Heating and Hot Water
Heating system
The College installed an energy-efficient heating system in William Goodenough House and London House around a decade ago, including radiators fitted with a thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) as shown below.
This heating system has been designed in accordance with the latest guidance from the Chartered Institute of Building Service Engineers to provide a comfortable room temperature of around 21°c.
How your thermostatic radiator valve works
We have a building Management system (BMS) that monitors and controls the heating via boilers within the buildings. The heating will only come on when the outside air temperature is below 18.0c. At 18.oc or above the heating will not operate. We have temperature sensors on the roof that monitor the temperature. The TRV enables you to controle the temperature in your room. It senses the air temperature in the room and regulates the flow of water through each radiator.
To enable the valve to operate efficiently, a free flow of air around the valve head is required. Hanging washing over your radiator or placing furniture close to the TRV may stop it reading the temperature in your room correctly.
You can adjust the temperature in your room by twisting the valve on the TRV, which is marked with the settings 1 to Max. Turning the TRV to a higher will enable the valve to maintain the room at a higher temperature. The lower the setting chosen, the lower the room temperature and the greater the energy saving. Each radiator valve in each room may need to be set to a different setting to achieve the required room temperature. When you have discovered the desired temperature for your room you should leave the TRV at this setting.
The TRV will turn the radiator on and off automatically to maintain a constant temperature in the room. If you know you will be away from your room for a while, please turn the radiator off to conserve energy. London House and WGH do not have mechanical air-conditioning. If you wish to cool your room, please ensure the TRV is turned right down and then open your window.
Hot water
Hot water is available 24hrs per day for the showers and basins in your room or flat, and the communal showers and bathrooms. To avoid scalding, the shower mixing valves are fitted with a thermostatic control, which has been set by the manufacturer to deliver a maximum water temperature of 43°c.
Energy conservation
The College is committed to an environmentally sustainable use of energy. The heating system is is designed to make the best possible use of energy. Other “green” measures taken by the College include fitting photovoltaic cells on the roof of WGH; and installing a green roof to promote biodiversity.