Basic regulation of the radiator network

Heating is one of housing companies’ biggest costs. This is why it is important for heating to work efficiently and evenly, without unnecessary consumption or overheating. Monitoring the energy consumption of heating, the maintenance and correct balancing of the network and systematic maintenance are all factors that prevent problems and keep energy consumption and costs in check.

Heating imbalance results in unnecessary consumption and poor living conditions. The heating network’s imbalance and great temperature differences between different parts of a building result in poor living conditions in addition to unnecessary consumption. The basic regulation of the heating network serves to ensure that the network’s water circulates through every radiator and that heat is distributed evenly throughout the building.

Thanks to a well regulated and balanced heating network, the temperature in the building’s apartments remains stable during the heating season and occupants living conditions improve.

The majority of people are happiest in a room temperature of 21–22 Celsius. An apartment that is too cool or draughty feels uncomfortable and typically leads to the increased consumption of heating energy, because first attempts to fix the problem usually involve an increase of the heating network’s temperature level. On the other hand, an apartment that is too warm makes people feel tired and tempts them open the airing windows, in which case the heating energy escapes outside.

According to Motiva’s estimates, correctly executed basic regulation enables the achievement of up to 10–15 per cent savings in energy consumption. Whether basic regulation achieves cost savings in addition to improving living conditions is nevertheless largely dependent on the starting point of the property’s heating conditions. Dropping room temperatures by one degree saves, on average, five per cent of the heating costs of a residential apartment block. If room temperatures cannot, however, be lowered from what they are, no energy savings will be generated.

According to estimates, up to three out of four residential buildings in Finland would be in need of a basic regulation of the radiator network. Basic regulation of the radiator network should be performed when necessary. The need for basic regulation also depends on other repairs and renewals being implemented in the housing company. In renovation projects concerning the exterior – i.e. exterior walls, windows and roof or the air conditioning system – and subject to a permit, regulations require that the correct and energy efficient functioning of ventilation and heating be checked, in which case the basic regulation of the radiator network is also one of the aspects to be reviewed.

Basic adjustment of the radiator network – instructions for the orderers

In cooperation with the Ministry of the Environment, Finnish Energy, Helen Group, Oras, Ouman and Rettig Lämpö Oy, Motiva Ltd has prepared for housing companies instructions on how to influence the energy consumption of heating by, for example, the basic adjustment of the radiator network. The instructions stress how important the balancing and basic adjustment of the heating network is after renovation projects or window or ventilation overhauls.

Instructions for the orderers, information about basic regulation and examples of realised cases can be found on these pages.