Lämpöjaotimet

Lämpöjaotimet, known in English as heat cost allocators, are devices used in buildings with central heating systems to measure and distribute heating costs among individual apartments or rooms. Their primary function is to provide a basis for fair billing of heating expenses based on actual consumption, rather than simply dividing the total heating cost equally among all occupants.

Typically, lämpöjaotimet are small electronic devices installed on each radiator. They measure the heat emitted by the radiator over a heating season. These measurements are then used in conjunction with other factors, such as the radiator's output capacity and the building's overall energy consumption, to calculate each unit's share of the total heating cost. Different types of lämpöjaotimet exist, including single-sensor and double-sensor models, with the latter often considered more accurate as they take into account both radiator surface temperature and room air temperature.

The use of lämpöjaotimet is common in many European countries as a means to encourage energy conservation. By directly linking heating costs to individual usage, occupants are incentivized to be more mindful of their heating habits, such as maintaining appropriate room temperatures and ensuring radiators are not obstructed. This can lead to reduced overall energy consumption for the building and lower heating bills for residents who practice efficient heating. The installation and interpretation of data from lämpöjaotimet often require specialized services to ensure accuracy and compliance with local regulations.