DIY Central Heating UK

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Do It Yourself Central heating systems

Central heating operates by supplying heat from a single source to every part of the house rather than having independently-heated appliances in each room. Central heating tends to be cheaper and more efficient than having individual heaters. There are two basic types of central heating systems - dry and wet. Dry systems use air to carry heat to the rooms and wet systems use water. The hot air or water is circulated round the central heating system and cold air or water is returned to the heating source.

The usual method of heating air for a dry central heating system is to pass the air over a gas-fired furnace. A fan blows warm air through ducts to the areas to be heated. The ducts have adjustable dampers at the end of them which can be used to regulate the temperature. Installing a dry central heating system is not really practical unless is put in while the house is being built. This is because the ducts have to be large in diameter which would require extensive structural work. There are also systems that heat the house from the ceiling and under the floor as well as through radiators attached to the walls.

Wet systems are far more suitable for DIY central heating. Small pipes can be run through floor and ceiling spaces, and run along walls relatively easily. The most common form of wet central heating system is where water is heated in a boiler and pumped through the system. Temperature controls on the radiators allow the temperature in individual rooms to be adjusted. This system can also be used for hot water which is then stored in a cylinder. Some older systems use gravity circulation to drive water around the system. This works on the principle that as water heats up, it expands and therefore weighs less than the cold water in the system which will fall to the bottom, pushing the warm water to the top. This system uses larger pipes but is less likely to go wrong. Sealed systems are becoming more popular. These have a self-contained water supply and often use combination boilers which heat water as required. These systems require less piping and no storage tanks, or feed and expansion tanks, so need less space. They are also less prone to corrosion.

One common problem that occurs is that the top of the radiator is cold. Air becomes trapped in the radiator stopping the water reaching all parts of the radiator. This means the radiator needs 'bleeding' with a special key. Use the key on the valve at the top of the radiator, turning slowing and allowing the air to escape. Once water starts coming out, close the valve again. It is safer to wrap your hand in a towel in case boiling hot water spurts out.

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