Heat generator
According to the Non-domestic building services compliance guide, 2013 edition, published by HM Government, the term ‘heat generator’ refers to ‘…a device for converting fuel or electricity into heat – e.g. a boiler or radiant heater.’
Commonly used heat generators include:
- Gas, solid fuel or oil boilers.
- Solid fuel burners.
- Combined heat and power (CHP) plant.
- Direct electrical heaters .
- Direct gas heaters.
- Heat pumps.
For more information see: Building heating systems.
Heat generator efficiency is the ‘…useful fuel heat output divided by the energy input in the fuel (based on gross calorific value) or electricity delivered to the heat generator, as determined by the appropriate test methods for that type of heat generator.
Heat generator seasonal efficiency is ‘…the estimated seasonal heat output from the heat generator divided by the energy input. This will depend on the heat generator efficiency and the operating mode of the heat generator over the heating season. For example, in the case of boilers it is a ‘weighted’ average of the efficiencies of the boiler at 30% and 100% of the boiler output. For other technologies the heat generator seasonal efficiency may be the same as the heat generator efficiency.’
'Heat efficiency credits are awarded for the provision of additional measures, such as additional controls, that raise the energy efficiency of the system and go beyond recommended minimum standards. Different credits apply to the different measures that are available for heating and hot water technologies.’
'Effective heat generator seasonal efficiency is obtained by adding heating efficiency credits, where applicable to the heat generator seasonal efficiency:
| 'Effective heat generator seasonal efficiency = heat generator seasonal efficiency + heating efficiency credits.' |
See also: Heating appliance.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Building services compliance with the building regulations.
- Building services.
- Condensing boiler.
- Corrosion in heating and cooling systems.
- Domestic building services compliance guide.
- Gross calorific value.
- Heat pump.
- Heat recovery.
- Heat transfer.
- Heating.
- Heating appliance.
- Non-domestic building services compliance guide.
- Radiant heater seasonal efficiency
- Radiant heating.
- Space heating system.
- Thermal comfort.
- Underfloor heating.
Featured articles and news
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.