13,000 new build homes provides an opportunity for the heating industry

12th Jan 2016

 

The Government plans to fast track the build of 13,000 new homes is good news for buyers and great news for the heating industry.

House building projects enables an opportunity to look at exactly what domestic technologies are currently available and incorporate them in at the design stage. It also provides the opportunity to create sustainable, future proofed homes that are both comfortable and affordable.

 We would urge the Government to use this opportunity to ensure that the heating systems fitted are as efficient as possible. With new houses being built and the home improvements season approaching, let’s look at the role of the humble household radiator in today’s homes.

The outlook

Our future homes are of course shaped not only by legislation and government initiatives, but by consumer demand. The biggest challenge for the industry is responding to those needs in a cost effective way.

Continuous innovation is the key to meeting this challenge. This is why we have seen the introduction and growth of high efficiency, low temperature heating systems, and also improvements to existing products.

The response

The list of heat source options is growing fast, with renewable technologies such as heat pumps becoming more popular.

The key point of difference between alternative heat source choices and traditional gas boilers is that the system temperature is often set at much lower temperatures. This can have significant impact on the suitability and performance of a heating system if the right supporting products are not used.

Radiators in our modern cities

Historically there has been a misconception that radiators are less energy efficient than some other heat emitters when used with low water temperature systems. In fact modern high performance steel panel radiators work well with low water temperatures, making them an ideal choice for eco-conscious developers and home owners.

This has been driven by the introduction of modern insulation materials and standards, bringing significant reduction in heat losses and, therefore it may no longer be necessary to heat water to 80°C in order to achieve a room temperature of 20°C.

A property with, a high efficiency heat source, panel radiators and water at 40°C- 50°C uses less energy and will quickly achieve a room temperature of 20°C.

Modern panel radiators need only small volumes of warm water to operate efficiently and so work well with all heat sources. They start performing as soon as the water in the system, and therefore the panel, becomes warmer than the surrounding space. Low water temperature heating systems using modern panel radiators are one of the most efficient ways of using heating energy to deliver warmth.

Innovation in panel radiators means modern units use less steel, have lower water content, utilise convector fins and incorporate individual thermostatic valves; providing efficiency, comfort and versatility.

Development also denotes that radiators no longer need to take up large areas of wall space; however size is a factor when considering low temperature systems. Radiators for low temperature systems are physically and technically the same as traditional panel radiators, but, the same size of radiator will not produce the same heat output with a low temperature system as it will with a high temperature system. To achieve this you will generally need to fit radiators that have larger surface areas. Innovative developments in radiator design pack more surface area in a smaller wall space than ever before.

The modern day radiator can also work effectively alongside underfloor heating, and it is possible to use the same heating water for both. The latest SAP 2012 document has specific criteria for energy efficient low temperature heat generators and states that radiators are as efficient as other heat emission systems, such as underfloor heating.

Radiators today are not only compatible with current building methods and skills sets, they are flexible and reactive; responding to the real time temperature needs and reacting to secondary gains e.g. people.

Due to their flexibility, steel panel radiators and convectors are the best way of introducing energy-efficient heat generators into UK homes.

Not forgetting that radiators have undergone something of a renaissance in the last decade or so. In line with people's aspirations to create beautiful and unique homes that match their taste and lifestyle, the radiator has not been forgotten. Indeed, options in material, colour and design have meant it has become something of a work of art in itself.

Warmth is both a necessity and a pleasure, warming yourself by the radiator is on par with soaking up the summer sun and in reality, nobody has found anything better than the radiator. While other types of heating system have emerged as popular options, the steel panel radiator can and does compete on all levels and is still very much the number one choice.

MARC and its members will continue to communicate these messages to the Architect and Construction industry. As ever, MARC members will be pleased to offer advice on best practice. You can find member details on the MARC website www.marcuk.com

For further information contact Laurah on 01926 513728 or email laurah@eua.org.uk