© PDST Home Economics

Heating and Insulation

Methods of HeatingCentral heating: heat created by burning fuel

(solid, oil, gas) in a boiler in a central location and delivered to the rest of the house by heating and circulating hot water through radiators . House kept @ 16-20⁰C. Hot water provided as well.

Partial or background heating: electric storage heaters using off-peak electricity provide gentle background heat but some rooms e.g. living room, will need another heat source

Individual heaters: each room has its own source of heat e.g. Open fire, stove, portable gas heater, electric fan heater, oil filled radiator.

Methods of Heating

Central

Background

Individual

Heating methodsAdvantages Disadvantages

Quick Efficient i.e. no wasteCleanEasy to usePleasantNo storage neededHeats waterNo fumes or ashesEasy to regulatePortableCheaper to runModern features e.g.

timer

Dries the airNo hot waterDangerousStorage neededGives off fumesNot cosyLots of workDirtyNot portableCauses pollutionNot easy to control

InsulationHeat is lost from

a house through walls, roof, windows, doors and floors. Good insulation can stop 75% of this heat loss.

Insulation is made from materials that are bad conductors of heat e.g. still air, wool, polystyrene.

Good InsulationKeeps house warmer

Saves money on heating bills

Saves the environment by using less energy

Sound proofs the house

Types of insulation - walls

Cavity Polystyren

e sheets

Types of insulation – attic/roof

Felt Wool Fibreglass Polystyrene pellets

Types of insulation – windows and doors

Double glazing

Draught Excluders

Heavy lined curtains

Insulation for floorsPolystyren

e sheetsCarpetsUnderlay

Hot Water Cylinder

Lagging jacket