Warmth is a human necessity and something that a large majority of us take for granted. It’s safe to say that we’ve come a long way since the days of rubbing sticks together for heat. Of course, none of this happened overnight. This timeline aims to map out a few of the major advances in the history of heating systems that paved the way for our current technologies. Also whilst we’re on the topic of old heating systems, we’ll be detailing why updating older heating systems is important and the impact this can have on your lifestyle.

Controlled Fire

Our Neanderthal ancestors would have not only had to master the art of generating a flame but develop a way to keep it alive for warmth and cooking. It is assumed that our forefathers would construct fires in caves to shelter the flame, which could be interpreted as an early predecessor of the hearth or fireplace. While this seems very basic in comparison to our advanced heating systems, we should give our ancestors credit where it’s due for finding ways to use fire in a controlled manner around 1,900, 000 BC.

Hearth

The hearth is of such significance to the home dynamic that it has become representative of the home itself. A fire would be lit upon a stone pit in the house and it would play a role in social cohesion as people would gather around for warmth and share stories.

Ancient Underfloor Heating

Underfloor heating can seem like a modern, luxury invention since it is still not commonplace in the majority of homes or buildings. However, this advanced form of heating our floors dates back to as far as 1000 BC. The Korean Ondol appears to be the first innovation of the underfloor heating system. A wood fire was set alight under a masonry floor which would absorb the heat and warm up the home from the ground upward. Similarly, at around 500 BC the Roman’s developed hypocausts. Buildings were constructed upon pillars and fires were lit below them. Deliberate gaps in the floors and walls allowed heat to flow throughout the building above, whilst smoke could escape without polluting the indoor air. These heating systems were undoubtedly ahead of their time and it’s still admirable how they pulled it off. Although after the fall of the Roman Empire, many of these structures were abandoned in the west and more primitive-style fireplaces were reverted to.

Fireplace and Chimney

The fireplace and chimney set up remain a popular feature in many households, although it is typically not the primary source of heating. The fireplace contained the flames and directed smoke upwards and out of the home via the chimney. This was a major development in ventilation and the fireplace gradually began to replace the hearth. The fireplace wouldn’t become commonplace until the 13th century. Throughout the middle ages, peasants would survive with a fire pit in the centre of the room, with small holes in the roof for smoke to exit through. However, it is believed that the elite in the 12th century, with their access to wood and better masonry, had access to advanced, fireplace-like structures which directed smog up and out of the home. Interestingly, despite the upper classes’ access to advanced ventilation, the early fireplace would sweep a lot of the heat out of the building along with the smoke. Whilst the lower classes were likely consumed in smog, they could have been better off in terms of warmth!

The Stove

A progression from the fireplace was the stove. In the 17th century, Benjamin Franklin created a metal-lined fireplace that transferred far more heat into a room than any of its predecessors through burning wood and later coal. It was also safer than the fireplace which risked being engulfed in flames.

Steam and Electric

There were a few people noted to be developing the radiator model, however, Franz Sans Galli from Russia is credited with the invention in the 19th century. At this point, the boiling of water was being harnessed for heating and began to more modern appearing central heating systems began to take shape. By 1885 Thomas Edison had invented the electric heater and with Albert March’s discovery of Nichrome, the filament wire that permitted the toasting of bread, the electric heating industry was thriving.

Central Heating System

In 1919 Alice Parker patented the first central heating system and scientists would soon follow this up with forced convection wall heaters that used a coal furnace, electric fan and ductwork throughout the home. The ability to direct heat around the home brings the heating system up to speed with modern life as we recognise it. By the middle of the 20th century, people had choices in how they heated their home. This included boilers and furnaces fuelled by oil, natural gas, propane and electricity.

Smart Home System

Nowadays modern heating systems are incredibly efficient and effortless to operate. Smart heating controls are at the forefront of heating services. Thermostats give people the ability to monitor and regulate the amount of heating being used. Advanced thermostats can even detect patterns and preferences and automatically adjust to the homeowner’s convenience. Not only does this type of heating system save fuss, but it also saves money and energy since the heating is not constantly in use.

Updating your Home Heating System

It’s great to see how much progress we’ve made, but it’s no secret that heating methods like coal and fossil fuels have caused damage to the environment. Excessive energy use can also soon mount up into hefty financial expenses. This doesn't have to be the case. Here at Monster Plumb, we stock a variation of smart home heating controls to accompany and adapt your appliances for energy-efficient heating. In regards to heating systems, we suggest looking towards our room thermostats and timers as a nifty way to monitor and control your usage. Appearing in wired or wireless models, choose the variation that suits your preferences.

This Honeywell Lyric T6R Thermostat can even be monitored via a mobile phone application so that you can have full control over your household’s heating wherever you are. Attachable thermostatic valves for your radiators are another quick way to update your heating systems with minimal maintenance. It’s advisable that whilst you’re updating your heating controls, you check that your other household security appliances are functioning as they should. Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are especially important to monitor for your health and safety. Browse through our selection of important smart home security appliances if you feel that it's time to update or invest in appliances for your household.