Since January, new heating regulations are in force. This means that switching to modern heating systems in buildings (especially in the so-called smart homes) is not only profitable, but also necessary
The changes in the regulations primarily affect the issue of primary energy. In short, it is about reducing the use of energy obtained from coal or gas. EP index was reduced from 95 kWh/m2/year to 70 kWh/m2/year. As a result, houses built today should be constructed with ecology in mind, so they should be energy efficient – well insulated, and as a result have low heat generation needs, and have modern heating systems. The installations must comply with the regulations of the European Union.
Condensing boilers
Until now, gas or oil-fired boilers have been used. These worked by burning combustible material and using the flue gases, or residual heat. The operation of a condensing boiler is based on the quite simple principle of flue gas cooling, as a result of which the water vapour contained in it is condensed. The heat gained in this way is transferred to the heating system, which translates into better efficiency in comparison to older generation boilers. Condensing boilers will be particularly useful in the near future, when biogas comes into general use. Their intelligent system can recognise the type of gas used and then adapt its operation to changing circumstances.
Thermal barrier
Another interesting solution, discovered by Polish scientists from Gdansk, is the thermal barrier, which allows to maintain one temperature in the apartment throughout the year. The energy generator in this case is the sun, which is a renewable source of energy (in fact, infinite). Energy is obtained thanks to collectors, which we install in a suitable place so that nothing interferes with the access to light. For this reason, most people choose to place panels on roofs, but it is not mandatory. The energy obtained by this method is then stored under the building and there heats up water, which is distributed through pipes throughout the apartment. In this way we create a thermal barrier, which is an extension for the heating panels that are becoming more and more popular today. This method allows you to maintain a stable temperature of about 19-21 degrees Celsius
Capillary mats
They are an excellent alternative in the context of both heating and cooling of the apartment. We put them under the plaster, sometimes under the floor, and that’s it. It is a passive method that evenly distributes warm or cool air, depending on the effect we want to achieve. Powering the mats is very simple, because it is based on using low-temperature sources, such as a heat pump or the previously mentioned boilers. Their undoubted advantage is the fact that they are hidden in the wall or under the floor. So they become invisible, although they work all the time. In turn, we get rid of the space crowding and not very aesthetic radiators
Infrared heating
Another modern way of heating is through infrared technology. This uses heating panels that emit heat waves directly to the walls and objects and people in the room. The advantage of this system is lower energy consumption, which generates lower costs. Other advantages include:
- no need for an annual tour for fuel (the cost of the fuel itself also disappears);
- there is no need for a chimney and a furnace (for which you always had to allocate a separate room – basement or shed);
- long life of infrared heaters;
- energy efficiency;
- no maintenance costs for the panels;
- easy installation.
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