Posts Tagged “home improvement”
The question “which central heating radiators are most efficient?” is not straight forward, as in this context the word “efficient” means different things to different customers. 
An official definition of the word “efficient” is:
“Acting or producing effectively with a minimum of waste, expense, or unnecessary effort.
It can be argued that all central heating radiators are equally efficient insofar as the energy put into a radiator will equal the amount of heat it gives out. In other words, all properly functioning radiators with same heat output capacity, will give out the same amount of heat as one another and will use the same amount of energy to do so.
Radiators are just vessels designed to release energy in the form of heat. The amount of heat they release will depend on the amount of energy put into them.
In asking “Which central heating radiators are the most efficient?”, customers could mean:
1. Which radiator gives out the most heat for its size?
2. Which radiator is the cheapest to run?
3. Which radiator wastes the least fuel?
4. Which radiator heats up the quickest?
Relevant factors to consider in answering the above questions and ensuring you get the right radiator(s) for your specific needs are considered below.
Size and surface area
Its surface area determines the maximum heat output capacity of a radiator. The larger the surface area, the higher the potential heat output.
Surface area will be greatly increased by convectors, fins, or double or triple panels. So for example, the heat output capacity of a flat single panel radiator will be considerably less than a radiator of the same size (height x width) with double panels, and/or convectors or fins.
When considering one model of radiator, then generally, the bigger the radiator, the bigger the heat output. However this is not necessarily the case when comparing one model of radiator against another.
Water content
In theory, the less water a radiator holds, the less time it takes to heat up, and the less fuel is would require to reach full temperature. Consequently, the lower the water content of a radiator, the more “efficient” it could be considered to be. However, in reality, there is little difference in the level of water content across radiator models, although over an entire system the slight variation would multiply.
Design
The shape of a radiator and its design does have an effect on the amount of heat it radiates, but again this is due to the particular surface area of the model. For example, a tubular radiator with hollow tubes offers a lot more surface area than a flat panel design without fins as the heat can be emitted from both the outside and the inside of the tubes. So the design of a radiator does have a direct effect on its maximum heat output.
Material
A radiator’s material of manufacture does not have a direct impact on the amount of heat it gives out. However, the material will be a determining factor in the speed in which the radiator heats up and cools down. For instance, aluminium heats up quickly and cools down quickly, whereas cast iron heats up at a slower rate and cools down at a slower rate.
Finish
Science proves that the finish of a radiator affects its heat output in varying degrees.
There is a principal known as “emissivity” that enables experts to measure the ability for heat to leave (or radiate from) the surface of an object.
Levels of emissivity vary between finishes of radiators. Painted radiators have a higher level of emissivity than bare metal radiators, meaning that painted finishes absorb and release heat more than bare metal finishes. Matt finishes have a higher level of emissivity than gloss radiators. Even the colour of the finish can affect the level of emissivity. For instance, black paint has a higher level of emissivity than white paint. However, the difference in the emissivity of radiators is negligible and would only be realised in laboratory conditions.
Only a chrome finish has a noticeable affect on the heat output of a radiator as chrome has a very low level of emissivity. The chrome coating works on the same principal as the space blankets (the silver insulation blankets) used to keep athletes warm. The chrome coating, whilst looking beautiful, does reduce the ability of the radiator to radiate heat. Chrome (chromium plated) radiators are proven to emit approximately 20% less heat than the equivalent sized radiators in a painted finish.
In theory, the optimum radiator when looking for high heat output and rapid heat up time, taking all factors into account (no matter how minimal their impact) would be a matt black aluminium radiator with the greatest surface area for its size.
In practice, there are many other aspects that will determine the best radiator(s) for your project, including, aesthetics, dimensions to fit your space, budget and availability. Your choice will be governed by which factors take priority.
For more advice on choosing the right radiator(s) speak to a radiator specialist such as Feature Radiators. Contact their expert team directly on 01274 567789, meet them at their large West Yorkshire showroom, where they have over 160 radiators on display or visit their website.
1 Comment »
The UK government said recently that households may receive up to £10,000 each to spend on “green” improvements, in an effort to encourage eco-friendly housing.
Energy saving and cost effective additions such as double glazing, eco-friendly radiators and roof insulation will be promoted, as well as other forms of home improvement such as underfloor heating, draught proofing and water efficient tap systems.
To qualify, householders must prove that their energy usage can save money, saving on bills in order to qualify for a share of the £10,000 sum. Anyone hoping to benefit from this should ensure that their boiler and radiators are up to scratch, and that they have ideas for further improvements.
Ministers claim that the scheme could boost the economy by up to £2.5 billion and create up to 70,000 jobs. The initial costs are to be covered by retailers and utility providers, with the idea being that the home-owner repays the cost of the improvements over a 25-year period, with small additions to their utility bills.
Comments Off
Are you aware that 2 NYC based architects designed an asymmetrical home with fixed budget of $250,000?
Architects and Jersey City citizens Richard Garber (assistant professor at NJ Institute of Technology’s College of Architecture and Design in Newark) and Nicole Robertson of GRO Architects in NYC rose to the challenge of constructing and overseeing the building of a single-family house that’s a genuine proof of both progressive design and environmental-friendly technology.
Denis Carpenter not long ago purchased a compact vacant lot and, to achieve his concern for the environment, wanted a residence that was efficient and very easy to maintain.
What’s so particular about this home?
- Inside the home, on the floor level, radiant heating below the exposed cement floor warms the full bathing room and two bedrooms.
- In the attic-like 2nd level, sleek aluminum and stainless steel railings accent the bamboo stairway to the mezzanine, family room and an artfully designed kitchen made with restored devices and cabinetry.
- Passive cooling strategies like ceiling fans and clerestory windows allow occupants to be cool during summer months and hot during winter.
- The roof contains 260 feet square of photovoltaic panels that deliver around 2,000 kilowatts of energy per year to a battery stored in the basement.
This single family 1,600-square-foot home was constructed in six months and won a 2009 American Institute of Architects merit award and the 2010 Green Building of the Year Award from the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency.
Ok now what? How can you transform your home into an ecologically-friendly home without investing too much money?
If you’re remodeling a home, execute an energy review first to help you determine what energy efficiency improvements should and can be made to your home. In this way you’ll calculate how much energy your home consumes.
My favorite eco-friendly technique is the passive solar cooling/heating design.
Passive solar signifies that your home’s windows, walls, and floors can be created to collect, store, and distribute solar energy in the form of heat in the winter and reject solar heat in the summer.
Existing buildings can be adapted or “retrofitted” to passively collect and store solar heat too.
The following five elements constitute a comprehensive passive solar home design:
The Collector – The area through which sunlight enters the building (usually windows).
The Absorber – The hard, darkened surface of the storage element. Sunlight hits the surface and is absorbed as heat.
The Thermal Mass – The elements that retain or store the heat generated by sunlight below or behind the absorber surface.
The Distributor – The method by which solar heat circulates from the collection and storage points to different areas of the house.
The Controller – Roof overhangs can be used to shade the aperture area during summer season or Thermostats that signal a fan to turn on.
The author – Cynthia Booth – shares knowledge for the architecture careers blog. It’s a nonprofit web site dedicated to provide help for young architects who need resources for their careers. With this she would like to increase the attention on eco-friendly home design and change the general public conception of energy efficiency.
Comments Off
Interest in both self build and home improvement continues to grow, according to a recent survey from The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show. Twenty nine percent of visitors to the Show, held at the NEC in March, are currently involved in a self build project, compared to 20% in 2009, with 38% involved in a renovation project, compared to 34% in 2009. This homeowner confidence is mirrored by recent news from the Nationwide that house prices in the UK have risen by 10.5% in the year to the end of April.
Homeowners keen to improve, extend, renovate or even build their own home should visit The Southern Homebuilding & Renovating Show , on at Sandown Park on 26 and 27 June. Visitors can pick up the latest in innovative products and services, inspirational design ideas, restoration tips, cost saving ideas and eco friendly solutions – all under one roof. Bring along your plans or drawings, meet with the experts and get great advice and information from the free seminars and masterclasses.
The Show is co-located with The Kitchen & Bathroom Show, the UK’s only dedicated kitchen and bathroom consumer show. Individual manufacturers and suppliers often not seen on the High Street, will inspire with bespoke designs, the latest technology and a fabulous array of colours and styles. New this year is The Kitchen & Bathroom Design Experience where visitors can bring along their room plans and get a one-to-one consultation with experts from The Kitchen, Bedroom, Bathroom Specialists Association (KBSA) and Essential Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom magazine.
For more information and tickets, visit www.homebuildingshow.co.uk or www.kitchenandbathroomshow.co.uk. Tickets give entry to both shows and are £5 in advance by calling 0844 5811377or £8 on the door (children under 16 go free).
Comments Off
 Are you interested in picking up the latest in innovative products and services, inspirational design ideas, renovation tips and cost saving solutions for the home? Then look no further! The Homebuilding & Renovating Show, the UK’s only dedicated self-build and home improvement show, is at the Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet on 21st & 22nd November.
The South West Homebuilding & Renovating Show features over 120 exhibitors, 36 free seminars and masterclasses as well as the unique opportunity to get advice from the Experts. This really is a must-visit event.
Whether you are looking for land to build your own home, want to extend your property to create an open plan kitchen or are thinking about converting your loft or basement to create extra space, you will find the products, services, advice and information to help create your perfect home.
Want to find out more about how you can improve your home? Then attend How to Successfully Add Space and Value to your Home’, a free seminar at 11.30am on both days. Concerned about your impact on the environment and want to do more? Learn more about reducing your carbon footprint by attending ‘How to Heat Your Home for Nothing: Dream or Reality?’ a free seminar at 1.30pm on both days.
If you’re still at the planning stage of your building project, then take along your drawings, plans or just your ideas and speak to one of the many experts at the Show and get some great advice.
For more information and tickets, visit www.homebuildingshow.co.uk. Tickets are £5 in advance by calling 0844 5811377 or £8 on the door (children under 16 go free).
Comments Off
Are you interested in picking up the latest in innovative products and services, inspirational design ideas, renovation tips and cost saving solutions for the home? Then look no further! The Homebuilding & Renovating Show, the UK’s only dedicated self-build and home improvement show, is coming to Harrogate from 6th to 8th November.
 Curved House
On at Harrogate International Centre, The Northern Homebuilding & Renovating Show features over 210 exhibitors, 54 free seminars and masterclasses as well as the unique opportunity to get advice from the Experts. This really is a must-visit event.
Whether you are looking for land to build your own home, want to extend your property to create an open plan kitchen or are thinking about converting your loft or basement to create extra space, you will find the products, services, advice and information to help create your perfect home.
Want to find out more about how you can improve your home? Then attend ‘How to Successfully Add Space and Value to your Home’, a free seminar at 11.30am every day. Concerned about your impact on the environment and want to do more? Learn more about reducing your carbon footprint by attending ‘How to Heat Your Home for Nothing: Dream or Reality?’ a free seminar at 1.30pm every day. Visit www.homebuildingshow.co.uk to find out more about the other free seminars and the masterclasses that run on the three days of the Show.
If you’re still at the planning stage of your building project, then bring along your drawings, plans or just your ideas and speak to one of the many experts at the Show and get some great advice. Visit the Homebuilding & Renovating magazine stand where Michael Holmes, TV presenter and Editor-in-Chief of Real Homes and Homebuilding & Renovating magazines, will be heading up a team of experts specialising in renovating, design, planning, self-building and greener living.
The Northern Homebuilding & Renovating Show is on at Harrogate International Centre from 6th to 8th November. The Show features over 210 exhibitors, 54 free seminars and masterclasses and the chance to Ask the Experts. For more information and tickets, visit www.homebuildingshow.co.uk. Tickets are £5 in advance by calling 0844 5811377 or £8 on the door (children under 16 go free).
Comments Off
 Purlfrost window film Walk down a residential London street today and you’ll see window film on at least one property: be it the front room windows or displaying the house number above the front door. Thanks to the brilliant products supplied & designed by the likes of Purlfrost, the product is becoming increasingly popular & the age old problem of tired looking net curtains is at last being addressed!
Window film is contemporary, clean & easily affordable. It really can update your interior in minutes. Purlfrost have short demonstration videos on their website which clearly illustrate how straightforward it is to apply their films.
Window films can not only offer an attractive solution for privacy, they can be beneficial in other ways too:
- Add a level of security (and also a deterrent)
- Still allow plenty of natural light
- Be a temporary or permanent fixture
- Reinforce delicate glass
Its versatility is remarkable & can even be used in steamy bathrooms!
More information at www.purlfrost.com or call them on 020 8961 7337
Comments Off
 Recently mentioned Feature Radiators has been voted as one of Channel 4′s “5 fave things” from the National Homebuilding and Renovating show.
On the Channel 4 website, design expert Rich Payne says:
“This stand caught my eye for their show-stopping collection of contemporary radiators. They had seemingly limitless desirable designs, and their staff informed me they provided heating devices for the Big Brother house.”
2 Comments »
 Do you dream of an individually designed kitchen with state of the art technology and streamlined appliances? Are you bored with your bathroom and longing for a more luxurious experience? Then we have the Show for you! If you’re looking for the latest innovations and sleek designs visit the UK’s only dedicated Kitchen & Bathroom Show, on at Sandown Park on 27 and 28 June, where your dream kitchen and bathroom awaits you,
Meet over 50 individual kitchen manufacturers and suppliers, often not seen on the High Street, who will inspire you with bespoke designs, the latest technology and a fabulous array of colours which could transform your kitchen from sad to sensational.
 Discover indulgent bathrooms to die for, featuring beautiful baths, designer taps and stunning showers, tempting transformations from a mere bathroom into your very own spa retreat.
As an added bonus, your ticket will give you free entry to the co-located and brand new Southern Homebuilding & Renovating Show. If you’re looking to improve, extend, renovate or even build your own home you can meet over 150 specialist exhibitors, attend free seminars and masterclasses and get advice from the experts. Your perfect home awaits you!
Tickets to The Kitchen & Bathroom Show are £5 in advance and £8 on the day (children under 16 go free). For more information visit www.kitchenandbathroomshow.co.uk or call 0844 581 1306.
Comments Off
 Are you interested in picking up the latest in innovative products and services, inspirational design ideas, renovation tips and cost saving solutions for the home? Then look no further! The Homebuilding & Renovating Show, the UK’s only dedicated self-build and home improvement show, is coming to the South of England.
On at Sandown Park on 27 and 28 June, The Southern Homebuilding & Renovating Show features over 150 exhibitors, 36 free seminars and masterclasses as well as the unique opportunity to get advice from the Experts. This really is a must-visit event.
Whether you are looking for land to build your own home, want to extend your property to create an open plan kitchen or are thinking about converting your loft or basement to create extra space you will find the products, services, advice and information to help create your perfect home.
 Want to find out more about how you can improve your home? Then attend ‘How to extend and improve your home cost-effectively’, a free seminar at 11am on both days. Concerned about your impact on the environment and want to do more? Learn more about reducing your carbon footprint by attending ‘Zero-Energy Homes: can you really heat your home for free?’ a free seminar at 1.30pm on both days. Visit www.homebuildingshow.co.uk to find out more about the other free seminars and the masterclasses that run on both days of the Show.
If you’re still at the planning stage of your building project then bring along your drawings, plans or just your ideas and speak to one of the many experts at the Show and get some great advice. Visit the Homebuilding & Renovating magazine stand where Michael Holmes, TV presenter and Editor in Chief of Real Homes and Homebuilding & Renovating magazines, will be heading up a team of experts specialising in renovating, design, planning, self-building, and greener living.
As an added bonus, your ticket will give you free entry to the co-located Kitchen & Bathroom Show, the UK’s only dedicated kitchen and bathroom event that will help you transform your kitchen from sad to sensational or your bathroom to a spa retreat. Meet over 60 individual kitchen manufacturers and suppliers, often not seen on the High Street, who will inspire with bespoke designs and state of the art technology.
The Southern Homebuilding & Renovating Show is on at Sandown Park on 27 and 28 June. The Show features over 150 exhibitors, 36 free seminars and masterclasses and the chance to Ask the Experts. For more information and tickets, visit www.homebuildingshow.co.uk. Tickets are £5 in advance by calling 0871 945 4547 or £8 on the door (children under 16 go free).
Comments Off
|
Entries (RSS)