CENTRAL HEATING BY ELECTRICITY

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31349, 20 April 1967, Page 22

CENTRAL HEATING BY ELECTRICITY

Central heating of any kind, no matter what type, provided it is properly installed and maintained, is undoubtedly one of the newer modern aids which improves living comfort so dramatically.

As a means of central heating, electricity is the latest in the field, and since its inception a few years ago, is capturing a growing share of the market.

Perhaps the late starting of electricity into the central heating field was because of the once common belief that this type of fuel was too dear to operate, and it is perfectly true that even now operating costs could prove excessively high if adequate thought is not given to the design and control of a proper “system.” It is fortunate for those requiring top-class central heating installations, and for the suppliers of electricity, that suitable controls have been designed to get the utmost out of the fuel, while at the same time overcoming the old problem

of costly wastage (which was the cause of excessive power accounts and led to the sweeping belief of high running costs for electricity). Conceding that the advent of efficient and sophisticated controls makes electric central heating an economic proposition for both running and capital costs (and there is ample proof of these economies) some of the other advantages which make electricity so ideal as a basic fuel deserve a mention. The term “central heating” is not perhaps strictly accurate when applied to a first-class heating system

as the word “central” implies that the heat source comes from the “centre” of the house. With some types of systems this if perfectly true, but on the other hand not necessarily desirable.

It is relatively easy to generate heat, but a different problem altogether to “distribute” it effectively to each room, so that no matter what the outside conditions and wind direction, each room can obtain its desired share of warmth. It is probable, therefore, that we should use the term “planned” or “designed” heating when referring to a system which is going to give whole house interior comfort, regardless of external weather.

For such a designed system then, the heat imput for each room should be fairly accurately calculated and this amount of heat

should be available in this room when called upon by the thermostat. This is where electricity has a considerable advantage over other fuels as it is only necessary to install the correct type and size of heater or heaters to the room, and the wiring is usually a simple matter, taking no space and relatively little time to install. This installation ease must be related to the end cost, which, in fact, makes a designed electric heating system considerably cheaper (usually about half) than any other designed system, and the importance of “design” has already been stressed.

The relationship of designed heating and capital cost, as we have seen, becomes the first major advantage in favour of electric central heating (we are so used to this term now that regardless of what has been said above to try and re-influence public recognition of common terms would only lead to confusion).

The other advantages are numerous and to mention a few:—

Ever-increasing supply of power: the demands on this commodity are ever-increas-ing for industrial and commercial expansion and planners therefore look to the future. Cleanliness: no dust (from burnt by-products), no fumes, no fuel handling. Ease of control: for simple spot or room heating. Electricity has always excelled in this respect, and now automatic control for designed systems is a further step forward.

Lack of maintenance: no regular maintenance is ever required and the only cir-

cumstances necessitating odd maintenance would be the failure of an element—a rare occurrence with most of today’s highly-efficient units.

Safety: because of the lack of a flame and the other involvements associated with other types of fuel, electricity is inherently safer. Ability to build-up a complete system over a period: start off with complete wiring and equipment that can be initially afforded. As further equipment is added, because the wiring is already installed, the adding process is less costly and the ultimate objective of a complete system is obtained in a budget-wise manner with no initial over-com-mitment.

It would be safe to say that higher capital investment for control equipment will be adequately repaid at a later date in the form of lower power accounts. The more control the user has, the more the running costs can be “tailored,” to suit one’s pocket while still achieving adequate comfort standards.

To obtain the very “lowest possible” running economy, it may be necessary to adopt a certain measure of manual control and slightly change living habits (i.e. closing bedroom doors during the day when not in use). Any of these adaptations over and above the normal automatic control, however, are mainly mentioned to show that it is possible with electricity. “Adequate control” as outlined by one major company in the electric central heating field is along the following lines. Temperature control: By means of thermostats to

each room. This it would seem is the most important part of the scheme as without anything else, this allows to have different temperatures to different rooms or areas. Also without any other control the thermostats can be manually turned down very low during sleeping hours, maintaining a very low background temperature which is easily and quickly boosted to full living temperature on arising. Some systems are sold with only one or two thermostats a house, and while this may save slightly in capital cost, it will not enable the same measure of control. Time control: fol- a fully automatic system two time clocks are used, to divide the house into two zones—i.e. living and sleeping. This arrangement overcomes entirely the need for manual control and shuts off areas when no heating is required, but also assuring heat when wanted. Time control eliminates the human element and one can go to sleep well aware that unwanted power is not going to be used up unnecessarily. Now being imported to New Zealand is a new control system for electric heating which seems to be the “ultimate.” Low voltage control equipment which is more sensitive and accurate and also has the facilities of running the temperature 10 degrees lower than that set at the thermostat, during long or brief periods of inoccupancj or during sleeping hours. The whole house (each individual room) can be controlled in this manner from one central control panel either manually or automatically. The latest development for electric central heating is the baseboard or “skirt-

ing” panel (sometimes referred to as a “strip,” but this term is more accurately used for infra-red “strip” heaters—not recommended for domestic heating “systems,” but used quite often for bathroom or kitchen spot heating). Electric skirting panels come in a variety of makes and sizes, and it cannot be over-emphasised to intending purchasers that it is “wattage" that is required, not length, for any given heating job. For example one make may have 1200 or even 1500 watts in a four foot length, other makes may only have 750 or 1000 watts. Usually wall space is at a premium in most homes old or new, so the higher wattage in the smaller length has a distinct advantage. Another point to watch is the actual “case temperature” of the panel, which should not be too hot to touch (especially with children, in mind) or a danger if furnishing fabrics should come in contact

Generally speaking electric skirting panels should be situated where the cold air comes in, i.e. under windows and/or along outside walls. There are a growing number of electrical installation firms who are specialising in electric central heating, and it would be advisable to contact any such firm if you intend heating your home.

Almost all offer a free advisory and quotation service, and this will remove the guess-work from • your shoulders, and replace it with factual information. If you are building a new home ask your builder or architect to obtain the necessary information and quotation for you.