Radiators for kitchens

The kitchen is increasingly becoming the heart of the home, so it’s no surprise that radiator experts are often asked: “Which radiator is best for a kitchen?” The answer will depend on the specifics of your kitchen, but there are some common factors that apply to all kitchens when considering heating.

Heat output
This is always the first and most important factor. Speak to a radiator specialist or heating engineer to find out how much heat your kitchen needs from radiators to ensure a comfortable environment.

Space
As kitchen cabinets often take up the majority of wall space, finding a suitable place on the wall for a radiator can be a challenge. However, with so many different shapes and sizes of radiators available, there is likely to be a simple solution, such as a vertical radiator that can be positioned behind a door or on a pillar taking up otherwise unused space.

Hanging tea towels
You may wish to dry tea towels on a kitchen radiator so options could include a heated towel rail in ladder style with towel hanging space or, for more heat output, go for a radiator with a towel-hanging rail attached.

Valves
Due to the fluctuating temperature of a kitchen, from the hob, oven and other appliances, experts recommend the installation of thermostatic valves. Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) have an in-built temperature sensor. The thermostatic valve maintains room temperature, 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, gas cookers or electrical appliances. As the valve is controlled automatically, it turns itself up and down, ensuring the radiators perform as efficiently as possible, reducing energy waste. For this reason, TRVs are the environmentally friendly valve choice.

Hygiene
It’s always worth considering hygiene when choosing appliances and materials for use in the kitchen. Radiators with a smooth finish are generally easier to wipe clean than radiators with a textured finish. Where possible, it is a good idea for the radiator’s pipework to come out of the wall instead of up from the floor. This will make mopping the floor easier and will limit areas where dirt could build up.

Matching
In order to really finish off a room and ensure a high quality finish, clever matching of finishes is essential. This can be done in all manner of ways as considered below.
Is there an Aga or Rayburn in your kitchen? If so, look for a matching paint finish on your radiator.
Going for granite worktops? Then consider a granite radiator; choose from a variety of stones such as Nero Assoluto. You can now even get radiators made of Silestone, a natural quartz material that is popular for use on kitchen work surfaces.
If you have a cooker hood in a brushed finish, then why not consider a radiator in brushed stainless steel to match.
And for those finishing touches, don’t forget your valves; a high quality valve in a matching finish can link key features together. Why not match your radiator valves to your light switches, cabinet handles and/or plug sockets for a high-end look.

Don't rush into a decision when considering the radiator(s) in your kitchen design. Think carefully about the position, design, practicality and finish of your radiator. Speak to an expert who will be able to guide you in the right direction, helping you avoid common pitfalls and enabling you to make the best choice for the heart of your home.

To speak to a real radiator specialist, contact Feature Radiators. Their expert team are available Monday to Saturday, so call them on 01274 567789 (10 lines), 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.

Feature Radiators celebrates excellent customer service

Last week (3rd – 7th October), Feature Radiators celebrated National Customer Service week, which coincided with the company receiving the ISO 9001 accreditation, the internationally recognised quality standard for supplying goods and services.

Each year, the Institute of Customer Service organises National Customer Service Week to encourage companies to focus on quality and the importance of fulfilling customers’ needs in respect of the service provided.

Feature Radiators is a prime example of an organisation that prides itself on providing a high level of customer service. They monitor this by customer feedback. Whether positive or negative, Feature Radiators believes all feedback is valuable, as it gives them the opportunity to build upon what they do well, and to improve upon what could be better.

A couple of examples of recent feedback received by the team at Feature Radiators are set out below.

“The guy doing the work said that whoever he spoke to at Feature Rads [Radiators] had been very helpful about how to join the radiator that was in several parts, so thanks again. I can’t fault the service you’ve provided and would have no hesitation in recommending you to anyone.”

Andrew

“I thank you for your kind offer to still help me and I realise that you are in no way obliged to make such an offer. Many thanks once again. Whenever I have occasion to contact your company I am always impressed by the bright and friendly attitude and you seem genuinely interested in helping your customers both new and existing.”
John
Feature Radiators’ excellent reputation is also reflected by the wealth of celebrity customers that they supply radiators to, many of which have themselves provided constructive comments:

“I located the rather amazing Feature Radiators who are making me a "landscape" towel rail in a sprayed coloured finish at the excellent price of £300”

Naomi Cleaver, celebrity interior designer, product designer and TV presenter. http://naomicleaver.typepad.com/naomis-new-home/

“Helena - thank you SO much for all your help. Very unEnglish, and very much appreciated.”

Ruth Watson, Presenter of Channel 4’s Country House Rescue, Owner of the Crown and Castle Hotel, Suffolk and best known as the original Hotel Inspector.

Feature Radiators are also not afraid to publish feedback from customers whose orders did not run as smoothly as they would have liked and this approach reflects the transparent nature of their organisation. They aim for perfection from initial enquiry, through to delivery and beyond, but at the same time are realistic enough to acknowledge that at the end of the day we are only human, and issues will arise from time to time. They know that its how any problems and issues are dealt with that set them aside as a company. Feature Radiators are keen to listen to their customers, give useful advice and solutions, and above all, they act decisively, promptly and effectively. The company realises that dealing with a problem in a manner that matches or exceeds customers’ expectations is vital.

“Thank you very much for your swift reply. It is very refreshing to see a company taking responsibility for their products and dealing with product-related problems so professionally.”

Ralf

As well as their positive approach to receiving customer comments, Feature Radiators were also keen to be recognised independently by an official body and expert in quality. This has led to them being awarded the ISO 9001 accreditation by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service that recognises that Feature Radiators has achieved the standard required to provide their customers’ with confidence in the quality of their products and the provision of their services. Feature Radiators now has official permission to use the UKAS and ISO 9001 logos, which are recognised internationally and illustrate that a company has the procedures and policies in place to offer a quality service to all its customers.

For a radiator specialist with an officially accredited quality system and excellent reputation, then visit Feature Radiators at their showroom in The Old Post Office, 134-140 Main Street, Bingley, West Yorkshire. BD16 2HL, contact them on 01274 567789 or view their website http://www.featureradiators.co.uk

Feature Radiators celebrates Central Heating Day!!

“Central Heating Day” is on 1st October each year, and it’s the official day when most folk in the UK switch on their central heating. Every year Feature Radiators marks the day with a party for their team and customers at their West Yorkshire showroom.

This year Feature Radiators are giving away a pair of Elegance thermostatic valves or Minimus manual valves with every radiator ordered on 1st October 2011.*

“Central heating has come on leaps and bounds in the last decade." commented Helena Gerwitz, General Manager at Feature Radiators. “We celebrate Central Heating Day in recognition of the vital role of heating and the advances made.”

Wendy Middleton of Age Concern commented “We know only too well that for old people, protection against the cold is vital and that freezing temperatures pose a serious threat to health. We are urging friends, neighbours and families to help older people to check their systems now, and also get any problems fixed before winter arrives”.

Source:
http://www.ledburyreporter.co.uk/news/local/8402655.Heating_advice_from_Age_Concern/There have been impressive developments in central heating in the last decade, relating to aesthetics as well as function, and that’s reason to celebrate. With the boom in the home improvement market, consumers demanded better heating products. Feature Radiators were quick to respond with a comprehensive range of stylish, efficient, well-designed radiators and accessories. The Yorkshire based company offer an impressive range of products made from a wide range of materials including handsome valves with thermostatic controls. As well as the traditional heating systems that are powered by gas or oil, there is now some innovative radiator systems powered by electricity (a potentially sustainable fuel). Feature Radiators also offers an exclusive range of electric radiators, namely iRads, which can be invisibly linked together to provide a central controlled heating system in their own right.

To join in the celebrations and mark the day or just to take advantage of the free valves, visit Feature Radiators at their showroom at The Old Post Office, 134-140 Main Street, Bingley, West Yorkshire. BD16 2HL, see the website at http://www.featureradiators.co.uk or phone on 01274 567789.

For more information on Central Heating Day, contact Helena at Feature Radiators on 01274 515734, tweet @featureradiator or email Helena@featureradiators.co.uk


*Customers ordering on this day will be entitled to one free pair of valves with every radiator ordered on Saturday 1st October 2011. Valves included in this offer are the Elegance thermostatic valves in white and chrome or all chrome finishes and the Minimus manual valves in chrome or satin finishes. This promotion is not redeemable for cash or credit and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Feature Radiators reserves the right to withdraw this promotion at any time.

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/.

Positioning of radiators

When revamping your heating system you may feel restricted by the current position of pipework. However, with radiator technology coming on leaps and bounds over recent years and the ever improving insulation of properties, you no longer need to feel restricted by the standard conventions for radiator installation.

Radiators were historically always situated in the coldest part of a room, often against an outside wall or under a window, where the cold air drops to the floor. This meant that radiators were traditionally always around 600mm or 2ft high.

There was logic behind this standard at the time. Older properties that were poorly insulated with single glazing were prone to draughts; if a radiator was positioned on a wall opposite the window, this would cause cold air to be drawn across the floor due to the convection process. So a radiator was put under the window to help eliminate the cold draught problem.

Nowadays, though, most properties are far better insulated and double-glazing is rapidly becoming the norm. Alongside this, radiators are now available in a wealth of shapes and sizes and are definitely no longer the “normal” corrugated panels that we have become accustomed to. This means that you can now choose a radiator in the size and shape that you want, and position them, to best suit your room design.

With so many different radiator options now available, there are likely to be several possible places where you could put your radiators. So consider the following points when deciding on a setting for your radiators:

· Try and make the best use of space where possible and don’t be restricted by the positioning of current pipework. A new radiator in a new position might free up valuable wall space. For instance, it might be worth considering switching from a horizontal radiator, to a vertical model that can be installed in a corner or alcove, a place that would have previously been considered unusable.

· If you are opting for full length curtains, then the radiators should not be placed under the windows as much of the heat will be shut behind the curtains when they are closed.

· In a lounge, it is preferable not to put a radiator behind furniture such as a sofa, which may absorb the radiant heat. However, if your options are limited and behind furniture is the best position available, then it is better to look at radiators that are designed to ‘convect’ i.e. emit heat from the top, rather than models that ‘radiate’ i.e. emit heat from the front.

· In a kitchen, units often take up most available wall space, so the best solution may be a tall slim radiator, to fit behind the door or fill a space that you previously considered to not be wide enough for a radiator.

· In a bathroom, where a radiator is often used to dry towels, consider where the radiator will be in relation to the bath or basin.

· Why not consider positioning radiators to highlight a particular feature of the room? For example, you could place two identical radiators symmetrically, one each side of an entrance, archway or window. Or you could consider aligning the top of a vertical radiator with the top of a door, a window or a painting; the radiator will seek to draw the eye upwards towards the feature.

In conclusion, the radiator world is your oyster! No longer do you need to go for the boring bog-standard radiators we are used to, that often take up much needed wall space. Instead, look at your room afresh and speak to a radiator specialist for some advice on which products might best suit your space.

For more information on where to position your radiators, then speak to an expert such as Feature Radiators. Browse their website http://www.featureradiators.co.uk, call their specialist team on 01274 567789 or visit them at their showroom in The Old Post Office, 134-140 Main Street, Bingley, West Yorkshire. BD16 2HL.

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

Interiors Shopping around Bingley, West Yorkshire

Are you looking to renovate a property or looking for an iconic piece of design for your home? Are you reluctant to visit the many chain stores that we are now so familiar with due to their generic products and lack of personal service? Then why not look to a local independent merchant for products to upgrade your home.



You don’t need to be in a big metropolis to find help on your quest for stylish interiors. Even in small UK towns, there is a wealth of high quality products and services available from local businesses. Often retailers may be in more random locations but as real specialists, selling niche products, their shop may be a destination in it’s own right.



We decided to do some research into what interior design businesses are situated in our local area and we chose Bingley, West Yorkshire as our test area. We wanted to see what independent merchants are situated in a small British town, such as Bingley, and what they can offer the style conscious homeowner.



Bingley is a small market town with a population of just under 20,000 and is situated in the Aire Valley, West Yorkshire, close to both Leeds and Bradford and on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.

Bingley is situated in the heart of the UK’s textile industry and its Victorian mills still illustrate its history of producing woollen goods. This expertise is reflected in the wealth of carpet suppliers in the area.



For instance, Carpet Time, based in Bingley, is one of Bradford’s best-known carpet retailers. Started in 1947, this family business has adapted over the year’s to suit ever-changing consumer demands adapting their flooring range to include the latest in high quality laminates and vinyls.



Another legacy from the industrial revolution is Salts Mill, which is now a real destination in West Yorkshire when it comes to interiors. The Home store on the mill’s main floor offers stunningly presented designer homewares and the ultimate in classic furniture; Mies van der Rohe chairs sit alongside Alessi kettles and Phillipe Starck lemon juicers. The Mill, Saltaire also sells affordable art for the home with a wide range of posters and prints available from the bookshop.



As the UK’s leading radiator retailer, Feature Radiators, based in The Old Post Office on Bingley's Main Street, is the 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. With over 250 styles on display in their showroom, expert advice, unrivalled customer service and nationwide delivery, we are widely recognized as the UK's leading radiator specialist.



For textiles, The Design Mill at Castlefields Industrial Estate offers supply and design services for curtains and blinds from a range of fabulous fabrics at discounted prices. With Bradford and Keighley close by, Bingley also is ideally located for sourcing Asian fabrics due to Airedale’s connections to the East. Asian textiles are readily available from a huge array of merchants around the city, most notably Bombay Stores, Shearbridge Road, Bradford, which is the UK’s largest Asian department store.



It’s clear to see that big cities and chain stores are not the only option when it comes to sourcing the right interiors products. Local independent merchants operating around the country can offer a personalised service and as specialists in a particular field, their knowledge of products and the market makes choosing the features for your home not only easy and uncomplicated but also enjoyable.



For more information on shopping in Bingley, then contact Bingley’s Chamber of Trade and Commerce.



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 www.featureradiators.co.uk