Describes an investigation of the performance of six heating systems performed in a laboratory-based representation of a perimeter office. The objective was to determine the limiting perimeter heat losses above which the systems cease to be capable of producing a comfortable indoor environment. Four of the systems were different configurations of a warm air heating system with air supplied through a ceiling-mounted linear diffuser. One system consisted of a baseboard heater and another consisted of a ceiling-mounted radiant panel, both operated in combination with a supply of ventilation air through the same linear diffuser. States the best overall performance was obtained with the baseboard heater system, which produced comfortable conditions even with the most severe perimeter heat loss. Derives the limiting conditions of satisfactory operation of the other systems.

KEYWORDS: Performance, laboratory testing, testing, space heating, offices, heat loss, thermal comfort, comparing, warm air heating, radiant panels, skirting heating