Anyone know enough about heating controls to advise is it possible for a larger dwelling to use time and temperature zone control (Domestic Heating Compliance Guide requirement for dwellings over 150m²), with both a delayed start thermostat and a weather compensator.

One set of SAP software I use seems to allow all three together and gives a benefit, but the other software I use doesn't allow the delayed start option with time and temperature zone control. Not sure which set of software is wrong.

Appreciate any feedback...

Hi,
Yes I agree. They are 3 different things trying to control 3 different requirements so if not integrated properly will fight against each other.
Time & temp control just means for example bedrooms upstairs only demand heat (19 deg) after say 8pm whilst downstairs might be 20deg from 6 pm. This is achived with zone located time programable thermostats and zoning valves.
Delayed start or optimistaion will try to avoid overshoot (or under) by starting the heating at the optimum time to achieve say 20 deg at 8am, If the weather goes cooler it can start earlier, or delay if its warmer. This is a comfort thing as much as anything else.
The weather compensator will incraese or decrease the water temp in the rads in line with the outside temp. The heat delivered will decrease to maintain a constant temp as the bulding and outside warms up through the day, so the delivery temp is gradually reduced.

Cheers, Mike up North

I've had confirmation since, from the one software provider that all 3 could be used together - just wanted to check what advice was (thanks folks!) - seems to be could work if well integrated, otherwise might be counterproductive.

I know from BRE SAP 2012 discussion papers, there's some thoughts that heating controls not necessarily always providing the expected benefits. I suspect that may be from lack of understanding from users and some installers (as well as specifiers).

Anecdotally I've heard tales of complicated high end control systems and high efficiency heating systems made a mockery of by people just setting thermostats to 28°C all day and overriding programmers and controllers.