–Basic principles of heating and domestic hot water
In this article, we will explain the various types of heating systems available, from electric radiators to heat pumps, providing you with detailed information so that you can choose the most suitable system for your needs.
Find out how to adjust the temperature in your home, understand the power of the system and learn about the different options for domestic hot water supply.
What type of heating system do I have at home?
There are several types of heating systems - you will recognise some of them!
Electric radiators are connected directly to the mains and are powered by electricity. They are often called "grille-pains" because of their high energy consumption.
There are also radiators or heating systems that run on water or air. Connected to a boiler or heat pump, these systems heat your space by circulating hot water or air. These systems are called "emitters", as they distribute the heat generated by the water or air (called vectors) coming from a boiler or heat pump.
These emitters can be radiators, underfloor heating, ducted systems (grilles commonly seen in hotels), wall-mounted units (also known as air conditioners, although they are actually heat pumps!), consoles (they resemble radiators, but the heat is emitted through a grille).
When using water-operated emitters, one criterion must be considered for our heat pump or boiler: the outlet temperature of the water. This is the temperature of the water that will circulate through your emitter. The colder it is outside, the more you need a higher temperature. The water outlet temperature will also depend on the type of emitters. Be careful! Don't confuse it with your domestic hot water, they are different things!
Setting the room temperature
Regardless of the type of heating system you have, you can set the desired temperature for your space in several ways. You can adjust the temperature using a dial, often numbered: this is known as a mechanical thermostat. The higher the number selected, the higher the temperature requested. However, you cannot choose an exact temperature.
There are also electronic thermostats, which allow you to select a precise temperature (e.g. 19.5°C).
Whatever the thermostat, your heating will switch on when the room temperature is below the set temperature.
Heat output of a heating system
When we talk about "heating system output", we mean the size of the space/home that the system will be able to heat.
Efficiency: When we talk about efficiency, we refer to the coefficient of performance (COP). This represents the ratio between the heat that the heating system produces and the energy used to operate the system.
For example: an appliance that consumes 500 watts of electricity to produce 500 watts of heat or cooling has a COP of 1. On the other hand, an appliance with a COP of 3 will produce three times as much energy as it consumes, i.e. 1500 watts produced.
Thermal inertia: this is the ability to store energy and release it in a variable time. The more inertia you have, the longer it will take for your heating system to reach the desired temperature in your home.
Domestic hot water
As with heating, there are several ways to obtain hot water at home.
The most common is the electric water heater, which heats stored water. When the hot water in the heater runs out, it takes a certain amount of time for the heater to reheat the amount of water in the tank. Heater sizes typically range from 200 to 300 litres.
Hot water can also be provided by a boiler. This can produce hot water instantaneously, according to the needs of the inhabitants, or in accumulation (similar to the operation of an electric boiler, with a volume of water available).
Heat pumps can also provide heating and domestic hot water at the same time. In this case, the hot water is produced only in storage. Again, the available volume is usually between 200 and 300 litres.
Finally, you can also obtain domestic hot water using a thermoelectric water heater. This system is similar to a heat pump, but its function is to produce domestic hot water only, using the heat from the air to heat the water.
Yutaki range heat pumps
Aerothermal heat pumps from the Yutaki range are an outstanding example of innovation and efficiency in heating and hot water systems. These heat pumps use energy from the outside air to generate heat indoors, offering exceptional and environmentally friendly performance. The Yutaki range is distinguished by its advanced technology that allows it to adapt to different needs and climatic conditions, guaranteeing efficient operation even in extreme temperatures.
Different modes are available depending on the model chosen: heating only, domestic hot water (DHW) production only, heating and domestic hot water, heating and air conditioning and heating, cooling and DHW, offering a solution for every need, making them a versatile solution for home comfort all year round.
Understanding these essential principles will help you choose the most suitable heating and domestic hot water supply system for your needs and preferences!
by Hitachi Cooling & Heating
