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Everything you need to know about low temperature heating (LTH)

Everything you need to know about low temperature heating (LTH)

Our homes are increasingly better insulated, which is making low temperature heating increasingly more popular. Low temperature heating (LTH) heats your home more evenly, at a more constant pace and in a way that is more eco-friendly than a regular central heating system. In addition, low temperature heating is gentle on the purse!

What is low temperature heating?

Whereas the supply temperature of the central heating water in a traditional heating system is anywhere between 75 °C and 85 °C, in the case of low temperature heating this temperature is anywhere between 35 °C and 55 °C. Because of this low temperature, the heat output of heating appliances is significantly higher than in conventional heating systems. Which is not only better for the environment, it is also a lot cheaper!

What are the benefits?

  • More cost-effective heating

    In a properly insulated home, low temperature heating enables you to drive down your energy consumption by a staggering 30%.

  • Less draft and cold corners

    When using low temperature heating, the temperature of the air near the ceiling is not much higher than that of the air close to the floor. This means the heat is more evenly distributed than in the case of traditional heating. Not to mention greatly less draft and cold corners.

  • Cleaner air

    Low temperature heating produces less airborne dust around the house (because it involves weaker air currents due to rising heat). This means you are avoiding scorch marks created by descending dust particles (dust particles that settle onto hot metal surfaces) and consequently reducing the risk of irritated airways.

  • Practical

    Using low temperature heating dispenses with the need to turn down the thermostat when you turn in for the night or just need to nip out the door. The only time when you should turn down the thermostat a little is when you are leaving the house for a longer length of time (when you are away on holiday for instance).

What are the drawbacks?

low temperature heating

When you have low temperature heating, especially underfloor or wall heating, you will find you will need to be a little patient before your home is nice and warm. This makes low temperature heating less suited for rooms you want to heat up quickly or for a short space of time only.

What are the requirements?

  • Proper insulation

    The only way to maintain an even temperature to create a nice and snug warmth by way of low temperature heating is when you have a properly insulated home.

  • Suitable heating boilers and elements

    If you have decided to go for low temperature heating, you cannot use just any heating boiler or heating elements. An LTH boiler or heat pump is indispensable. A heat pump will set you back more than an LTH boiler, but then again, it is also the most energy-efficient option. You could also consider solar heat to heat your home. In which case you will need a solar boiler. If you would like to combine different systems, not a problem!

Finally, if you have settled on low temperature heating you will need large surface heating elements to maximise the amount of heat that can be transmitted to the ambient air. There is a choice between LT radiators (oversized radiators), LT convectors (larger than standard convectors), wall, underfloor or ceiling heating or heating by way of an air-air heat pump.