Differences between flat panel radiators

Dansk flat panel radiator

 

There are a wealth of minimalistic flat panel radiators on the market, available at a wide range of prices, but how can you tell which offer good value for money?  This article provides a clear guide on what to look for when buying a flat panel central heating radiator. 

Flat panel radiators in white are a popular option as they provide a simple inoffensive design that sits close to the wall.  This type of radiator provides a discreet “designer” option as an alternative to a bolder “feature radiator”.

A customer asked me the other day, “What’s the difference between these flat panel radiators as one is much more expensive than the other?”  So I answered the question, justifying the price difference and realised that this is a common enquiry and something worth addressing properly.

“Designer radiators” are becoming increasingly the norm in homes with a high quality finish and consumers often demand more than the “bog-standard” pressed steel, corrugated panel radiators that we are used to seeing in so many British homes.  As a consequence, the market for more stylish heating products has grown rapidly to include a wealth of flat fronted radiators but with significant variations in quality and price.  Architects, especially, are looking for radiators that optimise the space they are developing, so want high quality, slimline minimalist radiators, which take up as little living space as possible but provide a great heat output.

However, although price is often an issue, opting for the “cheapest” option in heating is rarely a worthwhile investment in the long term and customers find that they get what they pay for.

So how do flat panel radiators vary?  What differences should you be looking out for? 

Below we have detailed the various points to consider when purchasing flat-fronted or flat panel radiators. 

General

·         Guarantee period: A relatively short guarantee period may indicate lesser quality welding or thin steel.  You should be looking for a radiator with a minimum guarantee period of 5 years.

·         Independent testing: Are the radiators tested to EN442, the official European Standard?  This certificate guarantees that a radiator meets the minimum standards on various aspects including heat output, product labelling and safety. 

·         Heat output confirmation: Has an independent laboratory tested the heat output of the radiator? A BSRIA (Building Services Research and Information Association) certificate or similar will confirm that the heat output stated has been confirmed by an independent expert. 

·         Awards and accreditations: Independent recognition helps to ensure that the radiator is of a good quality design.  Look for signs that recognise the quality of the radiators and materials used such as the “RAL Steel Radiator Quality Mark”.

·         Country of manufacture: The country of manufacture does not always dictate the quality of the product but you may want to consider it alongside other factors.  Flat panel radiators are usually made in Europe, mostly in Denmark, Germany and Turkey but there are increasingly more models being manufactured in Asia.  Some bespoke models are made in Great Britain. 

Design

·         There are 2 types of flat panel radiators:

1.       Specifically designed flat-fronted radiators: These have been designed for the architects market, offering clean lines and a high quality finish.  They consist of a neat, simple design that sits close to the wall and often have a plain flat top rather than a grille top. 

2.       Standard-style corrugated steel radiators with flat panels fitted to the front: These have been designed to try and replicate the same look as those specially designed flat panel radiators, but these are usually the less expensive option as behind the flat panel is usually a mass produced, commodity product.  The nature of this construction makes them often deeper in design, causing them to protrude more into a room, and the top of these radiators may be covered with a grille. 

·        Sizes available: Increasing popularity of this type of radiator has led to an increased range of sizes available.  For instance, flat panel radiators are now available in both horizontal and vertical designs, with widths from 200mm to 3000mm and heights from 300mm to 2000mm.

·        Heat output performance: A critical aspect when choosing any radiator, no matter what type, is the heat output.  A well designed flat panel radiator will have fins or “convectors” hidden behind the front panel to maximise the heat output.  Without these fins, heat output will be significantly less, so don’t be fooled by a cheap, ultra skinny flat panel radiator; it could give you the same amount of heat out as a couple of light bulbs!

·         Finishing of the top and sides: Flat panel radiators can have open or closed sides; this does not affect the performance of the radiator and is purely cosmetic.  They can also have an open or grille top; the effect on the heat output of the radiator is negligible when adding or removing a grille.  A grille is usually added for practical reasons (mostly to stop small children putting toy cars down the back!).

·        Valve connection positions: These types of radiators come with either “side connections”, like standard pressed steel radiators, where the valves are installed at the bottom of the radiator on either side, or “underside connections”, where the valves are situated underneath the radiator, either centrally or at either end.  Underside connections are a popular choice especially on vertical radiators as they mean that the valves sit directly underneath the radiator meaning you don’t need to allow any more space to fit the valves in.  There may also be other valve connection options available should you require them.  Whichever valve positions you require, it is essential that you check with your radiator specialist that the radiator you are considering will be suitable.  

·        Design of brackets: To maximise space, look at radiators with cleverly designed brackets that keep the radiator as close to the wall as possible.    Look for the “wall to front face measurement” to confirm how far into the room a radiator will protrude, not just the depth measurement, as this may not include space for the bracket.  

Materials

·         Grades of steel – Pressed steel radiators in white are a popular product but the quality of steel can vary between models.  A thick grade of steel, such as 1.20mm or 1.25mm internal construction will help ensure a long life.   Front panels should be a minimum 1.1mm thick steel; top quality flat panel radiators may even be 2mm thick steel. 

·         Pressure-testing – Flat panel radiators should be tested to a minimum of 10 bar. 

·         Paint quality: Flat-fronted radiators in white or coloured paint finishes are “powder coated” and should have a smooth, semi-gloss surface, similar to those seen on home appliances.  Poorly finished radiators may have a “orange peel” effect due to little paint being used. 

·         Quality of brackets: Brackets can give an immediate indication of the quality of the manufacturing, as a poor quality bracket may well reflect a poor quality radiator.

·         Packaging: Make sure the product you are purchasing is adequately packaged as transit damage could cause delays to your project.  Ask your retailer how the radiator is packaged. 

Service

Always bear in mind the service provided when you purchase heating products.  Follow the guide below to ensure you get the best service possible and minimise the chance of encountering problems. 

·         Choose a reputable supplier.  Look for reviews or feedback online, or ask friends and family whom they used when buying a radiator.   

·         Look for awards and accreditations.  Independent recognition of the supplier will help back-up their reputation, and will indicate that they have a brand they care about and wish to protect.

·         Use a radiator specialist.  Even kitchen, bathroom or bedroom retailers may have limited knowledge on heating.  By using a true specialist, you can get any technical and installation questions answered quickly and accurately.

·         Ask how long they have been selling radiators for.  Although the “designer” radiator industry is relatively young, a reputable supplier should have a number of years of successful trading behind them. 

·         Avoid online only sellers and “Add to basket” shopping.  If a radiator is chosen without expert advice, it can often lead to the wrong products being ordered, causing problems for all parties involved. 

·         Find out if they have a showroom.  High quality premises can indicate a long-term outlook for the business. 

·         Ask about after-sales service.  For instance, does the supplier have technical specialists and a helpline?  Some retailers have been known to fob off customers with the phone number of the warehouse, when they report a faulty product.

It’s clear from the above that choosing a flat panel radiator may not be the most straightforward decision, but by following the guidance detailed above, your radiator won’t be a false economy. 

For more information on buying good quality flat panel radiators with a reasonable price tag, then speak to a specialist such as Feature Radiators.  Their expert team will help you to choose the best radiator for your specific circumstances, so contact them on 01274 567789, visit them at their showroom in Bingley, West Yorkshire or see http://www.featureradiators.co.uk

How to Bleed a Radiator

To ensure effective performance of a water-filled radiator, you need to make sure that the radiator has been "bled" properly.  Bleeding a radiator means getting rid of any air that has accumulated at the top of radiator. When air is present, there is no water, which means no heat. Bleeding a radiator is done by opening an “air vent” otherwise known as a “bleed valve”.  Ideally radiators should be checked for air accumulation at least once a year.

To bleed a radiator you will usually require an appropriate tool, namely a flat headed screwdriver, a “bleed key” or a spanner.  Bleed keys (vent keys) are not included as standard but can be purchased from a plumbers' merchant or home improvement store. 

Bleeding a radiator is a simple process:

1.    Ensure both valves at the bottom of the radiator are open;

2.    Get a bleed key (vent key), screwdriver or spanner ready to open the bleed valve (air vent) at the top of the radiator.  Have a rag or cloth ready to catch minor drips;

3.    Use the tool to open the air vent and release the air holding the cloth underneath;

4.    Listen for the change in sound; you will hear a hissing noise at first, which is the sound of air escaping.  Vent the radiator until the sound changes and you get a steady stream of water.  At this point you can retighten the air vent using the tool.

5.    Once you have bled the radiator, turn the heating back on and leave the system to flow for half an hour.

Please note: On first filling a system, it is air that is vented from a radiator. However, from then on the periodic venting required is actually releasing hydrogen that is the by-product of rusting in the system.  If regular bleeding is continually required, then this is a strong indication that the system requires draining, cleaning and refilling incorporating a corrosion inhibitor to prevent further rust in accordance with BS5449 section five commissioning.  Alternatively, if regular bleeding is required then this could indicate a leak that is letting air enter the system.

Alternatively modern radiators do sometimes come with “automatic bleed vents” which release air from a radiator whenever necessary, meaning that you do not need to bleed the radiator manually.  These are great for convenience, however there are instances of automatic bleed vents causing damage to a radiator as regular venting can mean regular water seepage which can lead to corrosion.    

For more advice on maintaining your radiators, contact a radiator specialist such as Feature Radiators; their expert team can provide technical help on a variety of radiator related subjects.  Contact them on 01274 567789, view their website http://www.featureradiators.co.uk or visit them in person at their showroom at The Old Post Office, 134-140 Main Street, Bingley, West Yorkshire. BD16 2HL

Coloured and painted radiators

Next time you think heating, think hue.  Why go for radiators in white when the heating industry now offers a rainbow of radiator finishes and you’ll be tickled pink by the palette of possibilities; consider radiators in yummy yellows, rosy reds or beautiful blues that will make your neighbours green with envy. 

With the summer being a wash-out, decorators are using colour to bring warmth to the inside of our homes.  Radiators provide the perfect base for a splash of colour.

“Bright colours are the most natural anti-depressant in the world,” says the interior and product designer Jonathan Adler. “Whenever I look at an orange cushion my serotonin levels start soaring, it gets me in my gut. Colours are cheering, that’s all there is to it.”
Consider Feature Radiators’ Colori radiator, a stunning piece of design that in neutral tones could easily blend in to a white wall, however in an outrageous orange, it’s a different story; suddenly a blast of colour adds interest and warmth to what could otherwise be a dull space. 

Choosing a radiator in an accent colour can really help tie in your fixings and fittings.  For instance, the Svelte radiator stocked in bromine red looks stunning when used alongside red appliances. 

Pastels can work as well as primary and secondary colours, adding a subtle but equally sophisticated finish to any interior.  The Classic radiator from Feature Radiators is available in 100s of colours including baby blues, pretty pinks and minty greens.

Coloured radiators can also be used to develop specific themes within a room; why not go for navy to give a nautical feel, go green to bring the outside in or pick purple for a funky vibe.

If you want a specific colour match, then speak to a radiator specialist who will be able to advise you of the range available.  Many radiators can be finished in colours to match those of household paint manufacturers such as Dulux and Farrow & Ball; if you ask for radiator painted in “Dead Salmon” or “Elephant’s Breath” then it’s good to know your supplier won’t think that you’re requesting bizarre sacrificial offerings! 

So go magenta, not magnolia. Go crimson, not cream.  And don’t go white, go wild!

For information on radiators in a huge range of colours, speak to a radiator expert such as Feature Radiators.  View their rainbow of radiators at their showroom in West Yorkshire, visit their website http://www.featureradiators.co.uk or call them directly on 01274 567789.

Are electric radiators efficient?

The team here at Feature Radiators, the UK’s leading retailer of electric radiators, are frequently asked whether our electric radiators are “efficient” and, more specifically, whether our electric radiators are more “efficient” than other types of electric heating.  

When it comes to radiators, the word “efficiency” can be interpreted in many ways.  From our experience, when a customer asks “Which radiators are the most efficient?” they could mean:

1.         Which radiator gives out the most heat for its size?
2.         Which radiator is the cheapest to run?
3.         Which radiator uses the least fuel?
4.         Which radiator heats up the quickest?
5.         Which radiator is most environmentally friendly?

Electric radiators are generally regarded as being 100% efficient as almost 100% of the electricity consumed by the radiator is converted into heat and released into the room.  (This differs from piped hot water central heating systems where some of the heat can be lost through the pipes on route to the radiators and the boiler.)  Therefore it could be argued that all electric radiators are equal in efficiency as the energy put into the radiator will equal the amount of heat put out. 

So the questions above cannot be answered by looking at efficiency; instead the key to choosing the best electric radiator is to decide which would be most effective in your specific situation. 

This article aims to give clear information and facts to help you choose the electric heating product that best matches your unique lifestyle and heating needs.  This will then enable you to minimise any wasted energy, which in turn will help reduce the amount of fuel you use, therefore reducing the cost of your electricity bills and your impact on the environment.

Whichever form of electric heating you opt for, we always suggest looking at the various energy providers’ tariffs to compare pricing as the cost of electricity can vary significantly; pricing does not only vary between suppliers but also between the wide varieties of tariffs offered by each supplier. 

Below we have provided a summary of the electric heating options available on the market detailing their pros and cons to help you choose which option is the best for your home. 

Electric heaters or electric radiators generally come in two distinct styles:

·        Storage heaters; or

·        On demand heaters, namely;

1.       Radiant heating panels;
2.       Convectors; and
3.       Liquid-filled electric radiators.

Storage heaters

These make use of the cheaper electricity that is available at night on an economy tariff.  Electricity is used to heat up ceramic bricks within the heater overnight which then “store” the heat and slowly release it gradually over the course of the following day.   Storage heaters were historically seen as the only real alternative to gas central heating and are still a common sight in homes across the UK.  

Example: Using a storage heater in a room that requires 1kW of heat

·         Require a storage heater that consumes around 3.2 kiloWatts or kW per hour. 
·         Economy 7 tariff = 7 hours electricity at a cheaper rate during the night. 
·         Storage heater is set to “charge” for these 7 hours, consuming 3.2kW per hour for 7 hours.
·         Consumes a total of 22.4kW per night. 
·         Releases the 22.4kW of heat consumed over a 24 hour period = heat output of 0.933kW of heat per hour. 

This means that storage heaters are efficient, insomuch as they give out all the energy that they consume, however they do consume a lot of energy.  Interestingly, storage heaters were originally developed during the strikes of the late seventies and there is an argument that the government encouraged their use at this time as they were keen to keep the power stations running to make the country dependent on the coal industry.

Storage heaters can offer a practical solution for many homeowners; for example, as the heat is released throughout the day, storage heaters are more suitable for people who are retired or at home throughout the day.  Alternatively, if you work full time and do not require heating during the day, storage heaters may not be the best option as heat will be emitted even when you are not there, resulting in unnecessary energy wastage. 

The nature of storage heaters does make them harder to control than “on demand” heating products.  For instance, consider the following scenarios:

·         You spontaneously decide to go out for the day, but you have already paid for that day’s heating;
·         You go on holiday and turn the heating off, but there will be no “charge” in the heater when you return, meaning time sat in a cold house; and
·         You may want to turn the heating off in summer, but an unexpected cold snap might mean you need to do an urgent “boost” on the heaters during the day, which would be charged at a high peak rate. 
·         This lack of controllability makes homeowners reluctant to deviate from the pre-determined charging hours and standard usage.   

Also as storage heaters age, their internal insulation can break down; resulting in heat being expended too fast and so supplementary heating may be required for later on in the day; this supplementary heating would be charged at the peak rate per hour, rather than the economy rate.  Bear in mind that the peak rates on Economy tariffs are usually significantly higher than at any time on non-Economy tariffs and these rates apply to all appliances used during peak hours, not just radiators. 

Storage heaters are often deemed unattractive and the nature of their design makes them quite bulky protruding significantly into a room.

On demand heaters

The following 3 forms of electric heating consume electricity “on demand” unlike storage heaters. “On demand” heating products allow you to only turn the heater on when you need heat, and turn it off when you don’t need heat.  This makes them the better option for avoiding wasted energy as you only have the radiators on as and when needed and there is no need to second guess what the weather will be doing 24 hours in advance, which is particularly useful with the unpredictable British climate.  On demand heaters are normally used with regular, non-Economy electricity tariffs, which do not use cheaper night-time rates.

Example: Using an on-demand heater in a room that requires 1kW of heat

·         Require an on-demand heater that consumes 1 kW per hour. 
·         Standard electricity tariff = same rate at all times of the day.
·         For someone who works 9am to 5pm; On-demand heater timer is set to come on at 7am till 8am and 6pm till 11pm, so consumes 1kW per hour for 6 hours.
·         Consumes a total of 6kW per day giving a heat output of 1kW of heat per hour. 

This example shows a significant reduction in the amount of energy used by someone who works standard hours; when comparing a storage heater with an on demand heater, despite the electricity being charged at a higher rate than on the rates for the Economy 7 tariff, this could still be the most cost effective option in this type of scenario. 

On demand heating products, as detailed below, usually provide a better solution than storage heaters to the question “which radiator is most efficient?” 

1.       Radiant heating panels are either hollow, or, more commonly, are a sealed unit. An electric element is concealed within the radiator, which heats up and radiates heat out evenly from the front of the radiator.  Radiant heat is absorbed by the furniture, fabrics and carpet in a room, so the warmth is retained for longer.  This type of radiator is particularly good for people with dust allergies as their flat panel makes them easy to clean and they don’t “convect” heat or promote air circulation to heat a space; these factors help to reduce the amount of dust being circulated around a room.

2.       Convectors, or heaters that make use of convection, warm a room by following the principle that hot air rises.  Electric convectors usually consist of a hollow case; open at the top and bottom with a visible coil heating element. (Quite often, when these radiators are switched on and you look inside them, you can see the heating element glowing red inside the radiator.) Convection heating works by creating a cycle of air circulation; cool air comes from underneath the radiator, it is drawn up from the bottom of the radiator and then warms up and rises or “convects” as it passes the heating element, emitting warm air from the top of the radiator. This warm air rises to the ceiling, cools and falls back to the floor then repeats the process. 

Electric fan heaters also work on the same principle; the only key difference being that the fan forces air across the electric element speeding up the movement of warm air.  This means that fan heaters will blast warm air into a room very quickly, but as soon as they are turned off, the room will cool almost immediately.    

Radiators that work on convection can sometimes be the cause of black marks seen on walls above radiators; these are caused by the residue of dust being drawn up into the radiator and burnt onto the open element. 

3.      Liquid-filled electric radiators operate in similar way to radiant panel type heaters; they are sealed units with an internal heating element that releases this heat via the outer case, however the elements are submerged in a liquid such as oil, water with corrosion inhibitor or heat transfer agent/gel rather than being dry.  Depending on the design of the radiator, the heat generated can be entirely radiant or a combination of radiant and convected heat.   

Historically, oil was used to fill electric radiators.  However water is now increasingly common as this offers a cleaner option; for instance, The National Trust uses water-filled electric radiators as they do not want to risk using oil which could cause damage to a historical property or its contents.

So in summary, a radiator is just a vessel designed to release energy in the form of heat and the amount of heat that a radiator releases will depend on the amount of energy put into it; this is particularly true of electric radiators, where they will perform at approximately 100% efficiency.  

·         Storage heaters use a large amount of cheap electricity, but lack controllability resulting in energy wastage.  “On demand” heaters use less electricity and offer greater flexibility, but this electricity is not available on an Economy tariff. 
·         Convected heat immediately warms the air in a room, but the heat dissipates almost immediately as the heat source is turned off.  Radiated heat takes longer to warm a room as it heats objects not just the air, but this means that the room stays warm for much longer. 

In practice, there are many aspects that will determine the best radiator(s) for your project including your lifestyle e.g. working hours, size restrictions, interior décor, budget and availability; your choice will be governed by which factors take priority.  The research proves that when it comes to heating, there is no magic “one-size fits all” solution.

For more advice on choosing the most effective electric heating product, speak to an electric 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 250 radiators on display or visit their website http://www.featureradiators.co.uk.

Celebrate Independent Merchants Day on 4^th July!

In the USA, the Fourth of July is Independence Day, a day of celebration to commemorate the independence from Great Britain.  In Great Britain, the Fourth of July is “Independents Day”, a day to celebrate our nation’s independent merchants and the unique products and services they offer.

When it comes to finding products for the home, shoppers are increasingly opting for independent merchants over the larger chain stores known for generic products and lack of personal service.   

The benefits of buying from an independent merchant are numerous:

1. Genuine specialists of particular products, with extensive product knowledge and expertise, helping you make the right choice for your particular situation and needs;
2. Such specialist independents, have the ability to offer bespoke and/or unique products that you won’t see anywhere else in the country;
3. The encouragement of diversity on our high streets;
4. No annoying automated phone service or call centres; phones are answered by human beings and you can usually speak to the same person saving you time;
5. No intermediaries; meaning you can speak directly to the relevant person, saving time and potential confusion;
6. No rigid rules and standardised systems; independents can often tailor their service to suit your individual needs.

When it comes to specialised niche products, such as larger interior products for the home, the relevant showroom will often be a destination in its own right.  Put simply, it’s worth travelling to see a comprehensive range of a particular type of product “in the flesh” and under one roof, particularly if there is also expert advice on offer.  The savings of time and cost can be phenomenal, and the end products are more likely to right for your particular needs and design ideals. Such specialist showrooms will rarely be located in the city centre because they don’t need to be.  Such specialist independents don’t generally rely on passing trade, and need relatively substantial square footage to display their product range.  

A perfect example of this is Feature Radiators, the UK’s leading radiator retailer and an independent merchant that operates successfully from the small West Yorkshire town of Bingley. 

Based in Bingley’s Old Victorian Post Office, Feature Radiators is a one-stop port of call for anyone wanting stylish, high performance heating at competitive prices.  This award winning company offers a selection of the best contemporary, designer, traditional cast iron and electric radiators and heated towel rails on the market in terms of quality, design and value for money. They have over 250 styles on display in their showroom from where they offer expert advice, unrivalled customer service and nationwide delivery. 

So on the 4^th July, if you have shopping to do, whether it be an organic chicken, a picture frame or a household radiator, take the time to consider buying from an independent and do your bit to mark the day.

For more information on Feature Radiators specifically, then visit their showroom at The Old Post Office, 134-140 Main Street, Bingley, BD16 2HL, call their expert team on 01274 567789 or browse their website http://www.featureradiators.co.uk

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 250 radiators on display:

Feature Radiators, The Old Post Office, 134-140 Main Street, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 2HL.