Since its invention, central heating has allowed us to enjoy unlimited warmth within our homes, regardless of the changing weather conditions outside. With the touch of a button, we can turn the heating on and expect warmth to emit from our radiators, raising the temperature in every room.
This technology depends on the correct installation of various fixtures and appliances, all of which work in tandem to keep our interiors at an agreeable temperature. To install a central heating system, it is essential that you enlist the support of a qualified engineer, so that all these corresponding parts can be fitted safely and effectively.
The installation process will vary according to the type of boiler you’ve selected, as well as the needs of your property. But in general, your installer will follow a standard process to ensure that everything is working correctly.
Read on to find out more about the central heating installation process, with a look at how everything works from start to finish.
Working With The Experts
Importantly, central heating should only be installed with expert support. Heating and gas engineers are trained to install and repair these kinds of systems, whilst pipe repairs or leaks can be handled by a professional plumber.
More specifically, gas boiler installations, servicing and repairs should only be undertaken by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This qualification ensures that the expert in question has undergone all the necessary safety checks and training, allowing them to carry out any required work with the utmost care.
The Key Parts
Let’s take a closer look at the key components of a central heating system, where each of these parts work together to provide indoor temperature control.
Components can vary depending on the specific system you choose, but as a baseline most central heating installations will consist of:
● The Boiler - This key component is at the heart of your central heating system, and is designed to heat up the water that will then warm your home. These are usually gas powered, but can also be run on electricity and oil.
● Pipework - Pipes are essential for transporting hot water around your central heating system, where they are typically made from traditional copper or plastic.
● Radiators - These components are the all-important heat emitters in your system. Hot water flows through them to warm internal metal components, allowing heat to disperse through your interior.
● Thermostat Controls - Importantly, you need to be able to control the temperature and timings of your central heating, where this function is usually facilitated by an adjustable thermostat.
Types of Boiler
It is essential that you choose the right boiler for your needs, where the model you install will vary depending on how much hot water you need and how many appliances you’re looking to run throughout the day and night.
The key types of boiler on offer include:
The Combi Boiler
Combi boilers are a popular choice today for homes with one or two bathrooms. Modern combination boilers supply on-demand hot water from the mains, meaning they don’t need to be installed alongside hot and cold water tanks. This can save space and boost overall efficiency, especially if you only need to heat an average domestic space.
The System Boiler
In contrast, system boilers do require a separate water storage tank, where they rely on mains water pressure for added heating efficiency. Importantly, system boilers can provide a high volume of heat and hot water to various appliances throughout a building, so these are often preferred for large domestic properties or businesses.
As such, when you install a system boiler, you will also need a:
● Hot Water Tank - These water cylinders are designed to store heated water for on-demand use. As such, additional space within your property will be required to install this system.
● Central Heating Pump - System boilers also require a pump as part of their installation, where this works to circulate heated water around the central heating network.
The Complete Installation Process
When it comes to installing a new central heating system, the correct steps and procedures need to be followed with care. Your heating engineer will be experienced at fitting all the components you need, where the relevant safety checks and maintenance work will also be completed to ensure that everything is up and running properly.
The key steps in the installation process include:
Planning
Before any components can be fitted, your heating system needs to be planned out according to the needs of your site. You will need a reliable gas supply and flue for your boiler, where you should also consider the location of tanks and radiators.
Further to this, it is important to choose the right equipment for your space. Your heating engineer should be able to provide you with expert advice on what’s right for you, so you can draw up detailed plans together for your heating system.
Radiator Installation
When your radiators are installed, your heating engineer will need to make sure that there is enough space to connect to the pipework loop. Radiators will then be fitted to the wall using secure brackets.
Pipework
Laying the pipework is an essential part of the central heating installation process. Pipes need to be installed in pairs to allow each radiator to connect to the loop, where copper is usually perceived as a premium option compared to plastic.
Boiler Installation
Gas boiler installations should always be carried out by a registered installer to ensure everyone’s safety. The boiler will require a gas pipe and an electrical connection, where the installation must be completed according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that the boiler warranty is valid.
Commissioning
The commissioning process is an important step to check that the boiler is working correctly. To complete this, the system should be filled with water to remove any air, after which the boiler can be switched on. Each radiator’s lockshield should also be balanced to ensure a good flow.
Servicing & Maintenance
Once everything is set up, it’s important to take care of your system to guarantee its longevity. Boilers should be serviced at least once a year to prevent issues, whilst it is also important to bleed your radiators regularly, especially before the onset of winter.
All Gas Services Lincoln: Central Heating Installations You Can Trust
At All Gas Services, we have over 30 years of experience offering heating system installations, so you can depend on us to get the job done right. Whether you’re looking for an upgrade or you need a system for your new build, our experienced team is here to support you.
We fit complete central heating systems, offering gas boiler installations from our registered engineers. Our expert team can advise you on which system is best for your property, where we will also be able to provide operational guidance and insights to ensure that you’re using your heating efficiently.
When we assess your property, we will guide you on boiler and radiator placement, so you can rest assured that your system is right for your needs.
As a professional plumbing and heating company, we can also offer you a range of plumbing maintenance services, taking care of your pipework and fixtures whenever you might need us.
Get in touch with our team today to find out more about how we can assist you.
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