How Does a Heating System Work?

Everyone knows them, everyone feels them, and everyone notices immediately when they don't work: the heating system. But how does a heating system actually work? Here we show you everything about heating systems and heat distribution systems and explain how a heating system works. 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.  

Every heating system consists of a heating circuit that fulfills three central tasks: generating, distributing, and transferring heat. The heat is felt in the room through heating surfaces or elements.

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

For rooms to become warm, the generated heat must be transferred efficiently. In most cases, water-based heating systems are used for this purpose. Here, water is heated, for example, by a heat pump or other systems.

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

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 low surface temperatures.