Heat networks
One central source of energy can heat several homes or buildings at once.
A heat network uses a central source to heat multiple homes or buildings.
The central source could be one of several different things, from a heat pump to a biogas boiler. The heat travels from the source, through a network of pipes, into individual homes.
You might also have heard the terms “district heating” and “community heating”. These are both types of heat network.
What is a heat network?
Most homes have their own source of heating, such as a boiler. This is where gas, oil, or electricity is used to produce heat. A heat network, however, works differently.
Instead of each home having its own source of heating, anyone connected to the network gets their heat from a central source that’s located outwith their home. In this way, it’s similar to how we get our electricity. Most of us don’t generate electricity at home. Instead, electricity is generated at a power station and then sent to our homes via a network.
How does a heat network work?
A heat network transfers heat from a central source (called an energy centre) to the individual homes or buildings in the network.
Single-building systems
If the network is for a single building (like a block of flats), then the system may simply have a pump with valves and pipes. This is very similar to how conventional central-heating systems deliver heat.
Multiple-building systems
If the network includes a number of buildings, then it will use a larger ‘heat mains’. This is typically combined with variable speed pumps to ensure efficient energy delivery. The heat mains’ pipes are insulated to a very high standard and buried in the ground, just as they are with other mains services (like gas).
What fuels do heat networks use?
A heat work can work with many different fuel sources. Some switch between different types of fuel, depending on availability and price.
Heat networks can run on:
- heat pumps (ground, air, and water source)
- geothermal energy
- leftover heat from industrial processes
- leftover heat from electrical power generation
- biomass
- biogas
- energy from burning waste
How do I use my heating if I’m on a heat network?
Most heat networks use conventional radiators, so if you already have these, there shouldn’t be any change to the way you run your heating. As with standard wet central heating, you’ll use a programmer and thermostats to set when your heating comes on and how warm your home gets.
The difference is that you won’t have a boiler in your house. Instead, you’ll have something called a hydraulic interface unit. This contains the incoming and outgoing heat mains, control valves, and a meter to measure your energy usage. Pipes run from the hydraulic interface unit to your radiators, and this is how you get your heat.
Check out our Radiators guide to learn how to get the most from your heating controls.
How do I pay for my heating if I’m on a heat network?
Heat networks are owned by organisations. This could be a local council, housing association, or an Energy Services Company (ESCO). They have the responsibility to run and maintain the network.
You pay the owner of the heat network for the heat you use. Usually, a meter keeps track of your usage. As with typical heating bills, your bill will likely include:
- a standing charge – to cover the management costs of the scheme. Unlike other standing charges it can also include charges for the replacement and repair of network equipment. As a result, it can be significantly higher than other standing charges.
- a unit charge – how much a single unit of energy costs.
Pros and cons of a Heat Network
- Save money – your provider can buy energy in bulk and sell it to you at a cheaper rate
- Home safety – no boiler inside the home
- Secure supply – heat networks usually contain a backup system
- You can’t switch supplier once connected
- Higher standing charges – however, these are offset by no maintenance costs (e.g. boiler replacement)
Heat network customer protection
Some heat network operators sign up to a Code of Conduct managed by the Heat Trust. This is a voluntary agreement which sets out minimum standards for heat network operators. It also covers how disputes are resolved.
It’s always a good idea to get independent legal and consumer advice before signing up to a heat network. This is especially important if the operator isn’t signed up to the Heat Trust’s Code of Conduct.
If a scheme isn’t signed up to the Code of Conduct, the owner should provide you with a ‘customer charter’. This sets out what obligations they have to you as a customer.
The charter should explain:
- the process of connecting to the heat network
- billing (including unit rates and standing charges)
- potential price changes and and how these will be worked out
- ways to pay
- what happens if you don’t or can’t pay (including installing pre-payment systems)
- meter reading and statements
- how the operator will deal with faults (such as outages)
- how you can make a complaint
- procedures for changing your contract
- disconnection procedures
It’s important to understand all of these areas before signing up to a heat network. If there’s any information missing from the customer charter, or there’s something in it that you don’t understand, then speak to the scheme owner for more information.
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