Spring sprang - and it’s May! Here’s to balmy summer evenings, alfresco dining and confining winter togs to the darker depths of the wardrobe.

The energy crisis is still biting, but Managers can relax a little, as during the summer the heating budget takes care of itself – Doesn’t it?

Well, that depends on the type of control the heating system has.

Surprisingly, many student rooms have little or no control on their heaters. The occupant can flick the switch or turn the dial and the temperature rises - whatever the weather. In the depths of Winter this isn’t great, but we are concentrating on Summer.

Picture this scenario – It’s the beginning of June. The cool, wet, May bank-holidays saw students cramming for exams in their rooms - 24/7. Too engrossed to notice the first signs of Summer. Still in the habit of hitting the heating button.

While the outside temperature is 16°C and rising, they are basking at 25°C. Two weeks later - They think it’s all over – it is now! Off they go, for a well-deserved holiday.

Freshers arrive mid-September.

During the intervening 3 months, accommodation providers need to check that heaters haven’t been left on. To enter every room takes some time. Meanwhile, energy is being consumed, keeping empty rooms warm!

Some accommodation is occupied throughout the Summer, particularly by international students. As they are used to warmer climes, they are likely to ‘turn up the dial’.

The profiles in both Ecostat2 and Irus systems from Prefect Controls ensure that minimal energy is used.

While the room temperature is above the programmed Setback - the Boost option is not available, and the heater will be inactive.

It is unlikely that the ambient room temperature throughout the summer is below 18°C therefore, the control will always be in off mode.

If it is activated this will only be for the specified time, before switching off.

Likewise, when there’s no interaction with the controller for 24 hours and the room is empty, it switches off, only activating if the room dips below 10°C (Frost mode).

Received wisdom suggests that Summer is the time when heating is not eating into your energy budget, but you may be surprised by how much is being used. While prices are high, with Prefect Controls you can be sure the cheapest energy is that which we are not using!