Summer comfort: the low-temperature heating-cooling floor/ceiling continues to stand out in new construction and renovation

The integration of the concept of summer comfort in the new environmental regulations radically changes the way in which the thermal comfort of buildings is assessed. Thus, it is now necessary to calculate the number of hours over the year during which a comfort temperature is exceeded inside a building. This temperature is set at 28°C during the day and 26°C at night, expressed in degree-hours of discomfort (DH). The accommodation is considered comfortable and compliant with RE 2020 if the calculated DH indicator is < 350 DH.

If the principle of summer comfort is imposed on new buildings, it indirectly affects renovation projects under current energy and climatic conditions. In this context, the PCRBT stands out and the market is changing rapidly: requests for the implementation of a refresh solution by the PCRBT increased by + 20% in 2022^** and should double within 10 years.

Ceiling installations and thin solutions, which are easier to install without touching the structure of the building, also favor the integration of systems in renovation. Thanks to its energy and economic advantages, the PCRBT is one of the solutions eligible for aid schemes such as Maprimrénov', the Energy bonus, the zero-rate eco-loan, etc.

Adapted to the production systems and regulation solutions of tomorrow, the PCRBT is a proven solution among the most suitable for meeting today's needs and future building challenges.

In 2022, the Pouget study (carried out for Cochebat) reveals that the combination of a low temperature heating/cooling floor and a geocooling solution is the most efficient solution which makes it possible to achieve a DH<350 DH throughout France. Geocooling makes it possible to lower it according to the climatic zones by 80 to 95% compared to the threshold of 350 DH. In addition, the tests carried out show that the refreshing PCRBT perfectly meets the conditions of "Carbon Neutrality 2050" and ensures summer comfort throughout France until 2050, except in the southeast region where it will have to be combined with passive solutions.

Effective on the floor, low-temperature cooling systems are even more popular on the ceiling: they diffuse the coolness mainly by radiation and on a totally free surface (no carpets, furniture, etc.). The PCRBT therefore adapts perfectly to renovations where the heating/cooling ceiling solution may be easier to install.

* on a concrete structure – Pouget 2022 study for Cochebat

** request for implementation from a heating installation by PCRBT