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 “calls for heat” when the average is below set point (usually between 68°F and 72°F).  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.

Each student can control the amount of air flow from the radiator by pushing or pulling the knob which opens or closes the vent (see photo). Doing this will not adjust the temperature of the air being distributed, but it will increase or decrease the air flow.  It is important to keep the space around your radiators clean and clear of personal items. Blocking air flow to the radiators can cause poor heat circulation.

Note: The main heating valve closes any time the outside air temperature is above 60°F. This means that the heat is essentially “off” when the outside temperature reaches 60°F.

Between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, during the heating season, the target temperature range in all the dorms will be set back to 65-67°F.