Automatic control of electric heating saves energy

A Norwegian company has developed a control unit for time scheduled use of electric panel heaters and electric appliances. The microprocessor based unit saves energy by controlling the room temperature automatically in houses heated by electricity. Nob0 Electro A.S. developed the unit which is called ORION 512. The electronic controller can be connected to any electricity outlet. The regular electric wiring of the house is used for transmitting control signals to switch thermostat setpoints of electric panel heaters from comfort to set-back temperature and vice versa. The unit can also turn electric appliances on and off. Tests showed a reduction in heating demand of almost 20 % for an apartment using temperature set-back compared to an apartment with a constant temperature.