Set point
In the construction industry, the term ‘set point’ (or sometimes set-point or setpoint) typically refers to the point at which a building system is set to activate or deactivate.
For example, a heating system might be set to switch on if the internal temperature falls below 20°C, an extract fan might be set to switch on if the relative humidity in a room exceeds 65% and so on.
Set points can be fixed, adjustable or variable. An adjustable set point might be controlled for example by a manually-operated thermostat. A variable set point might be controlled by some form of calculation, for example, set points for air conditioning systems may be programmed to be higher when outdoor temperatures are higher as people are more conditioned to, and dressed for those higher temperatures. Alternatively, if a building is unoccupied, the set point for the heating might be programmed to reduce to just 5°C to prevent pipework from freezing.
The set point at which something is activated may be different from the set point at which it is de-activated. This prevents continually switching on and off if the conditions are very close to the set point.
Set points may be fine-tuned during the commissioning process, and building occupants may be given control of some set points, perhaps within prescribed parameters.
Set points should be monitored, and checked regularly to ensure that they are correctly set and that they are delivering the required result. Seemingly small changes in set points can have a significant impact on performance and energy use. In addition, some building spaces may house critical operations requiring very specific, closely-controlled set points.
It is important therefore that building operators and occupants are provided with an explanation of set points, their operating ranges, and the impact of adjustments on performance and energy use.
NB Guide to Controls (BG 83/2023) written by John Marrow and published by BSRIA in June 2023, defines setpoint as: ‘An adjustable level of a parameter, such as temperature, humidity or pressure, which a control system aims to achieve.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.