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.

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

The garden building business is blooming booming!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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



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

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

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


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

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

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


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

Bear in mind that these days having a comfortable warm outbuilding doesn’t mean you need to compromise on style with ugly, bulky and/or ineffective heating options. There is now a wide range of stylish, safe yet efficient electric heating solutions available.
For more information on finding the most suitable heating product for your garden building, speak to a heating expert such as Feature Radiators. Visit their showroom where they have over 250 radiators on display and expert advice on hand, call their expert team directly on 01274 567789 or browse their electric radiator range at: http://www.featureradiators.co.uk/Electric.htm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Versus

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

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

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

Versus

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

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

Conclusion

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

For expert advice, speak to Feature Radiators. Their expert team are available Monday to Saturday, so call them on 01274 567789 (10 lines), fax details to 01274 561183, contact them via their website http://www.featureradiators.co.uk or visit them in their West Yorkshire showroom where they have over 250 radiators on display.