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Temperatures are falling and winter is on its way. So, when will the heat be turned on, and how does it work?
Most of the buildings here in the KMC, including housing, are connected to central hot water heating plants. These plants produce hot water and distribute it to our buildings to provide heat through radiators. During the summer months, so little heat is needed that most of the system is deactivated. Once the temperatures drop to 55 F for five consecutive days and forecasts indicate that the average temperature for the next five days will stabilize below 55 F, the heat is reactivated. This is based on review of the weather data for the past seven years. In the KMC, the heating season is typically from October to May.
What do I do if the centralized heat is not currently activated?
First, conserve the heat you have already. Close the windows and window coverings at night to reduce heat loss. Close the doors to rooms you seldom use to help keep heat in the rooms you do use.
Second, take advantage of natural heating. Open drapes and rollladens during the day so the sun can warm the inside of the room, just like the sun warms the inside of your car. If it is warmer outside than inside, open the windows to allow the warm outside air into the room. Close the windows in the evening when the outside temperatures begin to drop. Also, dress appropriately for the season. Layering is the best way to ensure your comfort throughout the day.
Once the heat is activated, how do I set the temperature?
Your radiator control will look similar to the one pictured below. These controls are very different from the thermostats we see in the U.S. This radiator control is both the thermostat and the valve that controls the amount of hot water flowing through the radiator (thermostatic control valve).
For the control to work properly, it must be surrounded by free circulating air. Do not cover it with clothes, curtains or furniture. Below is a chart that explains what the numbers and symbols mean. Cut it out and tape it up some place for future reference.
Note: radiators do not provide instant heat. Hot water must pass through the radiator before the heat from the radiator is transferred to the room.
Set the thermostat and allow time for the temperature of the room to come up before making any more adjustments. Radiators are usually located below windows, which is normally the coldest part of the room. A setting of “3” should provide comfortable heat for the entire room. All too often, radiators are being constantly adjusted and then windows opened when it gets too hot. This is a huge waste of energy and money.
Last year, the KMC’s heating bill alone was nearly $22 million. By following these simple steps, you will ensure the comfort of your home and workplace, while saving energy and helping to lower that bill. Let’s all work together to be good stewards of our resources.
The thermostat/radiator combination is a simple and reliable system with few moving parts to malfunction. However, if the control valve malfunctions there will be either no heat or too much heat.
Occasionally, air gets trapped inside the radiator and needs to be removed. Indications that air is trapped inside are knocking or gurgling noises or a radiator that only feels hot to the touch on one half. For assistance with any of these difficulties, call CE Customer Service at 489-6623 or 489-7703.
(Courtesy of 86th Civil Engineer Squadron)
