Keskküte

Keskküte (Estonian for central heating) refers to systems that heat buildings from a centralized heat source. In Estonia, keskküte can denote district heating networks (kaugküte) supplying heat to multiple buildings or a building's own central heating system that distributes hot water or steam through pipes and radiators. The term covers both municipal district heating schemes and private, building-level installations using the same central principle.

District heating uses a central plant—often powered by gas, coal, biomass, or waste heat—to generate hot water or steam. The heat travels through insulated pipelines to buildings, where it heats the interior via radiators or underfloor systems; the return water flows back to the plant for reheating. In building-level keskküte, a single boiler heats water for the building's heating loop, typically with a local heat exchanger.

Advantages include energy efficiency for large-scale generation, reduced maintenance for residents, and potential savings from centralized heat. Disadvantages include dependence on the district utility, network outages, and higher upfront infrastructure costs. Efficiency is improved by metering, thermostats, and regular maintenance, plus modernization of pipes and heat sources. EU and national policies encourage upgrading networks and switching to low-emission fuels or heat pumps where feasible.

Historically, district heating has been widespread in European cities since the mid-20th century and remains common today. In Estonia, keskküte remains a significant part of urban heating, with ongoing efforts to increase efficiency, reduce emissions, and integrate renewable heat sources.