A heat network (also known as a communal or district heating network) is a shared heating system and is an alternative to having an individual gas boiler within the property.
Thermal energy is distributed around a building, or number of buildings, via a network of pipes, in the form of steam, hot water, or chilled liquids from a central source (i.e. communal gas boilers in a plant room), for the use of space heating, cooling or hot water.
Each flat is fitted with a Heat Interface Unit (HIU). The HIU transfers heat from the building’s pipe network (primary circuit) into your home (secondary circuit). Your HIU is fitted with a heat meter which accurately records the amount of energy consumed (calculated in kWh), to be used for billing purposes.
Note: this diagram is based on a standard gas-fed heat network with a remote data collection system, which collects and reports meter readings on a daily basis. Other methods of heat generation (i.e. air-source heat pumps) and technology might apply at your development. You can find more information on your development in the Welcome Pack that we issue once your account is created.