The most popular method of heating a home in the temperate western world has been to use a central heating system. These systems are normally powered by a boiler that can burn gas, oil or coal, however these solid fossil fuels are becoming increasingly expensive. This means that energy efficiency, and lower energy bills, require some creative thinking when it comes to getting the most from the least resources.
One option is to look at different ways of generating heat. Solar panels are an obvious example and small garden wind turbines are another. However, what both of these options lack is reliability of the raw energy source.
Put simply if the sun does not shine, or the wind does not blow, you have no power source!
The other option is to find a more effective way of using what you already have. One solution is to increase the home’s insulation and install features like double glazing, but many properties already have this.
When these options are exhausted you do still have another alternative available in the form of radiators.
Most homes have the properties original radiators (which may date back decades), or the cheap budget radiators that the developer or builder installed. However there are now many ways of improving on radiator performance.
The first is to fit temperature control valves onto all existing radiators. This allows each radiator to be controlled separately and even switched off independently of the main system.
The other alternative is to look at replacing the existing units with some of the new hi-tec radiators that are now available. Some of these radiators will work with a conventional central heating system whilst others use electricity. But what they all share is an improved ability when it comes to radiating, convecting and dispersing heat around a room.
These designer like radiators also have attractive styling and many will have either – a tubular design (often in stainless steel), or a flat panel appearance with many colour and matt or gloss finishes. Some of these radiators also come with a glass or mirror finish and at the top end of the price scale art work and graphics make the radiators look more like decorative effects than home heating units.
More information about these can be found at the sites and shops featuring designer radiators, or by visiting a local bathroom store or DIY retail centre. Most high performance radiator manufacturers will be able to supply performance data to illustrate the benefits of their efficient radiator range. This kind of information can indicate the possible cost and energy savings that can be anticipated by replacing existing radiator-units with new ones high performance low energy usage alternatives.
