How does heat work in the KMC? Published Oct. 14, 2011 By 86th Civil Engineer Squadron U.S. Air Forces in Europe RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- This is part one of a multi-series energy awareness campagin. Temperatures are falling and winter is on its way. So, when will the heat be turned on, and how does it work? Most of the buildings here in the KMC, including housing, are connected to central hot water heating plants. These plants produce hot water and distribute it to our buildings to provide heat through radiators. During the summer months, so little heat is needed that most of the system is deactivated. Once the temperatures drop to 55˚F for five consecutive days and forecasts indicate that the average temperature for the next five days will stabilize below 55˚F, the heat is reactivated. This is based on review of the weather data for the past seven years. Within the KMC, the heating season is typically mid-October to mid-May. What do I do if the centralized heat is not currently activated? First, conserve the heat you have already. Close the windows and window coverings at night to reduce heat loss. Keep the doors to seldom used rooms closed to keep heat in the rooms you use most. Second, take advantage of natural heating. Open drapes and rolladens during the day so that the sun can warm the inside of the room like the sun warms the inside of your car. If it is warmer outside than inside, open the windows to allow the warm outside air into the room. Close the windows in the evening when the outside temperatures begin to drop. Dress appropriately for the season. Layering is the best way to ensure your comfort throughout the day. Once the heat is activated, how do I set the temperature? Your radiator control will look similar to the one pictured here. These controls are very different from the thermostats we see in the United States. This radiator control is both the thermostat and the valve that controls the amount of hot water flowing through the radiator (thermostatic control valve). For the control to work properly, it must be surrounded by free circulating air. Do not cover it with clothes, curtains, or furniture. Below is a chart that explains what the numbers and symbols mean. Cut it out and tape it up some place for future reference. -41˚F 5˚C "Off" setting. Use this setting in the summer, when leaving for an extended period, or in unoccupied rooms. The thermostat has a built-in safety device to avoid freezing. 1 54ºF 12ºC Low setting. Use this setting when you leave work for the evening. 2 61ºF 16ºC Medium - Low setting. Recommended for sleeping. 3 68ºF 20ºC Medium setting. Start here, and adjust to a comfort level depending on the outside temperature. 4 75ºF 24ºC Medium - High setting. Not recommended for office spaces. 5 82ºF 28ºC High setting. Too hot - don't waste energy!! Please note that the radiators do not provide instant heat. Hot water must pass through the radiator, and then the heat from the radiator is transferred to the room. Set the thermostat and allow time for the temperature of the room to come up before making any more adjustments. Radiators are usually located below windows, which is normally the coldest part of the room. A setting of '3' should provide comfortable heat for the entire room. All too often, radiators are being constantly adjusted and then windows opened when it gets too hot. This is a huge waste of energy and money! Last year, the KMC's heating bill alone was nearly $22 million. By following these simple steps, you will ensure the comfort of your home and workplace, while saving energy and helping to lower that bill. Let's all work together to be good stewards of our resources. The thermostat/radiator combination is a simple and reliable system with few moving parts to malfunction. However, if the control valve malfunctions there will be either no heat or too much heat. Occasionally air gets trapped inside the radiator, and needs to be removed. Indications that air is trapped inside are knocking or gurgling noises or a radiator that only feels hot to the touch on one half. Please call CE Customer Service at 489-6623 or 489-7703 for assistance with any of these difficulties.