Hajalämmitys

Hajalämmitys, meaning distributed heating or decentralized heating in English, refers to a heating system where heat is generated and distributed locally to individual buildings or small groups of buildings, rather than from a central source. This contrasts with district heating, where a single, large plant provides heat to an entire neighborhood or city.

In a hajalämmitys system, each building or property is responsible for its own heat production. This can involve a variety of technologies. Common examples include individual oil or gas boilers, electric resistance heaters, heat pumps (air-source, ground-source), and even wood-burning stoves or fireplaces. In some cases, small, localized heating plants serving a few houses or a small apartment complex might also be considered a form of hajalämmitys.

The advantages of hajalämmitys include greater control for the individual user over their heating and potentially lower initial investment costs compared to extending a district heating network. It also offers flexibility in choosing the most suitable heating technology for a specific location and energy availability. However, it can lead to higher energy consumption if individual systems are inefficient, and it relies on the homeowner or building owner for maintenance and upkeep. Environmental impacts can vary significantly depending on the energy source used for the local heating.