Heating valves management

At ULiège, the heating is controlled automatically. Therefore, the valves must remain set to an intermediate position (see below). An exception: you can set the valves to 1 if the permisses are unoccupied for several days.

As the heating is controlled automatically in the ULiège premises, it is advisable to leave the thermostatic valve in position 3 if the valve is graduated up to 5 and in position 5 if the valve is graduated up to 9. The temperature will not be improved by switching the heating valve from position 3 to position 4 or 5 on a valve graduated up to 5.

What to do if it is unusually cold in a room?

As a reminder, the temperature in heated rooms is limited to a maximum of 19°C, by the decision of the French-speaking Rectors' Council. If the temperature of the room is below this limit when the thermostatic valve is already open, two cases may arise:

The heating system control sends water that is too cold or simply does not send water to the radiator.
The valve is blocked
- It is possible to move the valve back and forth to unblock it (small foreign bodies can block the spring).
- If the valve remains blocked, a request for intervention should be submitted to the Real Estate Administration.

In all cases, it is requested to verify that the temperature is below 19°C via an adequately placed thermometer before submitting a request for intervention to the Real Estate Administration (ARI).

What to do if it is abnormally hot in a room?

If the room is suddenly too hot due to temporary heat input (additional machines, sunlight...), it is advisable to open one or more windows. Setting the heating valve to position 1 will not directly reduce the room temperature since the temporary heat input will not be affected. However, when the temporary heat supply is stopped, the temperature of the room will drop, which will create a feeling of discomfort for the user.

What to do if you are away for several days?

To avoid unnecessary heating of the room when you are away for several days, you can set the heating valves to position 1.

Note: After having set the thermostatic valve to position 1 during your absence, it is useless to set the valve position to maximum, because the heating will not be restarted more quickly. Indeed, since the room is cold, the thermostatic bulb of the valve measures a significant temperature difference between its set point and the temperature of the room. As a result, the thermostatic valve is already wide open, allowing the radiator to be supplied with hot water. When you return, it is, therefore, advisable to set the thermostatic valve back to position 3 if the valve is graduated up to 5 and to position 5 if the valve is graduated up to 9.

The right reflex that makes a difference

Avoid leaving doors and windows open during the heating season (while respecting the health recommendations - ventilate for a few minutes every two hours in rooms with little or no ventilation).