Centralvärme

Centralvärme is a Swedish term referring to central heating systems. These systems are designed to heat an entire building from a single heat source, distributing the heat to various rooms. The most common type of centralvärme utilizes a boiler to heat water or steam, which is then circulated through a network of pipes to radiators or underfloor heating elements located throughout the building. The heat is then released into the rooms, warming the living spaces.

The heat source for a centralvärme system can vary. Historically, oil or coal-fired boilers were prevalent. In modern installations, gas boilers, electric boilers, heat pumps (air-to-water, geothermal), or even biomass boilers are commonly used. The choice of heat source often depends on factors such as fuel availability, cost, environmental considerations, and local regulations.

Control of the centralvärme system is typically managed by a thermostat, which monitors the indoor temperature and signals the heat source to activate or deactivate as needed. Radiators can also be fitted with individual thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) allowing for room-specific temperature adjustments. This allows for energy efficiency by avoiding overheating and enabling different temperature preferences in different areas of the building. Centralvärme is the standard heating method in most residential and commercial buildings in Sweden.