What is steady state efficiency (SSE) in a heating system?

Steady state efficiency (SSE) in a heating system refers to the ratio of the usable heat output of the system to the heat input provided to it over a period when the system is running at stable operating conditions. This measurement indicates how effectively the heating system converts the energy supplied (such as gas or electricity) into usable heat for a space. A higher SSE signifies that a greater proportion of the input energy is being effectively utilized for heating, while lower efficiency indicates wasted energy.

This is particularly important in evaluating the performance and energy consumption of heating systems, as it helps in identifying how much of the energy is being converted into heat versus how much is lost in the process. This metric is crucial for consumers and manufacturers aiming to optimize efficiency and reduce costs in heating operations.

The other options do not pertain to SSE, as they focus on different aspects such as pressure differences, flow velocity, or air mixing efficiency, which are not directly related to the ratio of heat output to input.