Radiators
A radiator system is a safe, stylish and healthy way to heat a home as there is no forced air draughts and they are not too hot to touch. Normally radiators require high temperatures that can only currently be achieved with combusting boilers, like a solid fuel boiler, gas and diesel boilers are also available.
Radiator Considerations:
1. Pipework runs from the boiler to radiators situated throughout the house. In a wood framed home, pipes run through the framing timber like the electrical and plumbing services. In a house constructed of concrete, pipes can be run between wall and ceiling batons or chased into the wall. As with any service, careful consideration needs to be given to how the pipework will run within the house structure.
2. Radiators are most effective when positioned in the coldest part of a room, where there is likely to be the greatest heat loss. Optimum position is immediately below a window. The next best location is elsewhere on an external wall. If neither of these can be achieved, position radiators as close as possible to these points.
3. It is not ideal to position radiators behind full length drapes, as heat will be trapped behind them and not directed into the room.
4. Avoid placing radiators next to a bed head, or behind a solid object that will inhibit the natural spread of heat.
5. Radiator effectiveness can be maximized by situating them under a protruding ledge, windowsill or mantle, which will help the heat to flow into the room.
6. To ensure an even temperature is achieved throughout the home, radiators should ideally be placed in every room, including hallways, toilets, bathrooms, bedrooms and living areas.
7. In multi-storey homes, radiators should also be placed in upstairs rooms and on landings. Based on the UK standard, allowance is made for 25 percent of heat rising to the next level in a well insulated home. A reduced output requirement is therefore factored into calculations for upper levels.
8. In some larger rooms it is preferable to split the total energy output over two radiators, to ensure an even temperature throughout the room with no cool or hot spots.
9. Often a system will be capable of achieving a higher then recommended energy output, even at extremely low outside temperatures. All radiators are thermostatically controlled, and can be turned off altogether. All systems include time and temperature controls, allowing home owners to tune a system to their individual preferences and requirements.
Underfloor
1. Underfloor heating is invisible and doesn't take up valuable wall space with radiators that need to be maintained.
2. Underfloor heating heats the lower part of a room and gives a feeling of natural warmth. Your feet will be slightly warmer than your head - perfect for comfort.
3. With underfloor heating, the entire floor becomes a radiator. And because of its area, it does not have to reach the high temperatures of a standard wall radiator.
4. Underfloor heating can be used with concrete floors. It can be used at ground level and upstairs. And it can be used with all types of floor covering - stone, tiles, wood, carpets.
5. Although it can be more expensive to install, underfloor heating often proves more economical in the long run, particularly in well insulated larger properties. What's more, the underfloor heating industry is increasingly competitive and the cost of installation is now comparable to radiators in many cases.
6. By employing full lengths of piping without any joints, warm water underfloor heating is practically maintenance free. And the piping used has a lifespan of up to 100 years.
Combination Radiator and Underfloor
For optimum heating effectiveness, some homes employ a radiator & underfloor heating system. Radiators work well in bedrooms, bathrooms and hall ways whereas underfloor is best utilised in the kitchen and living areas where people spend most of their time.
Often the most effective heating solution for a house is achieved via a combination of underfloor heating and radiators. In bedrooms, for example, the times and frequency with which heating is required can vary so a radiator may be the best option because of the rapid intermittent response, even if underfloor pipes serve the rest of the house.
Floor coverings can also affect the decision: underfloor heating is most effective with tiled or hard surfaces. It works well under carpet, but the efficiency loss due to the thermal quality of the carpet and underlay needs to be considered.