 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Blog |  |
Email Us |
 |
RADIATORS AND UNDERFLOOR HEATING SYSTEMS Radiators Radiators used to be large iron units (known as 'School Radiators') which were not particularly efficient but their full bore design, in conjunction with large diameter steel pipework allowed systems to work by gravity circulation alone. These were replaced by smaller panel radiators in the 1950s/60s, which were usually made from mild steel. Although described as radiators, most of the heat from a radiator is by convection. In the 1970s panel radiators started to be produced with steel convector fins on the rear, which makes a significant improvement to their efficiency by encouraging more convection to take place. |
|
Very little innovation has since taken
place in the world of radiators; instead of welded top edges we can
now have 'roll tops' which are potentially less injurious if you should
be unlucky enough to fall on one.  'Compact'
radiators are becoming more popular. These have a paneled in cover where
the convector louvre's are sited, which looks neater, and prevents items
from being lodged inside. Ironically, 'Compacts' are not really any
smaller than the normal type.Whilst radiators look white and shiny on the outside, they are steel on the inside and therefore the water inside must be treated with corrosion inhibitor. Suitably treated, your radiators should last indefinitely. Towel rails for bathrooms are usually tubular and have a generally low heat output for their size. Bathroom towel rails are becoming a major 'user chooser' item, with a bewildering variety of designs available. Underfloor Heating Popular on the continent for some years, and pioneered by the Romans, underfloor heating is starting to become popular in the UK. Modern systems use a manifold in conjunction with a dedicated pump, linked to continuous circuits of plastic pipe under the floor.  HWCH are committed to the benefits of underfloor heating... we've even installed it in our HQ in Surrey. HWCH supply and fit Velta Underfloor Systems.  Things you should bear in mind when considering underfloor heating: Cost: Either type is far more expensive than radiators. The additional building works with screeded underfloor heating in terms of screed thickness and insulation will be significant. Work by other trades stops whilst the pipework is being laid, and can only recommence when the screed is safe to walk on. Delay: With the screeded type, five weeks must elapse after the screed is finished before you can put any heat through the system. The pipe must remain pressurised during the screed curing cycle. Contractors: You should choose a company with experience because mistakes are extremely costly to rectify. Choice of boiler: Most underfloor heating systems should not have water circulated in excess of 50 degrees centigrade. This is to prevent the screed cracking, and is achieved by a water mixing pump attached to the manifold mixing in lower temperature water from the return circuit. Some boilers (such as Vaillant units) can be programmed to restrict their output temperature, which provides an extra level of protection. Because of the low water temperature requirements when compared to radiators, condensing boilers are a particularly good partner for a screeded underfloor installation. Complexity: Due to the nature of the controls and extra pumps, underfloor heating may cost more to maintain over the years than a simple radiator based system. However, we expect the efficiency improvements to outweigh the maintenance costs over the long term. |
| Blog | |
Email Us |
