Feature radiators - stylish and efficient

Feature Radiators by name Feature radiators by nature! Our contemporary, traditional, electric or towel rail ranges include radiators that double up as works of art to give the ultimate wow factor to your home, whilst providing function as well as form. Style and substance are no longer mutually exclusive when it comes to designer radiators

Why do chrome radiators have a lower heat output?

Radiators and heated towel rails are available in an increasing range of designs and finishes but radiator specialists are regularly asked the question: “Why do chrome radiators have a lower heat output than painted radiators?”

Radiators are now available in a huge range of models including contemporary, designer and traditional styles with each coming in its own range of finishes, from the whitest whites to outrageous oranges and gleaming chrome.   Customers demand not just comfort but a stylish product to add to their interior décor, therefore heat output as well as design and finish are all critical when it comes to choosing a radiator. 

However, when it comes to heat outputs, customers can find it all rather confusing.  One reason is that the heat output of a radiator can vary depending on purely the finish. 

For example, Feature Radiators’ D-Line contemporary style radiator, comes in white, black or chrome.  You would think that in the same size, they would all give the same heat output, but this is not the case.  Instead the white and black models give out 20% more heat output than the chrome version.  Chrome radiators will always give out less heat (up to 30% less) than a painted equivalent. 

So why do chrome radiators give out less heat than painted radiators?

There are 3 key reasons why chrome radiators are not able to radiate as much heat out:

1. Firstly, this is down to the scientific phenomenon known as “surface emissivity”. Chrome has a low emissivity value; this means that chrome tends to trap heat and it is difficult for it to emit or radiate heat.  This explains why the seatbelt buckle in your car gets so hot on a sunny day.  Although this may not make them ideal for “radiators”, chrome does provide an excellent material for drying towels on. 
2. Chrome is coating applied on top of another metal, usually mild steel or brass.  This means that the heat has to penetrate through 2 layers of metal; and
3. Chrome is as shiny on the inside as it is on the outside meaning it reflects heat back in on itself reducing the amount it can radiate; it has an effect similar to the space blankets you see wrapped around long distance athletes after a race.

10 years ago, a chromium or chrome finish was the latest thing when it came to radiators, but increasingly there is a movement away from chrome because of the lesser heat outputs.  Now customers often opt for a polished stainless steel finish instead as this alternative option is very similar in appearance to chrome but, as it is bare metal rather than a coating, it performs better as a “radiator”. 

There is also some difference in emissivity between not just finishes but also even colours.  However the industry has agreed that this difference is negligible in practice and advertising heat outputs for every shade would overcomplicate the decision for the consumer.   Also manufacturers would require highly accurate, sophisticated and, consequently, expensive measuring apparatus to quantify the difference adding unnecessary costs onto the price of the radiators.  Therefore radiators finished in white and other “painted” or powder coated finishes are always advertised as the same. 

Bear in mind that retailers also may advertise the same products in the same finish with different heat outputs due to the variation in measuring standards used in Britain versus Europe.  For more information on variations in heat outputs see our article “Different companies sometimes state different heat outputs for the same radiators, why?”

For expert advice on choosing a radiator with the appropriate heat output for your space then contact a radiator specialist such as Feature Radiators.  For face-to-face advice and to see over 250 display models then visit their showroom at The Old Post Office, 134-140 Main Street, Bingley, West Yorkshire. BD16 2HL or call them on 01274 567789 or browse their products at www.featureradiators.co.uk.

What differentiates towel rails and radiators?

A customer asked me the other day, “What’s the difference between these towel rails 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.

Heated towel rails or radiators for bathrooms are now considered the norm in the UK. Almost all new properties now include a ladder style radiator and the market has rapidly become flooded with options, with huge variation in quality and, consequently, price.

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

So how do towel radiators vary? What differences should you be looking out for?
Below we have detailed the various points to consider when purchasing towel radiators, helping you avoid the old saying: “buy cheap, buy twice”.

General

· Guarantee period – A relatively short guarantee period may indicate poor quality welding or chroming. You should be looking for a radiator with a minimum guarantee period of 5 years for central heating models.
· 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, material thickness, pressure testing, paint quality, product labelling and safety.
· Heat output - 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 and practical design.

Design

· Sizes available – Mass production can help keep costs down on towel radiators, however this often means there is a limited range of sizes available. For instance, you may not have the option of 300mm wide towel rails that maybe perfect for use in your downstairs cloakroom or loo.
· Position of brackets – Rails may include brackets that don’t maximise the space for holding towels as much as they could. Consider going for towel radiators with the brackets located at the edges as this leaves the full width of the radiator free on which to hang towels.
· Position of bars - Closely spaced bars maximise the heat output of a towel rail but are not a feature on cheap rails as they are more difficult to manufacture, especially in chromed versions. For this reason, a high quality chrome rail may often offer a better heat output than a cheaper chrome towel rail in an equivalent size.

Material

· Grades of chrome – Chrome towel rails are still a popular choice, and the quality of chrome varies hugely between models. A luxurious, thick application of chrome adds to the look and the durability of a product. It is recommended that radiators must have at least level “SC2” chrome to ensure that they are suitable for use in spaces with condensation such as bathrooms.
· Consider stainless steel - Recent trends have led to an increase in stainless steel radiator options. This inert metal offers various benefits as due to it’s non-corrosive properties; for instance, it has a long life expectancy meaning guarantees are often 20 or 25 years and it does not have to be used in conjunction with corrosion inhibitor. Stainless steel towel rails also offer better heat outputs than similar models in chrome, as it is bare metal finish as opposed to a coated metal finish. Polished stainless steel offers a finish that is virtually identical to chrome, and stainless steel is also available in a brushed finish giving an alternative matt effect.

Service

Always bear in mind the service provided when you purchase heating for your bathroom. 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 towel 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 bathroom 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 towel 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 or towel rail 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. If you can’t visit their premises “in the flesh”, then why not look at their showroom online?
· 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 heated towel rail or radiator for your bathroom may not be the most straightforward decision, but by following the guidance detailed above, your towel radiator won’t be a false economy.

For more information on buying good quality, durable heated towel rails and radiators with a high end finish, then speak to a specialist such as Feature Radiators. Their expert team will help you to choose the best radiator for your situation, so contact them on 01274 567789, visit them at their showroom in Bingley, West Yorkshire or see http://www.featureradiators.co.uk

This week, Feature Radiators presented the charity, Crohn’s and Colitis UK, with a cheque for £337.03 raised from their “Red Hot” radiator promotion.

Annually Crohn’s and Colitis UK (formerly known as the National Association of Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s or the NACC) organises Red Hot Day, a fund-raising day for those affected by Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), the most common forms being Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. These diseases affect about 250,000 people in the UK and the charity aims to help its members by providing support for sufferers and their families, through its publications, helplines and a website.

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

“As a member, I have been sent useful information that has helped me with the ongoing management of my condition as well as preparing me for surgery. My consultant is fantastic but when you have a quick question that needs answering, then http://www.nacc.org.uk/ is my first point of call. The charity also provides regular newsletters, keeping me up-to-date on research into these currently incurable diseases.”

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. So the Feature Radiators’ team thought about how they could help and Helena approached her directors with a proposition. “I thought its 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!”

So Feature Radiators decided that they would donate 20% of the price of their brand new Red Hot radiator along with a contribution from the manufacturer, Pitacs, to Crohn’s and Colitis UK resulting in a total of £337.03 raised for the charity.

The cheque was gratefully accepted by Dr. Conrad Beckett, consultant gastroenterologist at Bradford’s Royal Infirmary, on behalf of Crohn’s and Colitis UK at Feature Radiators’ showroom in Bingley, West Yorkshire.

The Feature Radiators team and the Red Hot radiator’s manufacturer, Pitacs, are overjoyed at the success of their fund-raising, and hope they have helped the charity in achieving their aims and that the Red Hot radiator has enabled them to better support those suffering with IBD.


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.

With over 250 styles on display in their West Yorkshire showroom, expert advice, unrivalled customer service and nationwide delivery, they are widely recognized as the UK's leading radiator specialist.

For more information on the Red Hot radiator or other radiators call 01274 567789, contact Helena@featureradiators.co.uk or visit http://www.featureradiators.co.uk/

For more information on the charity Crohn’s and Colitis UK (formerly known as National Association for Colitis and Crohn’s Diseases), visit http://www.nacc.org.uk/

Charity registered in England Number: 1117148
Charity registered in Scotland Number: SC038632
A company limited by guarantee in England. Company number: 5973370

Looking for a vertical chrome radiator that is surprisingly affordable?

Then look no further than Feature Radiators’ Red Hot, the latest addition to their contemporary range. A modern, vertical radiator, in stock in both chrome and matt red for quick delivery, that is stunning but also offers fantastic value for money, starting at only £230 + VAT.

The Red Hot is also available with a towel rail, making it a perfect addition to any stylish bathroom.

The Red Hot radiator has been launched to raise awareness and funds for the charity Crohn’s and Colitis UK, in conjunction with their annual Red Hot Day. 20% of the sale price of the Red Hot radiator will go to the charity to help continue their work supporting those suffering with these chronic diseases.

Feature Radiators, based in Bingley, West Yorkshire, has a comprehensive range that includes contemporary, designer, traditional cast iron and electric radiators and heated towel rails, providing quality and design as well as value for money.

With over 150 styles on display in their showroom, expert advice, unrivalled customer service and nationwide delivery, they are widely recognized as the UK’s leading radiator specialist.

For more information on the Red Hot radiator or other radiators call 01274 515734, contact Helena@featureradiators.co.uk or visit www.featureradiators.co.uk

For more information on the charity Crohn’s and Colitis UK (formerly known as National Association for Colitis and Crohn’s Diseases), visit www.nacc.org.uk

Charity registered in England Number: 1117148
Charity registered in Scotland Number: SC038632
A company limited by guarantee in England. Company number: 5973370

Feature Radiators raise money for Crohn’s and Colitis UK’s Red Hot Day

The 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, West Yorkshire 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 www.nacc.org.uk is my first point of call. They also provide regular newsletters, keeping me up-to-date on research into these currently incurable diseases.”

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. Could Feature Radiators help the charity reach their target of £20,000?

So 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!”

So 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.

With over 150 styles on display in their West Yorkshire showroom, expert advice, unrivalled customer service and nationwide delivery, they are widely recognized as the UK's leading radiator specialist.

For more information on the Red Hot radiator or other radiators call 01274 515734, contact Helena@featureradiators.co.uk or visit www.featureradiators.co.uk

For more information on the charity Crohn’s and Colitis UK (formerly known as National Association for Colitis and Crohn’s Diseases), visit www.nacc.org.uk

Charity registered in England Number: 1117148
Charity registered in Scotland Number: SC038632
A company limited by guarantee in England. Company number: 5973370