LPG central heating works by using an LPG-fired boiler to heat water that circulates through a system of pipes to warm radiators or underfloor heating and provide hot water to your taps.
At its core, an LPG central heating system operates much like a natural gas system but runs specifically off Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) stored in a tank on your property. The system relies on an LPG boiler which combusts the LPG fuel to heat water. This heated water is then pumped around the property.
The primary functions of this heated water include:
- Heating Radiators: Hot water flows through radiators, which dissipate heat into the rooms, warming the air.
- Heating Underfloor Heating: Water circulates through pipes laid beneath the floor, radiating warmth upwards.
- Providing Hot Water: The system can heat water stored in a cylinder for use in taps and showers, or in some boiler types (combi boilers), heat water on demand.
As the reference states, LPG boilers work similarly to natural gas boilers apart from they run off LPG. They continue to produce energy to heat your radiators or underfloor heating and provide hot water to your home. This makes LPG a versatile option, particularly for properties that are not connected to the main natural gas network.
Key Components of an LPG Central Heating System
Understanding the main parts helps clarify how the system operates:
- LPG Storage Tank: Located outside the property, this tank holds the LPG supply.
- LPG Boiler: The central unit that burns LPG to heat water. Available in combi, system, or regular types, similar to gas boilers.
- Pipework: Carries hot water from the boiler to the emitters and cooler water back.
- Heat Emitters: Radiators or underfloor heating circuits that distribute heat throughout the building.
- Hot Water Cylinder (System/Regular Boilers): Stores and often heats water for taps and showers.
- Pump: Circulates water through the system.
- Thermostat and Controls: Allow users to set desired temperatures and schedules.
The Heating Process: A Step-by-Step Look
- Call for Heat: The thermostat or a hot water demand signals the boiler to start.
- LPG Supply: LPG is drawn from the storage tank to the boiler.
- Combustion: The boiler ignites the LPG, creating heat.
- Water Heating: This heat is transferred to the water flowing through the boiler's heat exchanger.
- Circulation: A pump pushes the heated water through the pipework to the radiators, underfloor heating, or hot water cylinder.
- Heat Emission: Heat is released into the rooms from radiators or underfloor pipes, or heats the water in the cylinder.
- Return: Cooler water returns to the boiler to be reheated, continuing the cycle.
Why Choose LPG Central Heating?
For properties located off the main gas grid, LPG central heating is a common and efficient solution. LPG is known to be a safe and clean gas making it a very efficient method of home heating for off grid properties. While requiring fuel storage on-site, it provides a reliable and controllable source of heat and hot water, offering similar convenience and performance to natural gas systems.
