Heating Systems vs. Heat Emitters
Heating systems refer to the machinery that produces heat and hot water, while heat emitters are the equipment through which the heat is delivered. Often, the type of heating system chosen will pair naturally with a specific type of emitter.
Pairing Heat Pumps with Heat Emitters
One common combination is heat pumps with underfloor heating, both operating efficiently at low temperatures. This setup is often managed by weather sensors and other heating controls. Heat pumps are also frequently paired with aluminium radiators, which perform well at low temperatures.
High-Temperature Water Delivery Systems
Traditional and condensing oil, gas, or biomass boilers, as well as wood furnaces, are designed to deliver high-temperature water on demand. These systems are typically paired with steel radiators.
Steel Radiators vs. Aluminium Radiators
Steel radiators are generally less expensive than aluminium ones and were the most commonly available type in the past. While fossil fuel boilers deliver an instant blast of heat, the radiators cool quickly once the heating is turned off. However, fossil fuel boilers can also be paired with underfloor heating.
Radiators vs. Underfloor Heating
The choice between radiators and underfloor heating is largely personal. However, it is important to note that with radiators, your energy assessor will likely oversize them to prevent overworking the heat pump or boiler. Modern plumbers typically do not handle radiator sizing.
Alternative Heat Delivery Methods
Other options for heat delivery include air heating through skirting outlets or ducts in the ceiling, and trench heaters that emit heat from the floor. Trench heaters are particularly common in front of large areas of glazing.
Electric Heat Emitters
Electric heat emitters were traditionally considered expensive to run, but they are becoming more popular for homes with very low heat requirements. These emitters are affordable upfront and easy to install, often used where there is no central heating system, such as underfloor electric mats in bathrooms or spot radiators.