spaceheating

Space heating is the process of maintaining indoor temperatures in occupied buildings by adding heat to the air, surfaces, and objects within a space. Its primary goal is to provide comfort and to prevent condensation, mold growth, and heat loss through building envelopes. Space heating is typically provided by centralized systems that distribute heat from a single source, or by individual heaters that generate heat locally.

Central heating systems include furnaces or boilers that burn fuels such as natural gas, oil, or biomass, or electric resistance systems that generate heat directly. Heat is distributed via forced air, hot water (hydronic) radiators or underfloor piping, or via steam radiators. In addition, radiant heating uses infrared radiation emitted by panels or floors to warm people and objects directly.

Space heaters include portable electric heaters, propane or kerosene heaters, and built-in units. Electric resistance heaters are common for supplemental or temporary heating; fuel-burning units require adequate ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.

Energy efficiency depends on equipment efficiency, thermostat strategy, and building envelope. High insulation, air sealing, and efficient controls reduce heat demand and operating costs. Modern trends favor heat pumps, which extract ambient heat from outdoor air or ground and provide efficient heating, often with low emissions. District or community heating networks provide space heating to multiple buildings from a centralized plant.

Safety considerations include proper installation, clearances, ventilation for fuel-fired units, CO detectors, and regular maintenance.