Heating Systems

Different buildings in varying areas require intricate modes of ventilation. Ventilation is necessary because it facilitates the flow of optimum heat and air into a room. More so, ventilation and heat control systems are important because they ensure the optimum conditions are maintained. There are various types of heating systems available for use in the hospitality scenarios. Among the heating systems used in the hospitality industries are: electric heating, package terminal air conditioning system (PTAC), and the heat pump. These methods have their customized uses with both pros and cons for each use. Although there exists some pros and cons in some syetems the major point to note is that heating systems are relatively easy to install, purchase, and maintain.

            Electric heating systems are the easiest to install and maintain. As a decentralized heating system, the electrical method is preferred because it rarely interferes with other building systems. A little physics explains that hot air rises, therefore, in order to achieve the most efficient heat transfer in the room an example of floor board fixed heaters can be used to heat and optimize temperatures hospitality rooms. Another form of electric heating is the use of ceramic heating units. The portable ceramic units use the principle of heating coils to produce heat. With strategic placement of the ceramic heating units’ air circulation, heat radiation and transfer through conventional currents is achievable.

            On the other hand, package terminal air-conditioning (PTAC) units are used for both air conditioning and heating. This is typically a method that uses wall fixed units to transfer heat to and from the room as appropriate. In this way, the PTCA units are used in relatively small hospitality establishments. An advantage of using PTCA is that the units are replaceable once any unit in a room is not functioning. Hence, replacement of PTCA systems is easily accountable in the engineering and equipment inventory.’

            A third method of heating is the use a heat pump. The heat pump mechanism is similar to one of a refrigerator. The heat pump mechanism enables circulation of cool air into rooms. Due to the ventilation method used by the heat pump the method is typically known as window circulation. Similar to the PTCA that has both air conditioning and heating functions, the heat pump also ensures the circulation of hot air during winter. That is, it can be used to  pump both hot and cold conditions into rooms as required.

            The efficiency of any method of heating system used depends on the knowledge of a system that provides maximum efficiency. Hence, it would be of significant value to note that electric heating systems are relatively cheap to purchase and install, and easy to maintain. On the other hand, large scale use of electric heating is observed to be inefficient and hence of most value to relatively small hospitality establishments. Even more preferable is the kind environment with mild cold weather and not places that require extreme heating. On the other hand, PTAC’s are used widely because they are suitable for hostels, small offices, and medium sized spaces in general. The package consists of a closet with most of its required utilities tied to the package. The use of a package enables easy maintenance and replacement. In the end, the pros of using PTAC method far outweigh the cons.