How My Heat Works: Erdman

The heating system for Erdman is controlled by a boiler which heats water that is pumped through the radiators in each room at Erdman. The water gets pumped through a Main Heating Valve (MHV) and then the radiators in each room.

There are temperature sensors (see photo) in Rooms 101, 163, and 341. The energy management system averages the three sensor temperatures and 鈥渃alls for heat鈥 when the average is below set point (usually between 68掳F and 72掳贵).  On that call for heat, the MHV in Erdman boiler room opens, sending hot water to the radiators in each room. 
 

These rooms with temperature sensors can have a negative effect on the other rooms. For example, if the student in Room 101 (which has a sensor) opens the window, that sensor will cause the average temperature to drop and the heating system to respond by running the pump to warm the space. This sometimes causes an over-heating condition in the building.  Conversely, if the student in Room 101 uses a space heater, that sensor will cause the average temperature to rise and the heating system to respond by shutting off the pump and likely making the rooms too cold.