Blog:Proleno » radiator http://blog.proleno.com proleno - life, style, design Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:05:14 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Which radiators are most efficient? http://blog.proleno.com/2011/09/which-radiators-are-most-efficient/ http://blog.proleno.com/2011/09/which-radiators-are-most-efficient/#comments Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:42:30 +0000 Andy http://blog.proleno.com/?p=1669 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.

]]> http://blog.proleno.com/2011/09/which-radiators-are-most-efficient/feed/ 1 Government Money For Green Radiators http://blog.proleno.com/2011/05/government-money-for-green-radiators/ http://blog.proleno.com/2011/05/government-money-for-green-radiators/#comments Tue, 17 May 2011 07:38:38 +0000 Andy http://blog.proleno.com/?p=1645 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.
Eco Radiator
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.

]]> http://blog.proleno.com/2011/05/government-money-for-green-radiators/feed/ 0 Energy Efficiency Resolutions for 2011 http://blog.proleno.com/2011/01/energy-efficiency-resolutions-for-2011/ http://blog.proleno.com/2011/01/energy-efficiency-resolutions-for-2011/#comments Fri, 07 Jan 2011 08:38:20 +0000 Andy http://blog.proleno.com/?p=1480 What can we, as consumers, do in 2011 to reduce our energy consumption and minimise our carbon footprint whilst keeping our costs down and maintaining our home comforts?

Domestic heating is a key area where we, as consumers, can all make costs savings and try to minimise our energy wastage as well as our utility bills.

Below are some key tips for keeping your energy usage and consequently your heating bills down.

Consider installing Thermostatic Radiator Valves.

Thermostatic Radiator Valves, or TRVs, come with an in-built temperature sensor. A thermostatic valve will maintain a room at the temperature you have selected, by automatically adjusting the heat output from the radiator.
Thermostatic Radiator Valves
This means that you can make the most of any “free” heat the room receives, such as that from the sun (solar heat gain) or from electrical or gas appliances. As the valve is controlled automatically, it adjusts itself, ensuring the radiators perform as efficiently as possible, reducing energy waste. For this reason, TRVs are the environmentally friendly valve choice as they prevent energy being wasted by overheating a room.

There is now a wide range of stylish thermostatic valves available in both contemporary and traditional styles in a variety of finishes. For instance, Feature Radiators offers a wide range of TRVs on the valves page of their website.

Please be aware that building regulations require TRVs to be used for all new builds except:

- For one pair of valves on a system, which can and should be manual, so they can be left fully open at all times. This is needed to allow the system to function properly. Usually such manual valves will be put on the radiator/towel rail in a bathroom or entranceway, as more constant heating is needed in these areas.

- In rooms where there is a room thermostat that controls the boiler.

Although not essential, TRVs are recommended for larger radiators (above 1800 watts, or where the radiator is oversized for the room) and for use in kitchens where temperatures tend to fluctuate dramatically (due to additional heat from ovens, fridges and other appliances).

Ensure your central heating system or heaters are on timers.

Timers are now available for gas central heating systems, electric radiators and electric central heating systems. This has been the standard for boiler systems for a while but now they are available on other forms of heating. For instance, iRad, the electric radiator from Feature Radiators, is available with a wireless controller enabling specific times and temperature modes to be set, minimising energy wastage.

Insulate, insulate, insulate!

The importance of insulation in minimising wasted energy cannot be underestimated alongside the amount of money it can save on your utility bills. Improved insulation in your home is guaranteed to dramatically reduce the heat lost through your walls and roof, meaning less requirements for heating and resulting in lower energy usage.

Look at the possibility of having cavity wall insulation and loft insulation installed. Many local councils now run schemes encouraging residents to go for better insulation by subsidising the cost, or even waiving the costs entirely.

Also, better insulation means a lower heat output from your radiators is required. So if you are thinking of opting for new radiators, then more options are available, as the heat output will not need to be as high. For advice on choosing radiators with the right heat output for your situation, it is essential you speak to a radiator specialist or qualified heating engineer.

Consider the future of your heating system.

With stocks of gas and oil rapidly depleting, the future of the standard boilers is uncertain. A movement towards electricity as a cleaner fuel that can be generated from renewable sources is seeing the shift in the type of heating systems that may be installed over the next century.

Heat pumps are very “in vogue”, but installation costs are high and many properties cannot accommodate or are not suitable this type of system.

In order to retain your current central heating system and radiators, why not just switch to an electric boiler. These are currently available but at a relatively high price, but increasing demand is set to see the costs fall and this will provide a simple, practical and inexpensive option for many of us in the years to come.

Other options for modern heating systems include electric central heating that is run by linking independent electric radiators wirelessly. Without pipework and a boiler, installation costs and disruption can be significantly reduced. This new electric radiator technology is really taking off due to its practicality, flexibility and efficiency.

Finally, wear a jumper!

This may seem obvious, but the younger generation often seem to take central heating for granted, and wearing a T-shirt in the house despite sub zero temperatures is deemed quite acceptable by many. However, this is surely a waste of our precious resources and an unnecessary addition to our carbon footprint. Also what can be better than snuggling up under a cosy blanket on those frosty winter nights!

For more information on maximising your energy efficiency within a reasonable budget, contact Feature Radiators on 01274 567789, visit their large showroom in West Yorkshire or visit their website www.featureradiators.co.uk

]]> http://blog.proleno.com/2011/01/energy-efficiency-resolutions-for-2011/feed/ 0 Cracking Radiators http://blog.proleno.com/2010/12/cracking-radiators/ http://blog.proleno.com/2010/12/cracking-radiators/#comments Thu, 23 Dec 2010 07:30:16 +0000 Andy http://blog.proleno.com/?p=1466 Is Jack Frost nipping at your…radiators?
cracked radiator
The recent cold snap and record-breaking low temperatures have led the British public to encounter a rarely seen phenomenon: cracking radiators! This is despite the radiators being inside a property and on a functioning central heating system.

But radiators are known as strong and durable pieces of engineering, so how can a radiator crack?

When water freezes: its volume expands by around 10%. A radiator full of water that is in a particularly cold room such as a conservatory, can freeze and the expansion of the freezing water can cause cracks; usually at weld points and seams on the radiator.

Radiator experts, Feature Radiators, recommend some options to prevent radiators freezing and the consequential damage.

Firstly, install a “frost stat”. This is a device that will override your regular central heating timer and thermostat by automatically switching on your central heating when it senses the temperature drop below a pre-determined amount.

Secondly, invest in some thermostatic valves as these have a “frost protection” setting. This means that when the thermostat on the valves measures the room temperature as approaching 0°C, the valve opens a little, allowing water into the radiator to ensure that it doesn’t freeze. However, this will only work when the central heating is “ON” as thermostatic valves are not able to turn the boiler on.

The frost protection setting on thermostatic valves is great for protecting your radiators and pipes during the day when your central heating system is switched on and working. However, a frost stat will ensure that you protect your radiators and pipes when your central heating system is switched off overnight or when you’re away during the winter and it is this period when most frost damage occurs.

Feature Radiators also recommends you consider frost damage when purchasing reclaimed cast iron radiators. These are often purchased from salvage yards and can be stored outdoors leading to cracking. Pressure testing of reclaimed radiators is essential to ensure that radiators are functioning correctly and that they are free from leaks.

For more information on radiators, contact specialists Feature Radiators on 01274 567789 or visit their website www.featureradiators.co.uk

]]> http://blog.proleno.com/2010/12/cracking-radiators/feed/ 0 Crohn’s and Colitis UK’s Red Hot Day http://blog.proleno.com/2010/10/crohn%e2%80%99s-and-colitis-uk%e2%80%99s-red-hot-day/ http://blog.proleno.com/2010/10/crohn%e2%80%99s-and-colitis-uk%e2%80%99s-red-hot-day/#comments Fri, 15 Oct 2010 07:52:53 +0000 Andy http://blog.proleno.com/?p=1322 Red Hot RadiatorThe 15th October is Red Hot Day, a fund-raising day organised by Crohn’s and Colitis UK (formerly known as the National Association of Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s) and this year the team at Feature Radiators, Bingley have decided to get involved.

Crohn’s and Colitis UK aims to improve life for everyone affected by Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), the most common forms being Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, which affect about 250,000 people in the UK.

The charity helps its members by providing support for sufferers of these diseases and their families, through newsletters, booklets, helplines and a website.

Feature Radiators’ General Manager, Helena Gerwitz, a Crohn’s sufferer, has been inspired to help as she has personally found Crohn’s and Colitis UK essential for support and advice.

As a member, I am sent useful information that helped me prepare for my surgery and for the ongoing management of my condition. My consultant is fantastic but when you have a quick question that needs answering, then Crohn’s and Colitis UK is my first point of call.

In appreciation for the advice and guidance she has received from the charity, Helena was keen to give something back and help to maintain these services for years to come.

Helena approached her directors with a proposition.

I thought it’s Red Hot Day, so why not have a Red Hot radiator! I sourced a fantastic contemporary radiator, in stock in both red and chrome, at a competitive price that would really appeal to our customers but also tied in with the “Red Hot” theme. And our directors kindly agreed to donate a percentage of the sale price! I couldn’t believe it!

Feature Radiators have agreed that for a month, from 15th October till 15th November 2010, 20% of the price of their brand new Red Hot radiator will go to Crohn’s and Colitis UK! Helena is confident that this could be a real fund-raiser, as well as being a fantastic addition to people’s homes.

Feature Radiators based in Bingley, West Yorkshire is the UK’s leading retailer of contemporary, designer, traditional cast iron and electric radiators and heated towel rails, providing quality and design as well as value for money.
Crohn's and Colitis UK Logo
Crohn’s and Colitis UK
Charity registered in England Number: 1117148
Charity registered in Scotland Number: SC038632
A company limited by guarantee in England. Company number: 5973370

]]> http://blog.proleno.com/2010/10/crohn%e2%80%99s-and-colitis-uk%e2%80%99s-red-hot-day/feed/ 0 Feature Radiators Celebrates Central Heating Day!! http://blog.proleno.com/2010/10/feature-radiators-celebrates-central-heating-day/ http://blog.proleno.com/2010/10/feature-radiators-celebrates-central-heating-day/#comments Fri, 08 Oct 2010 07:40:42 +0000 Andy http://blog.proleno.com/?p=1307 October 1st was “Central Heating Day”, the day when many people turn on their central heating. And this year Feature Radiators marked the day with a party for their team and customers at their West Yorkshire showroom.
Central Heating Day Party
“Central heating has come on leaps and bounds just in the last decade”, commented Helena Gerwitz, General Manager at Feature Radiators. “We wanted to celebrate Central Heating Day to help the public recognise the developments in central heating since its invention and how important it is to us all.”

Feature Radiators is a clear illustration of how quickly the industry has been to respond to consumer demand for attractive, efficient, well designed radiators, with an impressive range of products made from a wide range of eco-friendly materials and including attractive valves with thermostatic controls. As well as the traditional heating systems that are powered by gas or oil, there are now some superb all electric systems that can take advantage of alternative fuels but can also act as “central heating”.

The celebration really kicked off the heating season as well as demonstrating the progress we have made in keeping our homes warm and cosy.

For more information contact Helena at Feature Radiators on 01274 515734 or email.

]]> http://blog.proleno.com/2010/10/feature-radiators-celebrates-central-heating-day/feed/ 0 3 Simple Ways To Make Your Radiators More Efficient http://blog.proleno.com/2010/01/3-simple-ways-to-make-your-radiators-more-efficient/ http://blog.proleno.com/2010/01/3-simple-ways-to-make-your-radiators-more-efficient/#comments Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:29:32 +0000 Andy http://blog.proleno.com/?p=922 One of our biggest household expenditures during the winter months is central heating and with the threat of a forthcoming gas shortage there are simple methods available to get the most from our radiators and enable us to turn use less energy.

The Radiator Booster will heat your room faster, save energy and reduce your heating bills. Simply place a Radiator Booster on the top of a standard domestic water filled radiator, plug it in, and away it goes. This ingenious and unique UK Registered design uses miniature 12-volt electric fans to suck the heated air from behind the radiator, firing it into your room far quicker than any natural convection in addition to reducing the heat losses through the wall behind your radiator.

Radiator Panels fitted to the wall behind the radiator make use of the heat that conventional radiators waste by reflecting the heat being radiated to the wall and bouncing it back in to the room saving up to 20% off your heating bills.

Aladdin Radiator Valves fit to your radiator and continuously automatically bleed it. They ensure that the radiator is performing as efficiently as possible all of the time by removing the trapped air. Saves energy & reduces fuel bills by keeping radiators air-free and hot to the top!

Aladdin Radiator Valve

Aladdin Radiator Valve


All available from www.greenstamp.co.uk

]]> http://blog.proleno.com/2010/01/3-simple-ways-to-make-your-radiators-more-efficient/feed/ 0 SmartRads – Electric Central Heating That Doesn’t Cost The Earth http://blog.proleno.com/2009/11/smartrads-electric-central-heating-that-doesnt-cost-the-earth/ http://blog.proleno.com/2009/11/smartrads-electric-central-heating-that-doesnt-cost-the-earth/#comments Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:58:40 +0000 Andy http://blog.proleno.com/?p=878
Black SmartRad

Black SmartRad

SmartRads are Feature Radiators’ exciting new range of innovative electric radiators, recently launched at the Homebuilding and Renovating Show 2009, in Harrogate.

SmartRad electric radiators wirelessly link together to provide a centrally controlled electric heating system that is easy to install, easy to use and easy on the eye.

SmartRads offer zoned heating, which increases efficiency and cuts out energy waste by dividing the home into distinct heating zones covering different heating needs. Thanks to the SmartRad controller, each zone has its own time and temperature control, providing optimum heat only when and where it’s wanted. As lifestyles and use of interior spaces change, the zones can be quickly and easily altered.

Smart Environment – SmartRads are 100% efficient and being designed to provide targeted precision heating, Smart Rads use fuel economically. They are made in the UK and use electricity, the greener fuel. They are also noise free.

Smart Design – SmartRads ooze good design and quality finish, confirming that thermal comfort and good design are not mutually exclusive. The minimal timeless looks, compliment both traditional and contemporary interiors. SmartRads are available in a wide variety of finishes and sizes and sit very close to the wall.

Smart Savings – the figures stack up. SmartRads are well priced and with no pipes or boilers required, installation is quick, easy and highly affordable. SmartRads are maintenance free, economical to run (particularly in well insulated new-builds) and with no moving parts, they have a long life expectancy.

In the UK, heating isn’t a luxury item that can be cut to avoid going over budget towards the end of a build. For all warm-blooded house dwellers, it’s a necessity. Up until the advent of SmartRads, minimal set up costs and attractive stylish heating products were mutually exclusive. SmartRads design focuses on accessibility, practicability, usability, timeless good design and eco-friendliness.

For more information contact Feature Radiators on 01274 567789 or visit www.featureradiators.com

]]> http://blog.proleno.com/2009/11/smartrads-electric-central-heating-that-doesnt-cost-the-earth/feed/ 0 Art Inspired Heating For The Bathroom http://blog.proleno.com/2009/11/art-inspired-heating-for-the-bathroom/ http://blog.proleno.com/2009/11/art-inspired-heating-for-the-bathroom/#comments Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:30:22 +0000 Andy http://blog.proleno.com/?p=854 No stranger to introducing innovative heating products into the UK, Channel Islands and Ireland, Aestus is set to wow homeowners, interior designers and specifiers alike with its latest model to launch from the exciting Hotech collection: ‘Table’.
Aestus Table Radiator

Aestus 'Table' Radiator


Crafted from 8mm thick Aluminium, ‘Table’, at a glance looks more like a piece of expensive art work than a heating appliance. By possessing the freedom to express shapes behind the normal functional obligation, Michele Casassa was able to design a truly original, statement-piece radiator.

With a cut-out slot on each side, ‘Table’ will also fulfil practical requirements, providing families with the chance to maintain fresh, dry fluffy towels throughout the year.

This conversation piece produces brilliant warmth with an output of 565 watts and is suitable for connection to central heating circuits only.

‘Table’ measures 180mm high and is offered in two widths; 500mm and 600mm. Available in most RAL colours in addition to a further five luxury finishes including brushed, satin or feathered Aluminium and Copper and Silver Leaf, ‘Table’ retails from £3,120 including VAT.

For stockist details or further information, contact Aestus on 01902 387 080 or visit www.aestus-radiators.com.

]]> http://blog.proleno.com/2009/11/art-inspired-heating-for-the-bathroom/feed/ 0 Sleek and Unique ‘Stradivari’ from Aestus http://blog.proleno.com/2009/10/sleek-and-unique-stradivari-from-aestus/ http://blog.proleno.com/2009/10/sleek-and-unique-stradivari-from-aestus/#comments Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:40:12 +0000 Andy http://blog.proleno.com/?p=815 In response to the current trend for chic, minimalist interior design, leading radiator and towel rail company, Aestus, offers Stradivari to the style savvy consumer.
Stradivari radiator

Stradivari radiator


With a truly individual design, Stradivari makes heating any room within the home a style-led process. While its stainless steel exterior lends well to contemporary environments, a ‘satin’ finish creates a soft and welcoming ambience.

Designed by Italian Architect Luca Scacchetti, Stradivari is formed from a series of rectangular panels with strategically placed cut-outs resulting in a sculptural piece adherent to piano keys.

This wall-hung radiator can be positioned vertically or horizontally and is available in a choice of three sizes. Stradivari is suitable for both central and electric heating systems.

Prices start from £6334.00 including VAT.

For stockist details or further information visit www.aestus-radiators.com

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