Which pipes to choose for central heating?

One of the most important stages in building a house is the proper distribution of the heating system. Choosing the right pipes for radiators and matching them to the heat source is crucial not only for the efficiency of the entire system but also affects energy savings.

Properly selected pipes must allow for even heat distribution. Their selection must take into account the building's heat demand and the available technical conditions. This ensures that the installation can operate flawlessly for many years.

What will you learn from this article?

Available on the market are plastic pipes, among other things, as well as popular copper variants. After reading the following article, you will know how they differ from each other. You will also learn:

• How to match pipes to the type of heat source?
• How to select pipes for specific technical conditions?
• What does a larger pipe diameter affect?
• Do plastic pipes have low thermal conductivity?

We will also tell you about the characteristics of steel pipes and what affects the durability of the installation. You will find information here that will help you plan efficient heating for your home.

Why is choosing the right pipes for a heating installation so important?

Pipes used in a specific heating installation affect many important factors in the operation of the entire system. Above all, they impact the energy efficiency of the entire installation. Appropriately selected pipes allow for optimal water or other heating medium flow, resulting in a pleasant room temperature and minimal heat loss.

At the same time, the choice of pipes also affects the longevity of the installation and its daily safe use. Mismatch in material can lead to leaks, corrosion, and excessive pump load, which will in turn accelerate component wear.

The selection of specific pipes must consider the type of heat source, the temperature of the heating medium, working pressure, as well as the length and route of the installation. For instance, plastic pipes, due to their low hydraulic resistance, require less pumping power, thus reducing operating costs. Meanwhile, copper and steel pipes are characterized by high durability and excellent resistance to high temperatures. We'll tell you more about specific models shortly, but remember, as important as their choice is, so is distribution. The thermal comfort in your home and economical energy consumption will also be influenced by proper heat insulation and installation.

When planning the distribution of the installation, also check how to choose a radiator for the room.

What pipe diameter will be optimal?

Before we draw your attention to how polypropylene pipes differ from metal ones, let's focus on what diameter will be optimal. You must know that too small a diameter can cause too high hydraulic resistance and uneven heating, whereas too large increases the volume of water in the system. Also, remember that increasing the diameter of the pipes comes with higher costs. When determining the optimal diameter, consider several factors:

1. Type of heat source and its power — different heating systems, like gas boilers, heat pumps, or electric heating, have various requirements for water flow and pressure in the installation. The power of the heat source determines how much energy it can transfer to the radiators.
2. Distance from the heat source to the farthest receiver — the further the distance, the larger the pipe diameter needed. In this way, you can ensure proper water flow and avoid pressure losses. This makes heating in the farthest rooms as efficient as at the boiler.
3. Number of radiators and their type — in systems with a large number of radiators or aluminum radiators with high efficiency, a larger diameter translates to stable water temperature throughout the installation and impacts effective heating.
4. Preferred room temperature — the higher the desired temperature, the more significant the pipe diameter. This way, you can avoid excessive cooling and overheating of rooms.

It is advisable to consult the selection of the proper pipe diameter with an experienced person who will consider the type of cold water installation, heat source, and the individual expectations of users. The wrong diameter can lead to not only uneven heating of radiators but also unpleasant noise, vibrations, and even serious failures of the entire installation.

You can easily care for the desired temperature in the rooms with thermostatic valves. Find out which ones to choose and what positive aspects go with their purchase.

Different types of pipes for central heating

In the market, there are several types of pipes adapted to the needs of central heating. The basic division of heating pipes includes steel, copper, and those made of plastic. There are also multilayer pipes, which consist of at least three layers of different materials.

The final choice depends on whether we are dealing with classic radiators or so-called underfloor heating. Also important are the temperature itself, budget, and our personal preferences. The type of pipe also affects the working pressure and permissible temperature. It's undoubtedly worth knowing how the available models differ from each other.

Copper pipes and their characteristics

Copper pipes are definitely among the most popular solutions used when planning central heating. Their great popularity stems in part from their extraordinary versatility of use, as they fit practically all popular C.O. systems. They work well with water heating with radiators and in cooperation with heat pumps, as well as solid fuel boilers.

Copper demonstrates very high resistance to high and sudden temperature changes, pressure, and UV radiation. At the same time, it is highly resistant to corrosion and mechanical damage, which translates into a long service life for the heating system. Limescale formed in the installation with hard water can therefore have a reduced impact on the heating system's efficiency.

Copper pipes allow for efficient heating of the building, as they have relatively low hydraulic resistance and maintain a constant water temperature throughout the circuit. Furthermore, it should be emphasized that the installation of copper pipes is relatively easy. The flexibility of soft variants allows for installing even in hard-to-reach places and adapting it to the individual needs of users.

To prevent copper pipes from causing significant heat loss, a special insulation should be used. However, an aluminum layer is not suitable here because these materials (due to the risk of galvanic corrosion) should not be directly connected.

Steel pipes

Steel pipes are also often used in installations. Their great advantage is excellent durability and enhanced thermal stability, influenced by their wall thickness and the low expansion of this material at high temperatures. For this reason, they can be successfully used in gas or water heating installations for many years. Without fear of accidental mechanical injuries and deformations, however, it should be remembered that, like any other, this material is not indestructible.

It should be emphasized that steel pipes are also resistant to introducing contaminants into the water, which is especially important in external installations and systems supplied with hard cold water.

The high thickness and durability make steel pipes strong and resistant to mechanical damage, although due to higher hydraulic resistance, the water flow may be slightly slower.

It should be noted, however, that the installation of steel pipes can be somewhat more difficult than those of copper or plastic. The weight of steel requires fixing and hydraulic coupling, especially in the case of longer sections of the installation.

Plastic pipes (PEX and PP pipes)

Plastic pipes are also a very popular choice. PP pipes are durable and versatile. They are commonly used in water, heating, and even industrial installations. Available for sale are models dedicated specifically to cold water, as well as stabilized ones suitable for hot water and CO.

Besides them, PEX pipes (polyethylene pipes) made of so-called cross-linked polyethylene are often chosen. Their main advantages include resistance to high temperatures, frost, and damage. At the same time, it is worth mentioning that PEX pipes are extremely flexible, which definitely favors their simple arrangement.

Plastic pipes do not corrode or rust. In CO installations, pipes with an anti-diffusion layer must be used to protect against this and oxidation. In many cases, they do not require thermal insulation, but in heating systems, it is recommended to minimize heat loss. This feature makes their installation process really fast.

Due to their low hydraulic resistance, water flows through them more easily than through metal variants, which can reduce the system's pump load.

A plastic pipe for a radiator will not work in places where the water temperature exceeds 90 °C. Why? This could lead to their deformation and cracking. However, it should be pointed out that in standard installations with a boiler or pump, the temperature in the circuit rarely exceeds 75 °C. They do not affect the taste, color, or smell of consumer water in any way.

Multilayer pipes 

An extremely innovative solution that is now often used in installations is multilayer pipes. This is an option for those who would like to enjoy the benefits of copper and steel pipes while also benefiting from the advantages of those made of plastic.

Layered pipes can consist of polybutylene, PEX (cross-linked polyethylene), or PE-RT, combined with an aluminum layer. As a result, such a pipe is both rigid and resistant to deformation.

Which pipes to choose for the central heating installation? 

Now you know which pipes for central heating are available on the market and how the different models differ. Metal pipes, those made of copper and steel, are first and foremost universal, long-lasting, and allow for efficient heat conduction. In contrast, those made of plastic are lightweight and easy to install, as well as support energy savings and more efficient heating. Layered pipes combine the advantages of both these solutions.

Individual choice must come down to considering the type of installation and one's own expectations. It is impossible to indicate that one solution is better than another. Each has its own advantages and limitations that should be taken into account when selecting them.

When planning home heating, also learn what makes panel radiators.

Properly plan the central heating installation in your home 

The central heating installation has a huge impact on thermal comfort, energy efficiency, and the ability to freely use hot water. It should not be chosen hastily and without a specific plan. The choice of appropriate pipes, their type and diameter, as well as correct distribution in individual rooms, is one of the most important issues to take care of.

A well-designed installation affects not only lower heat losses but also results in less limescale formation. The ball valves and other essential installation elements can operate efficiently for many years. The choice of the best solution must depend on the specifics of the house, the type of heat, and the users' requirements.