Production of our Tetro radiators - made from 100% recycled aluminium!

Did you know that every single one of our Tetro radiators is made from 100% recycled aluminium? Boasting good looks and eco-credentials, our elegant Tetro combines all the benefits of modern radiators with beautiful retro styling. It’s profile and filigree pattern reflect the cast iron radiators of old but being made from aluminium, the Tetro is slim, light and energy efficient. And it looks gorgeous too!


For more information on this product call 01274 567789 or visit our website, www.featureradiators.co.uk

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 250 radiators on display or visit their website http://www.featureradiators.co.uk/.

Energy Efficiency Resolutions for 2011

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.

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, we recommend TRVs 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 it 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 http://www.featureradiators.co.uk/

What sized radiators should be used on Ground Source, Air Source and Water Source Heat Pump Systems?

Ground, Air and Water Source heat pump systems require larger radiators than those used on conventional boiler heating systems. This is because heat pump systems operate at lower temperatures. Heat pumps operate between 40 and 50 degrees Celsius, whereas conventional boilers operate between 60 to 80 degrees Celsius. Radiators on a heat pump system, operating at these lower temperatures, will produce around 30% of the heat output of the equivalent radiators on a conventional system.

Dave Wood, of Feature Radiators, the UK’s leading radiator specialist, commented:

"In our experience, most heat pump design engineers favour aluminium radiators as being the "radiator of choice" for these type of installations. Aluminium radiators such as the Decoral, Trend, Lie Low and I-Line have a very low water content and the excellent heat conducting properties of aluminium gives these radiators a rapid reaction time: achieving full radiator temperature up to three times as fast as steel panel radiators. Aluminium radiators aren't the only radiators suitable: Our steel Bordo and Volcano radiators, both with excellent heat outputs, have also been used with great success on heat pump systems."

For more information on radiators suitable for heat pumps, contact Feature Radiators on 01274 567789 or visit http://www.featureradiators.co.uk/