Hotting up for Summer

With summer just around the corner, the time to store away the winter bedding and take the heating off its timer is fast approaching.  But before you bask in the sunshine and the harsh winter nights become a distant memory, spare a thought for your radiators.  Not surprisingly, most of us don’t think about heating our houses until its cold.  But when it comes to changing your radiators, summer is the best time to do it.  No need to shiver without heating in the cold months, wait for your plumber to slot you in, or limit your choice of radiators to stock items because you need warmth quickly. 

 
If it’s stylish radiators you want, then there’s good news as there is now a wealth of stunning designs on the market.  From traditional cast iron to cutting edge contemporary designs, there’s something for everyone.  While some radiators are designed to make a striking statement in a myriad of colours and finishes, others can blend discreetly into walls so you barely notice they are there.  There are central heating, electric and dual fuel formats and with a wide range of pricing, there are models to match every budget.  “Feature radiators” are now a firm favourite amongst architects, developers, heating engineers and homeowners alike, not just for their aesthetic appeal but also for the high heat outputs they can provide.  

As heating requirements change to reflect the way we live, the market has been quick to respond with innovative products to match demand. For example, electric radiators, such as the award winning iRad from Feature Radiators, have become the product of choice putting the heat and all year usability into garden buildings and summerhouses.  And in line with the increasing number of sliding folding doors and large picture windows gracing our homes, “trench heating” has been launched, an ingenious and efficient heating solution that has the additional benefit of eliminating condensation and the cold feel of glass.   

Choosing the right radiators for your home is crucial and contacting a true radiator expert will ensure that you get it right.  Look for a company whose sales team don’t work on commission to ensure that the advice you receive is genuine and unbiased; a knowledgeable and solution driven sales person will guide you to the best product in terms of heat output, budget, style, dimensions, finish and lead times; quality is vital as well as functionality, design, and of course value for money. 

It is crucial to consider that your particular situation will have its own unique set of requirements and restrictions, whether the issue is lead time, budget, heat output, limited wall space, design or all of them.  So if you want to review your heating system to find the best way of meeting your specific heating needs, then speak to a radiator specialist. 

Contact Feature Radiators’ team on 01274 567789 or via their website http://www.featureradiators.co.uk.  You can also visit Feature Radiators’ expert team at their showroom where they have over 160 radiators on display:

Feature Radiators, Bingley Railway Station, Wellington Street, Bingley, West Yorkshire.  BD16 2NB

Heating a garden building, outdoor office, summerhouse or posh shed

The garden building business is blooming booming!

Thanks to technological advances aiding mobile communications and the ever-increasing costs of commuting, many of us are opting to work from home. A self-contained office in the garden provides the perfect environment to do just that.

The downturn in the economy has also played its part in the garden building boom. Financial uncertainty has resulted in a reluctance to move house, with homeowners choosing to stay put and improve and/or extend properties. In some cases this has lead to the introduction of a garden building, whether used as a garden room, summerhouse or kids’ den.

To get the maximum use from a garden building, heating (along with light and power) is a must. If the building isn’t warm and cosy, then it won’t be used, particularly in the colder winter months. This article looks at factors to consider when it comes to heating your garden building.

Insulation is key

Is there adequate insulation? Some, but not all purpose-built garden rooms, are adequately insulated. If you have converted a shed or outbuilding, or opted for a lower cost garden building, then you will probably need to add insulation. Without this, the cost of heating could be prohibitively expensive.

Add Heating

In order for any garden building to be comfortable and useable (for more than just storage), all year round, it will need to be heated.

So what factors should you consider when choosing heating for a garden building?

Heat output – when choosing any form of heating it is critical that the option you select has the capacity to adequately heat the space. If in doubt, oversize the heater, as you can always turn it down.

Thermostatic control – choosing a heating option with a thermostat will ensure that your garden building is heated optimally at a constant and comfortable temperature. Thermostatic controls provide efficient and cost effective use of power; for instance, they can turn off a heater when the room has reached its optimum temperature; perfect on a sunny day for taking advantage of any “free heat” from the sun. By maintaining the temperature above a certain minimum level, you protect the contents of the building, including computers and soft furnishings, from cold or damp related damage.

Timer – by opting for a product with a timer, you can ensure that the heating is on when it needs to be. A timer allows you to set the heating to come on just before you start your day, ensuring a toasty office in time for when you arrive.

Space – by their very nature, many outbuildings are small in size. Therefore space is often a critical factor in choosing your heating option. These days, radiators are available in unusually narrow or low sizes, so there is likely to be something to accommodate even the most awkward of wall spaces. There are also floor-standing heaters, which are portable and take up no wall space.

Budget – it may seem obvious, but costs vary immensely on heating options for garden buildings. For instance, the price of an electric heater can range from £20 for a basic fan heater to £2000 for the ultimate in designer model. Take account of installation costs as well, for example if you opt for electric underfloor heating, bear in mind that installation costs may be considerable, especially if the floor needs to be taken up to allow the electric foil mat to be fitted underneath.

Aesthetics – Whether your new space is for living or working, as well as being a comfortable and functional environment, you may also want to add style with an attractive looking heater; the many designs now available mean you can choose minimalism to aide focus, bright colours for inspiration or soft curves to give a relaxed feel.


So what are the different heating options available for garden buildings?

ELECTRIC RADIATORS

Water and oil filled electric radiators

The water inside a water-filled electric radiator is heated by an electric element and is used as a heat reservoir. Oil-filled electric radiators are heated electrically; the oil is not burnt but again is used as a heat reservoir. Both types of electric radiators work on the same principle and have similar running costs.

Pros
Wall mounted and floor standing models available;
Many floor mounted versions can be plugged into a socket, so there are no installation costs and the radiators are often portable;
Wide range of contemporary and traditional styles available. From minimalist sleek designs like the Electric Royce (which is made of lightweight aluminium), to classic column style cast iron radiators like the Electric Etonian;
Many are available with timers and thermostats; and
Some styles heat up quickly (particularly those made of lightweight aluminium); others cool down slowly (such as those made of cast iron).

Cons
The wall-mounted versions don’t sit as close to the wall as some of the electric radiant panel radiators currently on the market.

Electric radiant panel radiators

Electric panel radiators radiate heat (rather than convecting it) and don’t contain any liquid. These radiators have become extremely popular in recent times, due to their efficient, environmental and practical qualities. One of the best electric panel radiators around is the iRad from Feature Radiators, which is beautifully designed, slim, flat and sits close to the wall.

Pros
Lightweight;
Sits close to the wall;
Many sizes, finishes and colours available;
Heats up quickly;
Radiates warmth without “blowing”;
Warms both objects and the surrounding air;
Available with thermostats and timers; and
Precise, focused, highly efficient heating.

Cons
Almost always wall-mounted, so there will need to be at least some wall space available.


Wood burners

A wood-burning stove burns wood fuel and wood-derived biomass fuel whilst creating heat.

Pros
Lovely cosy feel with attractive real fire flame;
Carbon neutral, if fuel comes from sustainable sources;
Warms both objects and the surrounding air; and
Relatively low running costs.

Cons
Lack of controllability, which can lead to high temperatures;
Sourcing and moving around fuel can be difficult and messy;
Demands time and effort on a daily basis to keep it running;
Ash created needs to be cleaned up;
Requires reasonable amount of space, taking up both wall and floor space; and
Significant installation costs.


Fan heaters

A fan heater works by passing air over a heating element, this heats up the air, which then leaves the heater, warming up the surrounding room.

Pros
Heats up a room quickly;
Warms both objects and the surrounding air;
Relatively small so doesn’t take up much floor space; and
No installation costs.

Cons
As soon as its switched off, the room will cool down quickly;
Fan creates noise;
Often unattractive;
Uses a lot of energy resulting in high running costs; and
Heat is blown out rather than convected or radiated, which can create a stuffy and snoozy environment.


Infrared heating panels

Infrared heating panels are a relatively new idea in the UK but have been widely available in Europe for more than ten years. Infrared heaters heat through the use of infrared waves.

Pros
Focused heating, infrared waves only heat what they hit;
Provide heat rapidly;
Reasonably efficient to run;
Can be fitted onto the ceiling to keep them out of the way; and
Thermostats and timers available.

Cons
Only heat the objects that the infrared waves hit. If you sit facing an infrared heater, then the back of your body and head and any part below the heater will remain cold.
The surrounding air is not heated at all.
Potential fire hazard – As heating is focused and direct, there may be a risk of fire if the heater is placed too close to an object. For example, if an infrared heater fell onto a wood floor.

Electric underfloor heating

Electric underfloor heating consists of a foil heat mat containing heating wires, which warm the floor surface which in turn heats the air above it. The foil mat must be laid under the laminate or wooden flooring intended for the garden building.

Pros
No wall space required;
Nice feeling under foot;
When working to an optimum, whole room is evenly heated with an ambient background temperature;
Many are available with thermostats and timers; and
Relatively low running costs.

Cons
May not have sufficient capacity to provide adequate heat for building – depending on level of insulation, ceiling height, and amount of glass;
Relatively high installation costs;
Insulated floor required;
Must be installed under the floor, so may not be a desirable option where the flooring is already down;
Slow to respond, can take up to 3 hours to get up to temperature, so forward planning needed and can take a long time to cool down;
Limits choice of floor-coverings; and
If it fails, the cost and inconvenience of repair will be significant, as flooring may need to be removed or replaced.

Portable gas heaters

Historically, a popular option for heating rooms or outbuildings particularly where there was no power source. Power is provided to these heaters via gas bottles that sit at the bottom of the heater.

Pros
High heat output;
Self contained heaters, requiring no external power source;
No installation charges; and
Portable.

Cons
Safety - you must not place items on top or directly in front of gas heaters. This may be a challenge if you are working in a small space;
Unpleasant gas odour;
Adequate ventilation is vital to prevent a build up of dangerous fumes;
Risk of carbon monoxide leak; and
Large bulky items taking up valuable space, both when in use and in storage.

Conclusion

Whatever type of garden room heating you choose, you must ensure that it has the capacity to heat the relevant space. It is important to maximize the power used to efficiently provide heat whilst minimizing energy wastage through the use of good insulation, timers and thermostats.

Bear in mind that these days having a comfortable warm outbuilding doesn’t mean you need to compromise on style with ugly, bulky and/or ineffective heating options. There is now a wide range of stylish, safe yet efficient electric heating solutions available.
For more information on finding the most suitable heating product for your garden building, speak to a heating expert such as Feature Radiators. Visit their showroom where they have over 160 radiators on display and expert advice on hand, call their expert team directly on 01274 567789 or browse their electric radiator range at: http://www.featureradiators.co.uk/Electric.htm

Busting the ‘designer radiator’ myth – Discover that heat output and stunning aesthetics are not mutually exclusive!

Customers often visit our showroom or call saying “I know that designer radiators don’t give out as much heat as normal radiators…” or “my plumber says that contemporary radiators look good but they won’t do the job”, so we are quick to dispel the myth. As a radiator expert, it has become clear that there is a common misconception that modern “designer” radiators have a poor heat output and that they are not comparable in performance to standard panel radiators. However, there is clear evidence that this is not the case as there is now a huge range of modern radiators that have fantastic heat outputs as well as good looks.

From a brief history of radiators, we can gain some understanding as to why this myth was formed. It seems to stem from the particularly iconic and striking models that were the first ‘designer radiators’; focus was more towards on aesthetics rather than functionality and, not surprisingly, the myth was born.

However, a shift in focus quickly occurred, with manufacturers realising that modern radiators performance had to match that of its competitors, as customers were demanding performance along with style. Nowadays ‘designer radiator’ heat outputs usually match or even exceed those of their bog-standard counterparts; functionality as well as aesthetics is paramount in the design of ‘feature radiators’.

Radiator designers are hot on ensuring that heat output is always top of the priority list and there are now hundreds of models available that can perform as well as or if not better than their equivalent panel radiators. Factors considered to maximise performance may include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Surface area – Any increase to the surface area will improve heat output. This can be done by adding hidden fins or convectors within or behind the body of a radiator or making tubes or bars hollow or with horseshoe shaped profiles;

· Finish – The finish of a radiator can significantly affect the heat output. For instance, painted radiators offer the maximum heat output. Chrome is a good option for towel rails, as a chromed radiator retains heat and it’s surface stays hot, providing a highly effective finish for drying towels. However, chrome does not radiate as much heat out as other metal finishes so if you like the chrome look, but need a higher heat output, opt for stainless steel in a polished finish.

· Special coatings – Some manufacturers now coat the internal surface of the radiator, improving its ability to ‘radiate’ heat that in turn boosts its heat output.

For an example of the fantastic heat outputs that contemporary radiators can offer consider the Volcano radiator from Feature Radiators that gives over 30% more output than a standard radiator:

Volcano double radiator, 600mm high x 971mm wide, gives 2193 watts or 7483 BTUs.

Versus

Standard double panel, 600mm high x 900mm wide, gives 1650 watts or 5630 BTUs.

Or consider the best-selling Decoral aluminium radiator that gives to approximately 55% more output than a similarly sized normal steel corrugated radiator:

Decoral radiator, 770mm high x 1220mm wide gives, 2664 watts or 9090 BTUs.

Versus

Standard single radiator, 750mm high x 1200mm wide, gives 1720 watts or 5869 BTUs.

The Decoral also offers some environmental benefits over it’s standard counterpart, as this radiator is made of recycled materials and aluminium offers increased heat up times and low water content.

Conclusion

So how do you ensure that you don’t perpetuate the myth by choosing a beautiful radiator with a poor heat output? Most importantly, speak to a true radiator expert. They can easily ensure that you choose the best radiator to meet your requirements and supply you with a product that performs excellently as well as looking stylish. By opting for a conscientious retailer, you can ensure that the advice provided is accurate and takes into account all aspects of your radiator choice, both practical as well as cosmetic.

For expert advice, speak to Feature Radiators. Their expert team are available Monday to Saturday, so call them on 01274 567789 (10 lines), fax details to 01274 561183, contact them via their website http://www.featureradiators.co.uk or visit them in their West Yorkshire showroom where they have over 160 radiators on display.

Radiators for kitchens

The kitchen is increasingly becoming the heart of the home, so it’s no surprise that radiator experts are often asked: “Which radiator is best for a kitchen?” The answer will depend on the specifics of your kitchen, but there are some common factors that apply to all kitchens when considering heating.

Heat output

This is always the first and most important factor. Speak to a radiator specialist or heating engineer to find out how much heat your kitchen needs from radiators to ensure a comfortable environment.

Space

As kitchen cabinets often take up the majority of wall space, finding a suitable place on the wall for a radiator can be a challenge. However, with so many different shapes and sizes of radiators available, there is likely to be a simple solution, such as a vertical radiator that can be positioned behind a door or on a pillar taking up otherwise unused space.

Hanging tea towels

You may wish to dry tea towels on a kitchen radiator so options could include a heated towel rail in ladder style with towel hanging space or, for more heat output, go for a radiator with a towel-hanging rail attached.

Valves

Due to the fluctuating temperature of a kitchen, from the hob, oven and other appliances, experts recommend the installation of thermostatic valves. Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) have an in-built temperature sensor. The thermostatic valve maintains room temperature, by automatically adjusting the heat output from the radiator.
This means that you can make the most of any “free” heat the room receives, such as that from the sun, gas cookers or electrical appliances. As the valve is controlled automatically, it turns itself up and down, ensuring the radiators perform as efficiently as possible, reducing energy waste. For this reason, TRVs are the environmentally friendly valve choice.

Hygiene

It’s always worth considering hygiene when choosing appliances and materials for use in the kitchen. Radiators with a smooth finish are generally easier to wipe clean than radiators with a textured finish. Where possible, it is a good idea for the radiator’s pipework to come out of the wall instead of up from the floor. This will make mopping the floor easier and will limit areas where dirt could build up.

Matching

In order to really finish off a room and ensure a high quality finish, clever matching of finishes is essential. This can be done in all manner of ways as considered below.
Is there an Aga or Rayburn in your kitchen? If so, look for a matching paint finish on your radiator.
Going for granite worktops? Then consider a granite radiator; choose from a variety of stones such as Nero Assoluto. You can now even get radiators made of Silestone, a natural quartz material that is popular for use on kitchen work surfaces.
If you have a cooker hood in a brushed finish, then why not consider a radiator in brushed stainless steel to match.
And for those finishing touches, don’t forget your valves; a high quality valve in a matching finish can link key features together. Why not match your radiator valves to your light switches, cabinet handles and/or plug sockets for a high-end look.

Don't rush into a decision when considering the radiator(s) in your kitchen design. Think carefully about the position, design, practicality and finish of your radiator. Speak to an expert who will be able to guide you in the right direction, helping you avoid common pitfalls and enabling you to make the best choice for the heart of your home.

To speak to a real radiator specialist, contact Feature Radiators. Their expert team are available Monday to Saturday, so call them on 01274 567789 (10 lines), contact them via their website http://www.featureradiators.co.uk/ or visit them in their West Yorkshire showroom where they have over 160 radiators on display.

Feature Radiators celebrates excellent customer service

Last week (3rd – 7th October), Feature Radiators celebrated National Customer Service week, which coincided with the company receiving the ISO 9001 accreditation, the internationally recognised quality standard for supplying goods and services.

Each year, the Institute of Customer Service organises National Customer Service Week to encourage companies to focus on quality and the importance of fulfilling customers’ needs in respect of the service provided.

Feature Radiators is a prime example of an organisation that prides itself on providing a high level of customer service. They monitor this by customer feedback. Whether positive or negative, Feature Radiators believes all feedback is valuable, as it gives them the opportunity to build upon what they do well, and to improve upon what could be better.

A couple of examples of recent feedback received by the team at Feature Radiators are set out below.

“The guy doing the work said that whoever he spoke to at Feature Rads [Radiators] had been very helpful about how to join the radiator that was in several parts, so thanks again. I can’t fault the service you’ve provided and would have no hesitation in recommending you to anyone.”

Andrew

“I thank you for your kind offer to still help me and I realise that you are in no way obliged to make such an offer. Many thanks once again. Whenever I have occasion to contact your company I am always impressed by the bright and friendly attitude and you seem genuinely interested in helping your customers both new and existing.”
John
Feature Radiators’ excellent reputation is also reflected by the wealth of celebrity customers that they supply radiators to, many of which have themselves provided constructive comments:

“I located the rather amazing Feature Radiators who are making me a "landscape" towel rail in a sprayed coloured finish at the excellent price of £300”

Naomi Cleaver, celebrity interior designer, product designer and TV presenter. http://naomicleaver.typepad.com/naomis-new-home/

“Helena - thank you SO much for all your help. Very unEnglish, and very much appreciated.”

Ruth Watson, Presenter of Channel 4’s Country House Rescue, Owner of the Crown and Castle Hotel, Suffolk and best known as the original Hotel Inspector.

Feature Radiators are also not afraid to publish feedback from customers whose orders did not run as smoothly as they would have liked and this approach reflects the transparent nature of their organisation. They aim for perfection from initial enquiry, through to delivery and beyond, but at the same time are realistic enough to acknowledge that at the end of the day we are only human, and issues will arise from time to time. They know that its how any problems and issues are dealt with that set them aside as a company. Feature Radiators are keen to listen to their customers, give useful advice and solutions, and above all, they act decisively, promptly and effectively. The company realises that dealing with a problem in a manner that matches or exceeds customers’ expectations is vital.

“Thank you very much for your swift reply. It is very refreshing to see a company taking responsibility for their products and dealing with product-related problems so professionally.”

Ralf

As well as their positive approach to receiving customer comments, Feature Radiators were also keen to be recognised independently by an official body and expert in quality. This has led to them being awarded the ISO 9001 accreditation by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service that recognises that Feature Radiators has achieved the standard required to provide their customers’ with confidence in the quality of their products and the provision of their services. Feature Radiators now has official permission to use the UKAS and ISO 9001 logos, which are recognised internationally and illustrate that a company has the procedures and policies in place to offer a quality service to all its customers.

For a radiator specialist with an officially accredited quality system and excellent reputation, then visit Feature Radiators at their showroom in Bingley Railway Station, West Yorkshire, contact them on 01274 567789 or view their website http://www.featureradiators.co.uk

Feature Radiators celebrates Central Heating Day!!

“Central Heating Day” is on 1st October each year, and it’s the official day when most folk in the UK switch on their central heating. Every year Feature Radiators marks the day with a party for their team and customers at their West Yorkshire showroom.

This year Feature Radiators are giving away a pair of Elegance thermostatic valves or Minimus manual valves with every radiator ordered on 1st October 2011.*

“Central heating has come on leaps and bounds in the last decade." commented Helena Gerwitz, General Manager at Feature Radiators. “We celebrate Central Heating Day in recognition of the vital role of heating and the advances made.”

Wendy Middleton of Age Concern commented “We know only too well that for old people, protection against the cold is vital and that freezing temperatures pose a serious threat to health. We are urging friends, neighbours and families to help older people to check their systems now, and also get any problems fixed before winter arrives”.

Source:
http://www.ledburyreporter.co.uk/news/local/8402655.Heating_advice_from_Age_Concern/

There have been impressive developments in central heating in the last decade, relating to aesthetics as well as function, and that’s reason to celebrate. With the boom in the home improvement market, consumers demanded better heating products. Feature Radiators were quick to respond with a comprehensive range of stylish, efficient, well-designed radiators and accessories. The Yorkshire based company offer an impressive range of products made from a wide range of materials including handsome valves with thermostatic controls. As well as the traditional heating systems that are powered by gas or oil, there is now some innovative radiator systems powered by electricity (a potentially sustainable fuel). Feature Radiators also offers an exclusive range of electric radiators, namely iRads, which can be invisibly linked together to provide a central controlled heating system in their own right.

To join in the celebrations and mark the day or just to take advantage of the free valves, visit Feature Radiators at their showroom at Bingley Railway Station, Wellington Street, Bingley, West Yorkshire. BD16 2NB, see the website at http://www.featureradiators.co.uk or phone on 01274 567789.

For more information on Central Heating Day, contact Helena at Feature Radiators on 01274 515734, tweet @featureradiator or email Helena@featureradiators.co.uk


*Customers ordering on this day will be entitled to one free pair of valves with every radiator ordered on Saturday 1st October 2011. Valves included in this offer are the Elegance thermostatic valves in white and chrome or all chrome finishes and the Minimus manual valves in chrome or satin finishes. This promotion is not redeemable for cash or credit and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Feature Radiators reserves the right to withdraw this promotion at any time.

Which radiators are most efficient?

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.”

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/efficient

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://www.featureradiators.co.uk/.