Book - School of Science and Technology

Factors affecting choice 117Where a flat in an older property is leased then electrical storage radiators might bethought suitable by a tenant since this equipment could, if necessary, be removed to someother dwelling as furniture.The pattern of home occupancy is an important factor as far as running costs areconcerned but control systems suitable for domestic use have been developed to a highlevel of sophistication. Intending purchasers should not be misled by claims made by anyone particular fuel or other interest since what can be done by one can probably be doneequally well by all.Thus, as may be seen, the choice for a home heating system is very much a matter ofpersonal circumstances and personal taste. It is impossible to generalise, particularly as tocomparative costs, in view of all the variables.Flats ± multi-storeySystems of heating in common use and from which a choice would no doubt be made are:. electric storage radiators off-peak. central heating by hot water radiators. hot water/warm air from a boiler plant per block. group heating by hot water to a number of blocks. less common these days, warm air, fueled by gas, oil or electricity.The housing authority or estate developer in making a choice will be influenced by thecapital cost, fuel cost, maintenance costs and labour to run. There is also the question ofhow the heat is to be charged ± whether by the public utility reading its own meters (theconsumer paying direct), or whether the landlord will be responsible for reading metersand collecting the money, or, again, whether the cost of heat is included in the rent or in aservice charge.All these matters have to be considered as well as the type of tenant and what kind ofexpenditure can be afforded before a recommendation can be made.Commercial and Public buildings: schools, universities, halls of residence, swimmingpools, hospitals, hotels, etc.This general class of substantial buildings will in most cases be in the hands of aconsulting engineer, or public authority engineer, who can be expected to advise whichsystem and fuel should be used. Matters to be reported on should cover, among otherthings, energy conservation, life-cycle costing, spatial requirements for plant, maintenancedemands, amenity control, acoustic treatment and avoidance of pollution.Office buildingsOffices being usually in blocks are most economically heated by an indirect central systemin some form. Choice is then confined to the kind of emitting surface, radiators, convectors,ceiling heating, etc., and to the kind of fuel.For reasons already explained, an office block with large expanses of glass and probablyhaving construction which could be characterised as lightweight, will be subject to rapidswings of temperature; hence a system which is quickly responsive to change of output isneeded. Thus, embedded-coil systems, or electric-floor warming, are not to be recommendedalthough they may be suitable in buildings of heavy construction, including heritage stock.For deep planned buildings, it must be appreciated that a simple heating system cannotprovide an adequate service in any circumstances. In the case of a tall building, where