Heating system
{{Short description|Heating of air in buildings or vehicles}}
A heating system is a mechanism designed to regulate and maintain a desired temperature within a space by utilizing thermal energy. It is a fundamental component of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, providing warmth to residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Heating systems are classified into two main types: central heating and distributed heating. Central heating systems generate heat (electrically or by burning gas/coal) in a single location and distribute the heat through ducts pipes or radiators. Distributed heating systems involve localized heat sources, such as space heaters or electric radiators. Distributed heating systems do not rely on the use of ducts, pipes or radiators. These systems are critical to ensure indoor comfort especially in colder regions.
Types and uses
Central heating systems: These systems produce heat in one central location and distribute it throughout the building. This category includes furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps.{{cite journal |last1=Martinopoulos |first1=Georgios |last2=Papakostas |first2=Konstantinos T. |last3=Papadopoulos |first3=Agis M. |title=A comparative review of heating systems in EU countries, based on efficiency and fuel cost |journal=Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews |date=July 2018 |volume=90 |pages=687–699 |doi=10.1016/j.rser.2018.03.060 |bibcode=2018RSERv..90..687M }}{{Cite web |title=Types of Heating Systems {{!}} Smarter House |url=https://smarterhouse.org/heating-systems/types-heating-systems |access-date=2023-12-28 |website=smarterhouse.org}}
Central heating is often used in applications such as warehouses, offices and education buildings. {{cite web | url=https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/use-of-energy/commercial-buildings.php | title=Use of energy in commercial buildings - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) }} This is because of their energy efficiency, heating distribution and noise when in operation. {{cite web | url=https://www.tidyco.co.uk/tidyco-news/post/warehouse-heaters-the-best-way-to-heat-your-warehouse#:~:text=into%20the%20warehouse.-,Advantages%3A,efficient%20for%20maintaining%20product%20quality | title=Warehouse Heaters - the best way to heat your warehouse }}
Distributed heating systems: These systems generate heat in the space they are to heat, without extensive duct systems. Examples include electric space heaters, fireplaces, and solar heating. Distributed heating systems can be used in combine with central heating to allow year round climate control.{{cite web | url=https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/heat-distribution-systems#:~:text=Hot-air%20systems%2C%20the%20most,prone%20to%20leaks%2C%20reducing%20efficiency | title=Heat Distribution Systems }} Distributed heating is often used in Urban areas where the houses are closely compacted together.
Heat pumps: They can be used for heating and cooling, transferring heat using refrigerant and electricity, making them more efficient than other heating systems.{{Cite web |date=2023-12-21 |title=What is HVAC? - The Complete Breakdown |work=We Make Your Space Better |url=https://wmysb.com/hvac/what-is-hvac/ |access-date=2023-12-30 |language=en-US}} Heat pumps are most often used in places where the temperature stays around 40 degrees. When operating below 40° (F) heating pumps lose some of their efficiency. {{cite web | url=https://www.estesair.com/blog/at-what-temperature-does-a-heat-pump-quit-working-efficiently#:~:text=A%20heat%20pump%20works%20best,option%20for%20an%20Atlanta%20home | title=At What Temperature do Heat Pumps Become Ineffective? }} Although with current trends this has become less of an issue as countries like Norway, Sweden, and Finland have begun installing heat pumps more often in buildings. {{cite web | url=https://www.iea.org/reports/the-future-of-heat-pumps/executive-summary | title=Executive Summary – the Future of Heat Pumps – Analysis }}
Efficiency and environmental impact
The efficiency of a heating system is typically measured by its AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating. Higher AFUE ratings indicate a more efficient furnace.{{Cite web |title=Furnaces and Boilers |url=https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/furnaces-and-boilers |access-date=2023-12-28 |website=Energy.gov |language=en}} Environmental impacts are a concern with heating systems, especially those that burn fossil fuels. The use of sustainable energy sources and energy-efficient systems is encouraged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The main source of harmful greenhouse gas emissions is the type of heating systems being used. For example, central heating systems depending on what they use to burn/electricity consumed to heat the system. Another environmental impact is during winter months heating systems depend heavily more on fossil fuel based energy production.{{cite journal |last1=Mahmoud |first1=Montaser |last2=Ramadan |first2=Mohamad |last3=Naher |first3=Sumsun |last4=Pullen |first4=Keith |last5=Olabi |first5=Abdul-Ghani |title=The impacts of different heating systems on the environment: A review |journal=Science of the Total Environment |date=April 2021 |volume=766 |pages=142625 |doi=10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142625 |pmid=33077224 |bibcode=2021ScTEn.76642625M |url=https://openaccess.city.ac.uk/id/eprint/25008/1/Impacts%20of%20heating%20systems%20on%20the%20environment.pdf }} The use of coal, natural gas, and oil to power heating systems is a direct link to greenhouse-based gas emissions.
Future trends
Advancements in heating technology focus on increasing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.{{Cite web |title=Integrating Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems with Home Automation |url=https://utilitiesone.com/integrating-energy-efficient-hvac-systems-with-home-automation |access-date=2023-12-28 |website=Utilities One |language=en}} Trends include the integration of smart home technology for better system control through allowing heat schedules, zones, and remote control. The use of renewable energy sources like geothermal heating, solar panels, and biomass. Current trends are toward heating pumps and using renewable energy/low carbon emission energy to power these heaters.{{cite web | url=https://www.iea.org/reports/the-future-of-heat-pumps/executive-summary | title=Executive Summary – the Future of Heat Pumps – Analysis }} Swapping out the current fossil-fuel based heaters for electric ones lowers emissions in the heating industry. Heating pumps are a noteworthy trend because of their duality in use. Places like Norway, Sweden, and Finland have had heat pumps become more popular in the recent years due to their improved efficiency over other traditional heating methods. {{cite web | url=https://www.iea.org/reports/the-future-of-heat-pumps/executive-summary | title=Executive Summary – the Future of Heat Pumps – Analysis }}