SOLUTION: Hot Ideas For Efficient Heat Distribution

There are several things we can do to compensate for a heat distribution problem. The first thing would be a Computerized Energy Management System, which is very attainable and not very expensive to install. For a building of 80-100 units, it will be $7,000-$10,000, yet cuts consumption of gas or oil dramatically by as much as 20% annually. The system entails wireless sensors being strategically placed in various apartments. The sensors read the temperatures of the apartments, and when 4 or more of these sensors call for heat, the boiler will then come on.

The system also keeps track of the temperature in all the apartments that have sensors, and these readings are provided to the management company, and the computerized energy management system company, on a daily basis. When management begins to see that some of the units are below the desired temperature, then the superintendent and/or the management team will need to find out why that particular unit is below the desired temperature.

The beauty of this system is that the management company or superintendent is alerted that there is a problem in that particular apartment, but the system does not come on and provide too much heat to everyone else. By isolating the areas that have difficulties in maintaining the desired temperature, it brings your attention to fixing those problems in an effort to balance the system. Heat problems occurring in individual units can be caused by issues like drafts, an air conditioner unit in the window, or the radiator may need a new vent valve.

Using an outside weather head that has the only sensor for the entire building to tell the burner when the heat goes on or off. With a Computerized Energy Management System, there are 10-15 sensors in any one given building, where 4 or more of those sensors have to come on before the heat turns on. Utilize this new technology to achieve energy efficiency and cut energy costs!

Additional ways to solve your heat distribution problems include:

– Installing Thermostatic Radiation Valves (TRV’s): self-regulating devices that control room temperature based on an individually set temperature. This keeps the room at a desired temperature level, and controls the flow of water through individual radiators, allowing residents to heat each area to their specific desires. Residents are heated more evenly, thus better heat distribution.

– Perform Regular Steam Trap Surveys:  to ensure the efficient distribution of steam throughout a facility.

– Installing a larger air-venting valve: to increase heat delivery to an area served by a radiator. These valves can  be adjusted to allow either rapid or slower venting. Valves closest to the boiler should vent the slowest, and valves furthest from the boiler should vent the fastest.

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