Everyone knows it, everyone feels it, and everyone immediately notices when it doesn't work: the heating. But how does a heating system actually work? Here we show you everything about heating systems and explain how a heating system functions. You will also learn the difference between high-temperature and low-temperature systems and when a surface heating system is the best option for heating your living and working spaces.  

Modern heating systems like central heating or district heating supply buildings efficiently with heat. This guide focuses on heating systems that generate and distribute heat within the building itself. Each heating system consists of a heating circuit that fulfills three central tasks: generating, distributing, and transferring heat. The heat becomes noticeable in the room through heating surfaces or elements.

Various energy sources are used for heat generation – such as gas, electricity, wood, oil, fuel cells, solar energy, or geothermal energy. The choice of energy source influences efficiency and sustainability. In heat transfer, a distinction is made between convective heat (e.g., through radiators) and radiant heat (e.g., through surface heating). The latter provides a particularly pleasant and natural warmth, similar to the sun.

In order for rooms to become warm, the generated heat must be efficiently transferred. In most cases, water-based heating systems are used for this purpose. Here, water is heated by condensing boilers, heat pumps, or other systems – using fossil or renewable energy sources such as gas, oil, sun, or geothermal energy.

The heated water circulates through a piping system via supply and return lines and releases heat to the room through radiators, radiators, or surface heating systems (e.g., underfloor, wall, or ceiling heating). The pipes are made of materials such as copper or multilayer composite pipe, depending on the system – adapted to function and manufacturer requirements.

Low-temperature heating systems operate with low flow temperatures well below 40°C, making them particularly energy efficient and cost-saving. At the same time, they offer high comfort and a pleasant indoor climate. For these heating systems to function optimally, specially coordinated components and suitable heating elements are required.

Low-temperature heating systems are particularly effective in combination with surface heating systems such as underfloor, wall, or ceiling heating. They utilize the principle of radiant heat, ensuring even heat distribution and high comfort at a low surface temperature.