~= Timing =~~	+	So my point here is there should be a widening of what we consider as being a heating system, for instance would include MVHR in its ability to recycle and preheat air, alongside heat pumps. But also both the correct approach to heat pumps and the Passivhaus approach look towards whole house solutions, to achieve comfort inline with centralised heating of the past. The difference being one is a wet system and the other is a dry (or ventilation) system, but is there also value in re-examining alternatives to whole house systems be that in terms of fabric performance and or technology.

−	~~Homes, often in remote locations, that were never connected~~ to the gas ~~grid have been forced into continued use electricity for space and water~~ heating, ~~often topped up by wood or coal. In general typical homes~~ in ~~these areas would have (~~and ~~often still do) used night storage heaters for space heating and immersion heaters for water heating, but not only have many of these technologies improved~~ with ~~efficiency over time, they~~ have ~~also~~ been ~~joined by~~ a ~~variety of other technologies that use electrical means~~ to ~~heat~~ a ~~medium. It is perhaps useful~~ to ~~include not only systems~~ that ~~provide full electrical heating but to also include systems that provide local~~ or ~~background heating~~ and ~~thus reduce over all~~ heating ~~demand.~~	+	Prior to the uptake of gas central heating systems the nature of heating, as well as house planning was more localised, for example the kitchen would be heated when in use, the living room heated the same and importantly with doors between. Would open plan living have been possible with out gas central heating ? Is there a case to move back (just a little) to sensibly dividing homes, be that by drapes, curtains or doors, and might more localised heating systems also have a part to play in?

−	~~= Types =~~	+	Electrical heating systems, since the introduction of cheaper gas, have generally been considered as being the more expensive option when it comes to both space and water heating. But technology has moved on there are numerous heating systems on the market that might now be brought into the race rather than seeing heat pumps as a one horse race (especially if poorly installed). This was highlighted in the recent report “[https://www.beama.org.uk/static/2a56c77c-42e3-4c46-8d591f39915f0b4c/What-should-I-do-Accelerating-Heat-Electrification-by-Providing-Customer-Choice.pdf What should I do?” Accelerating Heat Electrification by providing customer choice] published by BEAMA, which runs through the market potential of electric heating technologies, starting with the focus of air source heat pumps but going on to describe domestic hot water heat pumps, electric panel heaters, electric radiators and electric underfloor heating, modern high heat retention (HHR) storage heating systems, phase-change heat batteries, smart heat batteries, and smart hot water cylinders.

−	~~Electrical~~ heating ~~systems~~, ~~since~~ the ~~introduction of cheaper gas~~, ~~have generally been considered~~ as ~~being a more expensive option when it comes~~ to ~~both space~~ and ~~water heating~~.	+	I would argue that we don't need to stop there and there is potentially a place in certain circumstances for the wide variety of other heating types, designs, locations and so on, when we look at localised heating solutions. Further more whilst the focus is often on Passivhaus and whole house mechanical heat recovery systems, localised systems may also be part of the solution such as dual flow or single sided heat recovery systems. Especially given the context that most houses are required in the building regulations to install for example extractor fans to bath and shower rooms, many of which extract heat as well as stale air, which could potentially be exchanged.

−	~~see the sense in improving the entire envelope~~ of ~~a building to such an extent that with heat recovery~~, the ~~whole~~ of ~~its interior can~~ be ~~treated in the same way. Though there have always seemed other advantages~~ to ~~this~~ in ~~particular where triple glazing is concerned~~ the ~~internal surface temperatures between wall~~ and ~~window don't vary as much as in~~ a ~~standard home. To my mind it levelling off those temperature differences~~, ~~by reducing radiant coolth from windows that~~ also ~~help improve comfort~~.	+	The use of electricity and heating systems shouldn't be just about direct heating systems, or even just about heat pumps but should include the wide range of types, locations, shapes and sizes of how and particularly when, electricity might be used to create heat. It includes its indirect use as well in the transfer of heat and preheating, taking a broader view to include indirect heating, heat transfer, heat storage, heat pumping and heat conversion, but also solar solutions that might rely on electrical pump systems. Consideration of both water and space heating solutions, which have very different requirements.

−	However there is no doubt that this approach comes as a whole package, you cant just stick an MVHR unit in and hope it for the best, performance, so closely linked to to the all the rest of the construction. Whilst it seems increasingly that there is more sense attached to heat pumps installations that go hand in hand with fabric upgrades. However it still surprises me the number of people who see heat pumps as simply a replacement for a gas boiler, one in one out points are being missed. The danger is that the technology gets a bad reputation from instances where it fails, or is perceived to have failed. There are two elements to this...	+	= Timing =
−		+
−	~~It could be argued that central heating changed the mindset around heating, offering a single solution that provided full whole house heating.~~	+
−		+
−	~~which in turn negated previous considerations for background heating, or localised room by room heating used on a needs basis.~~	+

−	~~The~~ use of electricity and heating ~~systems shouldn't be just about direct heating systems~~, or ~~even just about heat pumps but should include the wide range of types, locations, shapes~~ and ~~sizes~~ of ~~how~~ and ~~particularly when~~, ~~electricity might be used to create heat. It includes its indirect use as well~~ in the ~~transfer~~ of heat ~~and preheating, taking a broad view to include indirect heating, heat transfer, heat storage, heat pumping and heat conversion, but~~ also ~~solar solutions~~ that ~~might rely on electrical pump~~ systems~~. The article includes both water and space heating solutions~~, ~~as well as solutions that, whilst not always providing~~ a ~~total~~ heating ~~solution provide~~ a ~~means to reduce heating demands through recycling heat such as MVHR~~.	+	Homes, often in remote locations, that were never connected to the gas grid have been forced into continued use electricity for space and water heating, often topped up by wood or coal. In general typical homes in these areas would have (and often still do) used night storage heaters for space heating and immersion heaters for water heating. The benefits of night store or economy seven heating still exists and economically at least, in some case balances out some of the benefits of heat pumps systems which although 3 times more efficient may be using day time electricity at 3 times the price. There is also the consideration that like mechanical heat recovery systems night storage systems are dry systems, so avoid the introduction of a wet heating system to a house, which may have some advantages.

−	have ~~heard some some unfortunate stories of the former~~, ~~though thankfully less so~~ for ~~the latter~~. ~~I see the sense~~ in ~~improving the entire envelope of~~ a ~~building to such an extent that~~ with ~~heat recovery,~~ the ~~whole~~ of ~~its interior can be treated in~~ the ~~same way. Though there have always seemed other advantages to this in particular where triple glazing is concerned the internal surface temperatures between wall and window don't vary as much as~~ in a ~~standard home. To my mind it levelling off those temperature differences~~, ~~by reducing radiant coolth from windows~~ that ~~also help improve comfort~~.	+	Many of these technologies have improved with efficiency over time, such HHR heaters over standard night storage heaters, which have also been joined by more efficient immersion heaters that can store heated water for much longer also benefitting from reduced night rates. Agreed many of these systems cannot compete in a race with the feel of gas central heating, or the comfort in a Passivhaus, some providing background heating that need perhaps localised top-ups. But they should be considered in the discussions about electrification of existing homes.

−	~~= I =~~	+	In summary whilst Passivhaus or significant fabric improvements and air source heat pumps might remain front runners, like the hare and the tortoise there are many different heating animals in the race, running in different ways. Perhaps thinking differently about where we heat as well as how can help step away from gas especially in circumstances where the front runners are out of reach, so as the finish line is still crossed.

	= Types of electrically driven heating systems =		= Types of electrically driven heating systems =