Underfloor Heating

Underfloor Heating
There is some confusion about the way in which the underfloor heating is controlled; this note sets out to explain the current control system and what residents (through the RCC) are doing to change it.
Before we dive into the intricacies of the control system it’s worth identifying those things that you can do to improve the comfort in your flat.

Too hot?
There are two ways to reduce the temperature in your flat
Ask to have the trimmer adjusted. Using this method you can have the heat delivered to the whole flat reduced by say, 20%.
Ask to have one or more pads turned off. This will mean that there will be no heat in one room, say a bedroom.
The engineers are happy to do this but you can’t expect them to make these changes frequently, so you probably need to think about it before you ask.
To have either of these changes implemented phone the Estate Office and ask to speak to the engineers. 0207 029 3958/9

Too Cold?
The only realistic solution to this problem is to make sure that your flat has up to date draught proofing installed. If you think either your windows or external doors are too draughty the Estate Office will arrange an inspection and, if appropriate, install new draught proofing.

Underfloor Heating control current and future alternative systems
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a person in occupation of a Barbican flat must be in want of a decent heating control system.
The RCC has established a working party to investigate the workings of the underfloor heating system.
Some progress is being made here but one of the big challenges is “The Lease” which only permits replacement of equipment on a like for like basis. This makes it difficult to replace the current primitive but reliable control system with anything more sophisticated.
The good news however is that the hardware is in very good condition. This includes the heating pads in the flats in addition to the switchgear, distribution and heavy duty cabling throughout the estate. So we are unlikely to face any surprise calls on the service charge.

Current control system
The current control system is very simple. There is one external thermometer and based upon its reading the heating will or will not be switched on. The system is basically a huge off peak storage system. If the external temperature falls beneath the line on the chart below, the heating comes on. If not it stays off. As you can see from the chart the largest charging period is in the early hours of the morning with shorter top ups during the afternoon and early evening in very cold conditions. This is why the temperature in our flats may drop in the evening. This is an example chart, not necessarily the chart that governs Shakespeare Tower.


If the external temperature never falls below 150C the heating will not come on at all. This was the problem we faced in November and December, when the heating rarely came on.
The Underfloor Heating Working Party is attempting to establish better control systems. Currently a brief has been sent to consultants to advise on this. Technically this is not an enormous problem, but navigating the minefield of “The Lease” will be difficult.