The way in which heat transfer takes place from the heating system to the building's users is a significant element in the design of the heating system, as it determines the thermal comfort conditions and hence the possibility of reasonable energy management.
The provision of good thermal comfort conditions, and most of all of satisfactory feelings of thermal comfort for occupants, contributes significantly to the reduction of energy consumption for space heating. It allows a reduction of the prevailing air temperature that is compensated by an increase in the oapparent temperature.
In terms of designing the heating system some typical examples can be given:
The under-floor heating system is very effective in offices, providing very good comfort conditions for the users who sit during the whole working day at their desks. This is due to the fact that the surface temperature of the floor is sufficiently high, whilst at the same time the air temperature at the height of the working staff's heads is lower.
On the contrary, the placement of the radiator panels in locations where they do not directly influence the living or working areas reduces the performance of the heating system.
The placement of the warm air vents can also contribute to the establishment of good thermal comfort conditions, when it is done in the correct height and depth with respect to the room's dimensions, enabling a good diffusion of the warm air.
On the other hand excessive air speeds can have the opposite effect, producing unpleasant drafts.
Finally, though it may seem trivial, heating panels or air vents are still often covered by shelves, pieces of heavy furniture or decorative items drastically reducing their performance.
