A method of heating that has been in use since ancient Roman times would incline you to believe that there would be a higher individual familiarity about district heating. Also known as heat networks, or teleheating, this method of heating has a long history of providing economical, efficient, reliable and green energy. It’s such a reliable and efficient method of providing heat that there is one system that has been in continuous use since the 14th century! In its most basic definition, district heating is a method of providing heat for structures by generating it at a centralized location and delivering it to remotely to consumers. The generation plants can source and create their heat and power from any number of sources including but not limited to, solar, geothermal, natural gas, oil, wood, biomass, even nuclear or a combination of any two of those. The plants can provide one of two services – heat, or a combined heat and hot water service.
So now that you have an idea of what district heating is, let’s examine how your home gets its heat and possibly its hot water simultaneously and remotely from one. The district heating plant will either send your home pressurized hot water, steam, or possibly heated oil. The use of oils isn’t terribly common however due to higher costs and concerns over pollution. It is also possible that the hot water received from the generation plant is what will be used for general heating and hot water needs.
Once the intended medium is heated to temperature for delivery it will be transferred to large storage tanks or sent out for immediate use, depending on demand. The generation plant will have a network of heavily-insulated piping for delivery of the hot water or steam. When the heated medium reaches your home it will be able to deliver its heat via a heat exchanger of some kind — such as a heat exchanger inside of ductwork or via a space heater like a home radiator. It is possible that your home will use the same water for heating as it will for its hot water needs.
Hopefully now you have a better understanding of what district heating is and how it is able to heat your home. It is an economical and environmentally-friendly method of providing heat and hot water for your home. To stay up to date on all the latest advancements in heating technology be sure to follow the Kemnitz Heating & Air Conditioning blog.
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