PhD: Investigating the requirements of decision
support to assist central heating installers in providing
the most appropriate solutions to householders
Background
The way that people use their heating system, for example the rooms
they choose to heat and to what temperature can influence domestic
energy use hugely. This project recognises that the installer of the
central heating system is influential in disseminating information to the
homeowner and determining the physical parameters of the system.
This impact of installers’ decisions on the operating of the central
heating system highlights the need to understand and inform the
installers’ decision making processes.
Research Objectives
• Understand the role of the central heating installer in determining
heating behaviours in the home.
• Investigate existing central heating practices, particularly how
decisions regarding the size and location of radiators are made.
• Study occupants’ requirements of a central heating system,
particularly desired control strategy.
• Use this information to understand the requirements of decision
support for installers.
Proposed Method
• Qualitative observation of central heating installers in the field
supported by qualitative interviews with installers and homeowners
• Assessment of the optimum physical parameters of the central
heating system, either through modelling or monitoring dwellings.