Modern Building Services

MODERN BUILDING SERVICES MARCH 2022 27 FEATURE INSTALLERS VIEW More information can be found at www.clyderadiators.co.uk To heat any space effectively and efficiently, the radiator must be able tomatch its heat output performance to the space - and the benefits of this are not limited to occupant comfort. Installing a radiator that cannot and will never achieve the heat required or conversely, overheats the space, are potential scenarios that will both place potentially huge and unnecessary demands on the central heating system to try to compensate for the gap. What’s it made of Consider also, thematerial of the radiators. For example, opting for aluminiumradiators canmake controlling the temperature of a roommuch easier, making radiators manufactured fromthismaterial more efficient.This is because aluminium is a superconductor, which means it responds to thermostatic changes very quickly and can heat up (or cool down) a roommuch faster than alternatives, therefore placing less demand on the system heat source. Aluminium is also fully recyclable at the end of its useful life, which improves the environmental impact of a project. Furthermore, thanks to its thermal inertia and ability to performwith lower water temperatures, aluminiumradiators workmore effectivelywith renewable energy sources such as ground source heat pumps or solar power. To aid temperature control further, a thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) should be added to all applicable heat emitters. TRVs are designed to maintain a constant temperature in a room by automatically adjusting the flow of hot water until the desired temperature is reached, improving efficiency. It is also worth speaking to customers about additional measures they can take once radiators have been installed. For example, Opus Energy suggests that reducing the office temperature even by just 1°C can result in significant energy savings. In fact, lowering temperatures by 1°C can “save enough energy to print over 40million sheets of A4 paper” and “turning the heating down by 2°C could save £140 on a £1,000 bill”. As such, it is crucial that heat emitters are user friendly and work as efficiently as possible. Occupant safety Another key consideration is the safety of building occupants. Many may not realise that radiators can reach high temperatures that pose a burn risk if people come into prolonged contact with them. Opting for low surface temperature (LST) radiators can help to avoid this, as they are designed so that their surface temperature never exceeds 43°C. For further protection, opt for LSTmodels that have tamper-proof features to prevent unauthorised access to heating controls such as valves and thermostats. For example, the outer casing of Clyde’s LST models house the emitter controls to prevent tampering – and they also ensure that no exposed pipework carrying hot water presents any risk to building occupants. The covers can also be easily removed to enable access and cleaningwhen needed. Finally, look for products that have rounded corners or edges as this will prevent injury if someone accidentally comes into hard contact with the radiator. Design matters Radiators are seldom considered important to the overall aesthetic of a workplace, but they canmake a significant difference to the overall look and feel. For many companies, the colour of office spaces is an important consideration and can be used to represent a brand or signify a particular mood. For example, blue symbolises relaxation and calm, yellow is often considered to be a cheerful colour that evokes happiness, and green can encourage creativity and relieve stress. To achieve a cohesive roomdesign, look tomanufacturers that offer awide range of heating solutions in a selection of colours and size configurations as this canmake finding the right productmuch easier. Space saving In commercial developments where space is a premium – or a radiator simply doesn’t work with the aesthetic of the space, such as in reception areas or glass atriums – heat emitters that can be concealed or positioned within the floor are a great solution. Likewise, radiators in a vertical format can also make the most of available wall space without compromising on performance. These also can be used to create impact and drama, to complement an interior, particularly when coupled with a coloured finish. Peace of mind To provide customers with reassurance that the heat emitters chosen can deliver the thermal performance to successfully heat the space, check that they are compliant with BS EN442. This demonstrates that the radiators have been tested to Delta T50 (the legal standard measure for heat outputs) – and this assists with correctly specifying radiators for each individual application. Furthermore, radiators that have been accredited by an independent body such as BSRIA provide solid evidence of products that are compliant and fit for purpose. In commercial spaces, selecting heat emitters that ensure occupant safety and environmental efficiency is key. Low water content radiators as well as models that can be used with a variety of heat sources, will ensure the longevity of the products installed.