Vertical radiators – 5 key points to consider

Over the last 20 years, feature radiators have become an increasingly important consideration for those renovating a property. One popular way to maximise wall space and comfort, whilst adding an extra design element is to go for a vertical radiator. Here are 5 key points to consider when looking at a tall, modern heating solution.

Heat output

Heat output is the most important factor when buying a radiator, to ensure a comfort and efficiency. Key to maximising the heat output and efficiency of a tall radiator is down to the amount of surface area so look for ways in which the surface area can be maximised. For example:    

·         Does the radiator include as many tubes as possible? – see our Cirque design, where tubes are tightly packed together;

·         Does the radiator include as many internal fins as possible? – see our Alchemy design, which you can see is full of vertical surfaces; or

·         Does the radiator include as much “radiator” behind a front panel as possible? – for example, it may be difficult to see but, our Outline range has a tightly packed aluminium radiator body behind a sleek front panel.

Feature Radiators’ team can help you with your heat output calculations and make recommendations for the Watts or BTUs you require then make a range of radiator suggestions.

Measuring up

Tall radiators are often chosen for use where width space is restricted. Therefore measuring up the space accurately is essential to ensure you select something that maximises the heat output, whilst fitting comfortably into a tight space. As a retailer, we recommend measuring the full gap, allowing us to consider all radiator options with a range of valve positions when combined with a range of valves.

Alternatively, if your pipes are already in place, then measure the distance from the centre of one pipe to the centre of the other and we can recommend products that will fit neatly onto the existing pipework, minimising your potential plumber’s bill.

Valve connections

When width space is restricted and you need to maximise the heat output in a narrow space then you may want to consider a vertical model with “underside” rather than side connections. This is often the case in kitchens where wall space is limited due to units and appliances. As standard, radiator valve connections go at the bottom of a radiator on either side (BBOE), however an increasing amount of designs come with valve connection positions on the underneath, freeing up space either side and giving a neater finish. Examples of such models are our Classic and Svelte ranges.

Designs

Vertical radiators now nearly outsell horizontal radiators, so consequently manufacturers have been proactive in bringing a huge choice of designs to market. 

The most popular designs consist of vertical columns or tubes with various profile shapes in a range of sizes, such as:

·         Round – see our modern Pentola radiator

·         Oval – see our best-selling Ellipse

·         Square – see our Cube-Tube, high output design

·         C shaped as hollow tubes help to maximise surface area – see our high output Cirque design.

Flat panel radiators such as our Dansk Odin are popular in white for their minimalism, but, alternatively, these flat designs are now available in a huge range of colours and finishes such as our Arteplano in copper and Cliff with a stone veneer face.

 

Tall “feature radiators” come in a myriad of shapes. For example,

• Spirals – see our Spiro 2 and Hot Spring designs
• Twists – see the stainless steel Twister
• Surfboards – see the iconic Blade
• X-factor – see our Papillon hand-made design  

Materials

The most popular material to make tall radiators is mild steel; this is relatively low cost yet hard-wearing and can be made into a huge range of designs.

However, the radiator market is increasingly moving towards aluminium which offers a practical alternative; aluminium is easy to recycle meaning and aluminium radiators are often made of recycled material. It also heats up quickly and is very light weight making it easier to transport and hang. It can be extruded into long finned pieces, offering good value and a high output. One of the top quality options on the market is our Swell range, which comes in a huge range of sizes and finishes.

Many customers request cast iron radiators in vertical versions, but these can only be made to a maximum of 1m high. A suitable alternative would be a steel column radiator such as our Bordo or Classic models to get the period style.

For more information on vertical radiators, contact an expert such as Feature Radiators.

www.featureradiators.co.uk Tel: 01274 567789

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

How to choose a heated towel rail or bathroom radiator

The choice of towel radiators these days is huge.  In this video our radiator expert, Jason, offers a layperson's guide to choosing the best heated towel rail or bathroom radiator for your particular circumstances.  He shows a range of contemporary and traditional towel radiator designs and gives advice on ensuring the appropriate heat output for you bathroom, wet room or en-suite. 

For more tailored advice, please call our expert team directly on 01274 567789 or, for more information, visit www.featureradiators.co.uk.

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.

Different companies sometimes state different heat outputs for the same radiators, why?

Calculating your heat output requirement from a radiator and finding the appropriate size of radiator can be confusing. 

For example:

You provide your room measurements and your radiator specialist, Joe Bloggs Radiators, recommends that you need 1200 Watts heat output from your radiator.  Consequently they recommend a radiator that meets your requirements; X radiator in white, 600mm high x 1000mm wide, which gives out 1264 Watts. 

However, your plumber tells you that the same radiator, X radiator in white, 600mm high x 1000mm wide but from his supplier, ACME Radiators, only gives out 1000 Watts.  How can this be? 

The answer is probably that Joe Bloggs Radiators are advertising their heat outputs at the British standard whereas ACME Radiators are advertising their heat outputs using the newer European standard. 

To explain, heat outputs can be measured in 2 different ways; the way they are measured is done against the “delta T” or “Δt” of the system. 

In the UK, the standard for calculating heat outputs is illustrated by the following example:

• Flow water temperature (on entering the radiator) – assumed to be at 90˚C
• Return water temperature (on exiting the radiator) – assumed to be at 70˚C
• This means the average water temperature running through the system is assumed to be   80 ˚C
• From this figure, you minus the average room temperature – assumed to be 20 ˚C
• This equates to the Δt60 ˚C standard.

In Europe, the standard for calculating heat outputs is illustrated by the following example:

• Flow water temperature (on entering the radiator) – assumed to be at 75˚C
• Return water temperature (on exiting the radiator) – assumed to be at 65˚C
• This means the average water temperature running through the system is assumed to be   70 ˚C
• From this figure, you minus the average room temperature – assumed to be 20 ˚C
• This equates to the Δt50 ˚C standard.

To be clear, there is no difference in the radiator, it is just a different way of recording the performance and heat output.  Like metric versus imperial; the numbers may be different, but they mean the same thing. 

The reason that retailers still often use the original British Δt60 ˚C is because most domestic plumbers and heating engineers still calculate heat requirements to this standard.  Although most manufacturers now using the European standard of Δt50 ˚C.

The important thing is to compare like with like.  Check whether your heat output requirement has been calculated at the Δt60 ˚C or Δt50 ˚C standard then match the radiator output using the same standard.

It is easy to convert a Δt50 ˚C heat output to a Δt60 ˚C heat output and vice versa:

• To convert Δt50 ˚C to Δt60 ˚C, multiply Δt50 ˚C heat output by 1.264.
• To convert Δt60 ˚C to Δt50 ˚C, divide Δt60 ˚C heat output by 1.264.

So in conclusion, when buying a radiator, make sure you are comparing like with like; check the testing standards used and convert the figures as necessary or, to save yourself time and hassle, contact a reputable radiator expert who can do all this for you.

For more information on radiator heat outputs and 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, call them on 01274 567789 or browse their products at www.featureradiators.co.uk.

Choosing radiators

Although Feature Radiators’ team is often complimented on our comprehensive range of products, we are sometimes asked by our customers why we don’t offer certain other radiators that are available from other retailers.  

Feature Radiators’ aim is to ease the decision-making process for our customers; one of the ways we do this is by using our expert knowledge to eliminate products that don’t add anything new to our range. 

There are 3 key reasons why we may choose not to sell a particular product:

1. We want to ensure that all our products meet our strict quality standards, regarding both the product and the service attached, as some radiators do not;
2. We want to avoid overwhelming our customers - There is now a huge range of “feature radiators” available, so if we didn’t limit our range, we would be offering literally 1000s of different models including numerous duplicate offerings; and
3. We want to ensure that our products offer good value for money.

To ensure quality, our business is ISO 9001 accredited; this is an internationally recognised quality accreditation and means that we have strict processes regarding what we sell and how we sell it.  To ensure that we offer the best quality, we have a step-by-step process in place for introducing new products. 

Identify a new product

1. We identify a potential new product.
   1. Either radiator manufacturers approach us with new products; or
   2. Our team seeks out a product to fill a specific gap in the market.
2. Is the supplier on our “Approved Suppliers” list? 
   1. Yes – great.  They have been scrutinised and passed our “Approved Supplier Process”; this checks things like quality and service standards, company ethos and financial health. 
   2. No – then they would need to pass the “Approved Supplier Process”.
3. We request product information and images from the manufacturer.

Scrutinise the product’s specification

1. We do this by completing a New Product form which ensures that we have considered all relevant factors when introducing a new product.  These include:

• Heat output – Does the radiator produce a good output, particularly in relation to its dimensions?
• Quality of the product – Do we feel that the quality stands up against the price?  Have the smaller details e.g. brackets been considered?
• Does this radiator add something new or different to the market? – We don’t want to duplicate products that we already sell.  
• Range of sizes
• Range of finishes
• Availability and lead times
• Delivery service   

1. Once the New Product Form has been completed it is passed to the sales, technical and marketing team and the Directors who then submit their feedback. 
2. A decision is made at this point as to whether to proceed with further inspections or not. 

Inspect a sample of the product

1. A sample is ordered. 
2. We assess the radiator and its delivery service from a customer’s perspective.
3. Negative comments are fed back to the supplier so minor issues can be resolved.  For instance, we may flag up that the packaging is not adequate.
4. Our conclusions are passed to the directors to make the final decision.

Introduce the new product to our range

1. A name is chosen based on the product’s appearance and characteristics; it may highlight a key selling point. 
2. A pricelist is completed and added to our website; this will include images and all relevant information for a customer, not just prices and heat outputs, but also useful details such as “Wall to front face measurement”.  
3. A display model is hung in our showroom for members of the public to view. 

For more information on choosing radiators, speak to an expert such as Feature Radiators.

 

Their large showroom in West Yorkshire has over 200 radiators on display and expert advice on hand.

 

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

www.featureradiators.co.uk  Twitter: @featureradiator  contact@featureradiators.co.uk

Tel: 01274 567789  Fax: 01274 561183

 

How warm should my house be?

How warm should my house be?

“How warm should my house be?” is a common question we encounter at Feature Radiators. An internet search will throw up numerous conflicting answers and opinions, so it’s easy to become confused.

The idea behind central heating is to maintain a comfortable temperature within each given room.  But some like it hot, others not.  One person’s “comfortable” room temperature may feel distinctly chilly or stiflingly hot to another. Which is what we find when we have ‘temperature wars’ here in the office at Feature Radiators. Why? - Because we’re all different, with different backgrounds, different metabolic rates, different attitudes and different lifestyles.  

Comfort is subjective.  Some of us choose to keep our homes warmer whilst others opt for a fresher feel with lower temperatures and additional layers of clothing. 

When deciding on the right temperature, you can’t please all the people all the time.  However, a key consideration, which is universally applicable when considering the optimum temperature for a room is “How is the room used?”

When generating heat calculations for the customers of Feature Radiators we like to consider the common sense observations below.

Rooms in which we wear little or no clothing, like bathrooms, need to be warmer.

Rooms where we lie under duvets and blankets don’t need to be as warm.

Rooms where we sit and relax and where we are not especially active, like dining rooms and sitting rooms, need to be warmer.

Common areas, like hallways and landings, which are used as walk-throughs, don’t need to be as warm.

Areas with appliances, such as fridges and ovens, and in which we move around a lot, like a working kitchen, need less heat.

Whilst there is no right or wrong answer, there are some guidelines within the heating industry.  The minimum suggested design temperatures for each type of room, as outlined in BS5449:1990, are listed below.   

 

Room type           Temp °C

 

Lounge /

Study /

Games Room - 21

Dining room   - 21

Kitchen          - 18

Kitchen / Dining Room - 21

Hallway / Landiing - 18

Cloakroom / Toilet / Utility Room - 18

Bedroom -18

Bathroom - 22

Dressing Room - 21

Storeroom - 16

To ensure a room can reach its desired heat, heat calculations are essential and installing the correctly sized radiators is imperative.

The best way of maintaining the desired heat once it has been reached is through the use of thermostatic valves which offer control of room temperature. The numbered dials each relate to a temperature, once this is sensed by the thermostatic head, the valve will restrict water flow. So knowing the specific dial numbers temperature is a must for heating specific rooms.

If you require further information regarding the optimum level of heating for more specific and vulnerable age groups such as the very young, elderly or infirm; the NHS and charities such as Age UK can offer advice.  

For more information on heating your rooms, contact Feature Radiators on 01274 567789, visit their large showroom in West Yorkshire or visit their website www.featureradiators.co.uk

Heating A Conservatory – What Options Do I Have?

Even with rising global temperatures, a conservatory in the UK will need heating if it is to be used all year round.

There are several heating options for conservatories, and the best choice will depend on various factors particular to your project.

Conservatories can have high heating requirements, due to large expanses of glass, outside walls and high ceilings. Greater heat loss will occur through glass (even specialist glass such as Pilkington glass, or gas filled glass) than through a standard interior or exterior wall. Similarly, conservatories are subject to more extreme heat variations than other rooms. When the sun disappears and the outside temperature drops, good efficient heating enables continual use of a conservatory.

There are several options available for heating conservatories:
· Electric underfloor heating;
· Piped underfloor heating run off a boiler;
· Additional radiator on an extended piped hot water central heating system;
· Independent electric radiator;
· Additional radiator on an electric central heating systems; and
· Trench radiators.

The suitability will depend on how a household uses a space so it is important to consider both the pros and cons when deciding on the right heating choice for your conservatory.

And, whichever option you go for, it is essential that the particular heat output required is calculated, to ensure that the temperature of the conservatory is kept at a comfortable level.

Underfloor heating This option is available in two formats: electric (dry) and central heating (piped hot water). In general, underfloor heating provides a warm floor and will equally act to radiate heat upwards into the conservatory to provide even warmth in the room, with no space lost to radiators. However there are a number of negatives to bear in mind when considering underfloor heating for your conservatory. · Conservatories tend to have high ceilings and big expanses of glass relative to their floor area; so underfloor heating often isn’t sufficient to heat some conservatories during the colder months. Additional heating such as radiators may be required. · Underfloor heating takes a long time to warm up, so planned rather than spontaneous use of the conservatories in the colder months is needed.· This slow response time can also result in the conservatory becoming too hot and taking many hours to cool down. · Certain floor coverings are best avoided for use with underfloor heating – such as carpet, which will insulate the heat and stop it rising, or solid wood, which is prone to split or warp when used with underfloor heating. Tiles or engineered wood flooring (including laminate) are a good choice instead. · Piped underfloor heating systems are often only an option at the design stage of the build and due to the disruption and labour involved, installation costs can be prohibitively expensive. Also, installation needs to be carefully co-ordinated with the construction of the conservatory itself. · Electric underfloor minimises installation costs as it is easier and more convenient to install and can be fitted retrospectively, however with the slow response time and the cost of electricity still being more than gas, running costs could be relatively high. So for many homeowners, underfloor is not a suitable option leading them to look for alternatives.

Electric radiators

A popular and straightforward option to heating a conservatory is adding an electric radiator. As you don’t need to extend any pipework, it eliminates the disruption and cost of installing or extending a fully piped, wet system. Electric radiators are a perfect solution:
· If there isn’t already a central heating system in the rest of the house;
· If you don’t want to extend the existing central heating system from elsewhere in the house to the conservatory; or
· If you need additional heat in the conservatory.
The market in electric radiators has boomed over the last few years and as a result the choice of electric radiators has increased significantly. Many shapes, sizes and finishes are now available ranging from minimalist flat panels in white, ultra modern spirals in chrome and traditional cast iron designs.

Due to the large amount of glass, conservatories often lack wall space; so electric radiator options now include low level and tall, skinny wall-mounted designs as well as floor-mounted options.

Electric radiators offer efficient performance and the nature of their design means they can bring a room up to temperature relatively quickly, in comparison to other options such as underfloor heating.

Extending your piped central heating system and adding a radiator
Adding another radiator to your central heating system is a good option provided you already have a central heating system that can be extended.
Radiators, whether they are central heating or electric, can achieve the necessary heat output required a conservatory in full due to their increasingly high performance.
Following the boom in the interior decoration industry over the last 20 years, radiators are now available in a vast array of designs and finishes, in styles to suit any interior whether it is contemporary or traditional.
There is now a wide range of radiators that are popular for heating conservatories, where the heat output required is high, yet wall space is limited. A wealth of vertical models are now available that can utilise otherwise unused space, short radiators are now often in heights to go underneath windowsills in conservatories and bench radiators offer the option of combining your radiator with a piece of furniture.
Modern radiator valves have also followed suit with a wide variety of models available to match any radiator, alongside offering the option of thermostats that ensure a room never gets too hot and heat isn’t wasted.

Trench Heating

A less recognised option, but effective none the less, trench heating offers a toasty warm room with the benefits of radiators, without the loss of wall or floor space. A trench provides a site for a radiator below floor level with a stylish grille being placed over the top at floor level allowing heat to convect up without the slow response times of underfloor heating.

Summary

As there are many factors affecting heat loss in conservatories, your conservatory supplier or heating engineer is best informed to work out how much heat is needed to keep your conservatory warm. Failing that, a real underfloor heating or radiator expert can work out the approximate heat outputs required, based on the information provided by you – e.g. dimensions, materials, etc.

For more information on heating conservatories then speak to a specialist such as Feature Radiators. You can visit their website http://www.featureradiators.co.uk call their expert team on 01274 515734 or visit them at the showroom in West Yorkshire.

My radiator isn’t as hot as it should be, why?

A cold radiator or a radiator with cold spots often indicates that the water is not flowing through the radiator as it should. This is almost always down to an installation issue and is very rarely due to a problem with the radiator itself.

This means that the issue should be easy to correct by following the step-by-step instructions detailed below.

1. Bleed the radiator

Firstly, you need to make sure the radiator has been “bled” properly. Bleeding a radiator means getting rid of any air that has accumulated at the top of radiator, using an air vent/bleed valve. Where air is present, there is no water, which means no heat.

Ideally radiators should be checked for air accumulation at least once a year. Bleed keys (vent keys) can be purchased from a plumbers’ merchant or home improvement store.

Bleeding a radiator is a simple process:

a) Ensure both valves at the bottom of the radiator are open;
b) Attach the bleed key (vent key) onto the bleed valve (air vent) at the top of the radiator;
c) Unscrew the air vent and have a cloth ready to catch minor drips;
d) Listen for the change in sound; you will hear a hissing noise at first (the sound of air escaping), then it will change to a steady squirt of water. At this point you can retighten the air vent.

Please note: On first filling a system it is air that is vented from a radiator. 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.

2. Check that the valves are open

Make sure the valve is fully open, to ensure water can flow into the radiator.

3. Is a “flow diverter” required?

Certain radiators need “flow diverters” that are fitted internally, to ensure that the water flows in the right direction around the radiator. A flow diverter is designed to ensure that all parts of the radiator get as hot as they should. If a flow diverter is required then it will be sent out with your radiator but occasionally installers do forget to put these in. Failure to install a flow diverter when it is required will almost always result in a radiator not performing properly.

4. Does your system need ‘balancing’?

Finally, if your radiator is still not hot all over, then you need to check whether your radiators need ‘balancing’. Your plumber or heating engineer should balance your system following installation or maintenance of your central heating system. Balancing is adjusting the flow of water through each radiator on a system so that all radiators are running at equal temperatures and take an equal amount of time to reach their operating temperature. Lack of balancing within a system is often the cause of cold spots on radiators, radiators failing to heat up properly, or radiators making noises. If your radiator is not heating up correctly then it is highly unlikely that the problem is caused by a manufacturing fault.

Please note: If you have paid a plumber or heating engineer to install your radiator(s), then unless there is a manufacturing fault with the radiator(s) (which is rare), then any newly installed radiators should function correctly before that person leaves your property. Your installer should also ensure that the performance of any existing radiators on the system has not deteriorated as a result of the work carried out. Problems are sometimes caused by installers failing to balance a system following maintenance but these checks should be included as standard as part of the service provided by them.

For more information on radiators including expertise and technical advice from a specialist, then contact Feature Radiators on 01274 567789, meet the team at their showroom in West Yorkshire or visit http://www.featureradiators.co.uk/

How warm is your house?

Feature Radiators considers an article written by the BBC that asks the question; should we be turning the thermostats down on our central heating?

“Spring is in the air in the UK, but it will be weeks - if not months - before the nation's radiators switch off. The average indoor temperatures of British houses are creeping up now central heating is the norm, and double glazing and insulation are added to older, draughtier homes.” (Lane, 2011)

The article makes it clear that consumer demand for heating has changed.

“Forty years ago, few houses had central heating, and chilly hallways and spare rooms dragged the average temperature down. Radiators now warm rooms that previous generations wouldn't have heated - corridors, bedrooms, and bathrooms.” (Lane, 2011)

But it appears that lowering room temperatures, or even turning radiators off, isn’t enough to adequately reduce our energy use.

“Dropping it [average indoor temperature] to 16C - the lowest setting in this virtual world - only shaves 7% off carbon emissions. Even if we all get in the habit of wearing woollies inside, this will still feel chillier than usual to most people.” (Lane, 2011)

So what else can we do to reduce our energy consumption, whilst maintaining our home comforts?

“David MacKay, the DECC's chief scientific adviser, practises what he preaches in his once draughty semi-detached 1940s house. As well as adding double glazing and insulation, he has turned the heating right down. He hopes that insulating more homes, smarter thermostats and "the promotion of sweater-wearing by sexy personalities" will encourage more people to follow suit.” (Lane, 2011)

The article makes it clear that energy efficiency gained through increasingly effective technology is key, alongside a good dose of common sense.

“So will smart thermostats and radiator valves help, allowing homeowners to target heat where it's needed at different times in the day? Experts say technology can do only half the job. A smart thermostat is only as smart as the person operating it.” (Lane, 2011)

So get smart. Investment in double-glazing, improved insulation and thermostatic controls will mean an initial financial outlay, but these options can dramatically reduce your carbon emissions as well as your heating bills.

For more information on efficiently heating your home or ways of minimising your energy usage, contact Feature Radiators on 01274 567789, visit them at their West Yorkshire showroom or http://www.featureradiators.co.uk/

Lane, M. (2011). How warm is your home? [Online]. 3 March 2011. Available from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-12606943. [Accessed: 21 March 2011]