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ECM: Space Heating & Cooling

H6. Install Radiator Controls 

Description

A major source of energy waste in hot water- and steam-heated buildings is overheating. In some buildings, maintenance staffs have to overheat some apartments to ensure that other apartments get enough heat. The residents in the overheated apartments are forced to open their windows to relieve the overheating. Radiator controls, also known as thermostatic radiator valves, can eliminate a great deal of energy waste by solving the overheating problem. Energy savings from this ECM will be highest in those buildings where some apartments are over heated.

A thermostatic radiator valve is a knob connected to the radiator that regulates the amount of heat that the radiator gives off. Typically, the valve has a range of settings that correspond to different temperatures, enabling the resident to set the control to a specific temperature. By giving the residents control over the temperature in their apartment (up to a maximum level, which the PHA can establish), radiator controls increase the comfort of the residents as well as save energy.

Applicability

  • Multifamily buildings with hot water or steam heat

Types

  • Thermostatic radiator valves

Considerations

  • Radiator controls are most likely to be cost-effective when installed in buildings with apartments that are over-heated.
  • Residents should be informed about the benefits of the radiator valves in terms of increased control and comfort, and how to operate them to save energy and stay comfortable.
  • An engineer should be involved in the addition of radiator controls to steam systems.

Performance/Economics

  • Thermostatic radiator valves can save up to 15 percent of heating energy used.

Resources/Links

Energy Conservation for Housing – A Workbook, HUD, September 1998. Pages 7-63 through 7-66 address the installation of radiator controls.

Energy Performance Contracting for Public and Indian Housing: A Guide for Participants, Page 25, “Steam System Balancing,” address radiator controls (balancing) for efficiency and comfort. 

Improving Energy Efficiency in Apartment Buildings, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, 1995. ISBN 0-918249-23-6. Pages 68 through 82 address radiator and boiler controls.

Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings, American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, 1999, ISBN 0-918249-38-4. Page 25 address adjustable radiator vent and valve controls.

Fact Sheet: Adding Efficient Controls to Your Heating or Cooling System. Addresses the use of controls to manage specific heating locations.

ENERGY STAR Program: Heating and Cooling Equipment, Provides information on high-efficiency heating products, tips on finding a contractor, and guidance on sizing and installation.

Furnaces and Boilers, Part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Consumer's Guide.

 

CAUTION STATEMENT

TURN OFF UTILITIES: Turn off electricity, gas, propane, and other utilities before starting repairs, cleaning, or installations to avoid accident or injury.

BE AWARE OF LEAD-BASED PAINT HAZARDS: Many residences built before 1978 have paint that contains lead, which can pose a serious health hazard if paint, chips, and dust are not handled properly. See the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lead brief before disturbing painted surfaces in homes of this vintage. Follow the HUD "Lead-Safe Housing Rule" for requirements for notification, evaluation and reduction of lead-based paint hazards.

BE AWARE OF ASBESTOS HAZARDS: Homes older than 1977 may have building products that contain asbestos such as insulation, high-temperature gaskets, roofing and siding shingles, and vinyl sheet flooring. See the EPA asbestos brief before disturbing such materials.

BE AWARE OF MOLD AND MOISTURE HAZARDS: Molds can gradually destroy materials they grow on; can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people; can cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold; and can cause other serious health problems. To learn more about preventing and cleaning up mold in homes, see these mold guides and the EPA brief on What to Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas.