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.
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
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.
