Room-by-room control

Press, 13 April 1978, Page 13

Room-by-room control

It is now generally recognised by architects, consultants and the heating industry that automatic control of heat output is very important. The more accurate the control equipment, the less heating will cost to run. Occupants may well “intend to turn the heat down” but in practice they seldom do. Uncontrolled or manual switch operated heating invariably leads to unnecessary excessive degree i neat. Modern control devices will do 'everything automatically and thus bypass the human element. The usual method is the simple room thermostat. These are inexpensive and simple to install. The various areas in the home should have their own separate controls set to the level that suits the particular activity.

For instance the hallways and bedrooms need not be set to the same level as say the lounge where one is sitting and relaxing.

In general th® following temperatures are found to be most comfortable: Living rooms, 18-21 degrees C (65-70 degrees F); bedrooms, 13 degrees C (55 degrees F); kitchen, 16 degrees C (60 degrees F); bathroom, 16 degree C (60 degrees F). More sophisticated controls are not unusuah There are time clock switches that automatically bring on the warmth when it is wanted — the dining room prior to breakfast or the bedroom in the evening. Also differential thermostats can automatically provide different temperatures for different times. This means that unoccupied rooms can be left at

g lower setting, which prevents them from completely cooling off, and then brought up as required. Comfort has been defined as being an absence of conditions that induce discomfort. One can be just as uncomfortable in an environment that is too warm as when one is cold. Automatic heat control gives just the right temperature level and is the hallmark of efficiency and