Gas Central Heating Systems

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Have you ever wondered how your central heating system worked? Most people don't know which is why I have attempted to explain it in very simple terms

An average modern heating system will have some major components which are a boiler, radiators, hot water cylinder, thermostat, programmer, hot water cylinder, thermostat, pump and valve. The boiler has two jobs, to heat your radiators and heat your water tank. The programme which contains a clock allows you to automate when the heating and hot water is turned on and off.

When the boiler is turned on by the programmer the boiler will then be turned on and offer by either the room thermostat or the hot water cylinder thermostat. Each of the thermostats will turn the boiler on and off as and when the heat is needed.

The valve is electrically operated and is basically a switch which makes the hot water flow to the radiator or hot water cylinder depending on which thermostat is calling for heat, which can be both.

The water in your boiler is not the same that comes out of your taps. The water in your heating system goes around and ...
... around the boiler and radiators indefinitely. The only time it would get changed would be if a plumber were to drain the system for some reason.

If you ever wondered why your boiler continues to run for a few minutes after the boiler has been turned off this is because you have a modern boiler with a pump over-run facility. This removes the risk of static water in the heat exchanger being boiled by left over heat after the gas flame have been turned off which extends the heat exchanger life.

The pros of gas central heating systems is that gas is a highly efficient fuel which is why it's the most popular fuel in heating systems. The gas is piped directly into your home so you don't need to store it anywhere like you do with Oil or liquid petroleum gas (LPG). The downside of gas is that prices are high and seem likely to stay that way because we are competing with other countries to buy our Gas from abroad as we are no long self sufficient.

With Gas central heating systems it is very important to understand the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Boilers and gas appliances can leak carbon monoxide which can be fatal. Carbon monoxide is produced when gas appliances like boilers or ovens aren't fully burning their fuel. This could be down to having be installed poorly or incorrectly, or when vents, chimneys or flues become blocked. This is the same for coal, wood, petrol and oil fired boilers as they can all produce deadly carbon monoxide.

This is why it is very important to get your heating systems and fuel powered appliances installed by experts and not just anybody. Boilers need to be annual serviced to ensure they are all working safely and efficiently and should only be installed by someone who is on the Gas Safe Register which is what replaced Corgi. This basically means they are legally allowed and qualified to do the work.
Northern Gas Heating - the UK's local supplier of new Central Heating Systems including Combi boilers.