Guidance

Heat networks: operation and maintenance upskilling videos

Updated 26 January 2026

This video series is to support upskilling operation and maintenance in the heat networks sector. 

It explains heat network fundamentals and the factors that affect performance and reliability, including:

• temperatures, monitoring, water quality, heat interface units, insulation, bypasses and pumps
• procurement and contracting, including appointing contractors, procuring building management services and managing the process of procuring a contractor for installation through to operation
• key information for heat network consumers, including billing and support routes

They also support wider market readiness for future technical standards by encouraging training provision, signposting existing Heat Training Grant courses and promoting careers in the heat networks sector.

The videos are designed for:

• current and future staff working for heat network service providers
• owners or managers of buildings that are supplied by district heat networks or communally heated systems
• teaching students about the heat network sector (as an educational resource)
• informing and engaging end users, with the inclusion of a consumer-focused video

The content is suitable for a wide audience: no technical knowledge is required. 

1.1 What is a heat network? 

Heat networks are quietly reshaping how towns and cities heat their buildings - swapping individual boilers for centralised efficient, shared systems. This video explains the basics in plain English: what a heat network is, the different types (communal, campus, district), and how heat moves from an energy centre through insulated pipes to buildings. You’ll also see why this matters for bills, carbon and energy security - plus a real UK example using waste heat to serve thousands of homes. A great primer for anyone involved in planning, owning or operating connected buildings.  

What is a Heat Network?

1.2 Flow and return temperatures in heat networks 

If you want better performance (and fewer costs), flow and return temperatures are a big deal. This video demystifies what “flow”, “return” and “Delta T” mean - and why a bigger gap between flow and return usually signals a more efficient network. You’ll come away understanding how temperature choices affect energy use, customer comfort and long-term running costs. It’s a simple concept with outsized commercial impact - ideal viewing for decision-makers who need to ask the right questions of designers, operators and contractors.

Flow and return temperatures in heat networks

1.3 Monitoring heat networks 

You can’t improve what you don’t measure. This video shows why monitoring is essential for keeping a heat network efficient, reliable and cost-effective – and what to track day-to-day (flow rates, temperatures/Delta T and energy consumption). It explains how basic sensors and smart alerts help catch problems early, reduce breakdowns and protect customer comfort. You’ll also get practical guidance on setting up monitoring, maintaining accuracy and spotting warning signs in the data before they turn into expensive failures. A must-watch for owners and operators who want control, not surprises.

Monitoring heat networks

1.4 Water quality in heat networks 

Water quality is the hidden factor that can make or break a heat network. This video explains how poor water leads to corrosion, scaling, blockages and rising energy bills - and why it’s a common cause of early system failure. You’ll get a clear overview of what affects water quality, what “good” looks like, and the practical options for treatment (mechanical and chemical), including approaches aligned with VDI 2035. If you want fewer callouts, longer asset life and better performance, this is essential viewing. 

Water quality in heat networks

1.5 Heat Interface Units (HIUs) for heat networks 

Heat Interface Units otherwise known as HIUs are where the network meets the customer - and they’re critical for comfort, billing and performance. This video breaks down what an HIU does, its key functions (including heat transfer, controls and metering), and the difference between direct and indirect HIUs - with a clear explanation of the trade-offs. It also highlights why correct selection, professional installation and routine maintenance matter for long-term reliability. If you’re responsible for customer experience, operational risk or lifecycle cost, this will help you make better, more informed decisions.

Heat Interface Units (HIUs) for heat networks

1.6 Insulation in heat networks 

Insulation sounds simple - until heat loss (and overheating) start costing real money. This video explains how insulation protects efficiency by keeping heat in the pipes, whether underground or inside buildings. It covers common issues in older networks (like unwanted heat in corridors and communal areas), practical best practice and why standards such as CIBSE CP1 and EN 253 matter. You’ll also hear why inspection and maintenance are key to keeping performance where it should be. Watch this if you want lower losses, better comfort and fewer complaints.

Insulation in heat networks

1.7 Bypasses for heat network connections 

Bypasses are a small design detail that can have a big operational impact. This video explains what bypasses do (keeping flow moving even when demand drops), why they protect pumps and system balance and the main types - fixed flow, trickle and thermostatic - with examples of where each fits. It also flags common pitfalls like poor sizing, bad calibration and avoidable heat loss, plus the role of routine maintenance. Great for anyone trying to improve performance and avoid “mystery” inefficiencies.

Bypasses for heat network connections

1.8 Pumps in heat networks 

Pumps are the engine room of a heat network - and if they’re wrong, everything suffers. This video gives a clear, non-technical overview of pump types, how they keep heat circulating, and why the “right” flow and pressure is determined by network size, distance and real-time demand. It also explains how smart controls and sensors help pumps respond efficiently, reducing energy waste and risk of failure. Expect practical takeaways on selection, installation and maintenance that support reliability and predictable running costs - without getting lost in engineering detail.

Pumps in heat networks

2.1 Appointing a heat network contractor 

Choosing the right contractor is critical for the delivery of your heat network project. This video explains how to set your contractor up for success with clear expectations, starting with a robust Requirements Document that locks in design intent, performance targets and responsibilities. It also covers what to look for beyond price: proven heat network experience, relevant credentials, understanding of current and incoming regulation, and a track record of delivering to industry best practice. Watch this to avoid costly misunderstandings, weak handovers and tricky post-construction disputes with your contractor- and to protect performance for the long term.

Appointing a heat network contractor

2.2 Procuring building management services for heat networks 

A heat network isn’t “fit and forget” - good management keeps performance high and customers happy. This video breaks down how to procure the right provider - from specialist experience and emergency response capability, to transparent pricing and service agreements. It also explains why a solid contract requirements document matters, how to set meaningful KPIs, and how digital reporting and remote monitoring can improve accountability. Watch this if you want fewer surprises, faster issue resolution and a clear framework for ongoing optimisation and compliance.

Procuring building management services for heat networks

2.3 Heat network consumers - what do I need to know? 

If you own, manage or communicate with customers on a heat network, this is the “plain English” explainer you’ll want in your toolkit. It covers how heat networks work in the home, what an HIU is, how bills are typically structured (usage, standing charge and fees) and practical ways customers can manage their costs. It also sets out what to do when things go wrong - who to contact, common issues to watch for and how complaints and escalation routes work. Watch to reduce confusion and complaints amongst your customers as well as reduce reputational risk.

Heat network consumers - what do I need to know?

2.4 District and communal heat network connectivity 

Connecting communal systems to district networks can unlock lower-carbon, resilient heat - but only if it’s done right. This video explains the difference between district and communal networks, why interconnections need to be managed well (temperature, pressure, controls and the condition of legacy systems) and the practical solutions that make them work. You’ll hear how thermal storage, smart control, insulation upgrades, weather compensation and building management systems all help balance loads and cut waste. Watch this to understand the opportunity district heat networks offer and the key questions to ask before you connect.

District and communal heat network connectivity

3.1 Contracting a heat network: from installation to operation 

Heat network installations are complex - and the contract is where you either protect your investment or create years of pain. This video walks building managers through what “good” looks like, from commissioning and testing (generation, distribution, HIUs/heat exchangers and metering) to documentation, training and handover. It also highlights contract essentials: measurable performance, clear responsibilities, change control, realistic warranties, and post-installation support. Watch this to reduce project risk, avoid expensive remediation, and ensure the network performs as promised-long after the installer has left site.

Contracting a heat network: from installation to operation

Further resources

This series of seven videos produced in 2023 explores some of the above topics in more technical detail.