Radiator Valves: All You Need to Know

If you’re buying new radiators, then you will want to ensure that you look after your new investment. Part of this is buying the correct type of valves. With some radiators, the valves come as standard, but with others, you must purchase them as separate items. It is important that you first establish whether you need to buy valves, and then, that you make the correct choices. Many people forget to buy their radiator valves, and at best, this leads to delays in refitting the system, but at worse, it can cause damage to the radiators, necessitating an entire replacement. Here, we’re going to discuss the various things that you need to consider when buying modern radiator valves.

What to the Valves Do?

There are two types of valve: the bleed valve and the temperature valve.

Bleed Valves

The radiator valve has an important role. Over time, the radiator system will let in air. This creates pockets of air, and where the pockets of air occur, the radiators are less efficient. If you touch the radiator and the heat distribution is uneven, then this can often be due to the presence of air in the system. It is important that the air is let out of the system, and this is done through the valve. Different valves work in different ways, but they all follow the same principle: they are one-way valves that let the air out of the radiators.

The process of letting air out of the radiators is known as ‘bleeding the radiators’. You need to be careful when bleeding the radiators, because if you let the air out too fast, it can let water out too, which will splash everywhere. More important, though, is that you ensure that the radiators are cool before you bleed them, otherwise, when water splashes out it will burn, and so too will the air. Although air burns less than water, you still don’t want to be on the receiving end of a blast of boiling-hot air.

Temperature Regulating Valves

These valves control the volume of water in the radiators. The greater the volume of water, the hotter the radiator.

·         What are the Various Types of Temperature Radiator Valves

Modern radiator valves are more diverse than traditional valves. Today, there are three general types of valve, these are:

1.       Manual radiator valves: here, you operate the valve by hand. Either you use a bleed key, or you simply twist the valve with your hands (or maybe a wrench) if it’s too tight. Manual valves work like taps.

2.       Thermostatic radiator valves: these are relatively sophisticated and they control the radiator automatically – you don’t have to do anything unless they need replacing/fixing. They use a thermostat to determine how much water the radiator will allow in. The greater the volume of water, the hotter the radiator can become.

3.       Lock shield valves: these are slightly more complex than the other two types, in that they ‘balance’ the system and ensure that there is an even distribution of water in the radiators.

We understand that radiator valves can be fairly complex, so if you would like further help and advice about modern radiator valves, then please visit http://www.designerradiatorsdirect.co.uk.

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Buying Radiators: Things You Need to Know

You may have assumed, like many people, that there is very little involve in buying radiators. You simply find a style you like and you buy it; but there is much more to the process than this. Below, we’re going to consider the ‘need to know’ facts for buying new radiators.

How Big Should the Radiator Be?

Clearly, before you buy a radiator, you need to know whether it will fit in the space. There are many different sizes to choose from, and if you can’t find the size you need, then you can always have one made to your bespoke specifications; although this will be expensive.

When you’re choosing the size of the radiation, you should use modelling to establish whether it will look good in the space at the size chosen. You may think that you need a specific size, but once you install it may find that it looks too big or too small. To work out how it will look you need to create a model – you can do this using graph paper, and draw out a scale model, you could make a mini-model of the room (this can be a fun project) or you can use some sort of design software. When you design your model, make sure that you include the radiator valves in the dimensions that you use; you don’t want to measure the unit, then find that when the valves are taken into account it no longer fits.

There is another consideration with size. The larger the radiator the more heat it emits, so when choosing the size you also need to keep in mind how much heat you want in the room. You work this out by finding the British thermal unit (btu) needed for the size of the room. then you need to buy a radiator that can emit the required Btu output.

Are there Better Places to Hang the Radiator?

Many people will tell you that the best place to hang a radiator is under the window, and while it is true that the room will heat more evenly if you do this, and that it will reach a good heat level. It can also be more expensive as it has to heat colder air before it starts to warm the room. if money is a problem, and the window is relatively far away from where you sit, then you can hand the radiator on another wall, but in general, near the window or an outside wall is the best place to hang it. When hanging the radiator, remember to make room for the radiator valves, as well as the unit itself.

Does Colour Make a Difference

You will probably know that colours play a role in heat – white reflects heat out, while black absorbs the heat. When it comes to radiators colour is relatively important. White radiators are best, because they radiate the heat out into the room. however, the difference is marginal, so if a different colour suits your room better, then choose that one – but do a little research just to make sure that the colour is suitable.

Does Shape Make A Difference?

According to some sources, there is a difference in efficiency between different shaped radiators. Radiators that have fins tend to over the best heat output.

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Buying Towel Radiators: What You Need to Consider

Electric towel radiators make the perfect choice for heating the bathroom. They have many advantages in comparison to traditional radiators: they give you a place to store and dry towels, they take up very little space, they look nice, and they keep the room dry (-although, to be fair, any radiator will keep the room warm!). There are a few things that you need to consider before you buy your towel radiator, and we are going to explore these considerations now.

The Two Types of Heater

You will find that towel radiators come in two different types of technology:

1.       Dry Element technology

2.       Wet Element technology

The difference simply refers to the internal components within the radiator. Some radiators use liquid that is heated by an element – this is the wet element technology. They take longer to heat up, but they are cheaper to run and tend to retain their heat longer. Dry element electric towel radiators heat bricks, instead of liquid. They are very responsive and heat up faster than wet element towel radiators. The choice really depends on your personal circumstances. You should research the difference between both types in greater depth, and then make your choice.

Energy Source

Modern electric radiators often allow for dual fuel. This can mean one of two things:

1.       It can refer to a radiator that has two heating sources: it can be heated through the central heating system but also has an option for ad hoc heat using the electrics. This is useful for those of you who want to use your towel radiator in the summer, but who don’t also want to switch on the entire heating system.

2.       It can refer to a storage heater-type radiator. These have two electricity sources: one connected to the off-peak rate, and one connected to the on-peak rate.

Your choice depends on the system you have. For example, you can’t have the first type of radiator if you don’t have a central heating system. You can have the second type with a central heating system, but it seems a little pointless as it’s more expensive, but some people will choose this option because the style of radiator they like may not be available for a central heating system.

Safety

When buying any type of radiator, including electric towel radiators, you need to make sure that they are of a high quality, and that they conform to safety standards. If you’re buying from a UK source, then they have to adhere to our health and safety regulations, so you only need to research this issue if you’re buying radiators from abroad. There are some international ratings that you can use to asses foreign radiators.

Maintenance

You need to ensure that you buy a model that is easy to maintain. If it develops problems and it is difficult to service, then you will need to replace it or call out an electrician/plumber, which can get expensive. Ask the retailer if the radiator is serviceable.

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It’s So pretty You’ll Just Want To Stroke It!

Now I have your attention you might be surprised to learn that this is all about central heating radiators, but seriously, if you have not taken a look at these designer radiators you are missing out on products that have nothing in common with the standard white panel.

To begin with there is the sheer volume of different shapes and makes as well as different materials. Most are stainless steel, chrome, or aluminium with stainless steel being the most popular for the bathroom.

Stainless steel towel radiators are just the thing for bathrooms as they do not suffer rust and few atmospheres are as changeable as the bathroom where steam and temperature changes over the years can be corrosive to other metal finishes.

In this category alone there is an astonishing choice of over one hundred models from several top manufacturers but all available under the one roof of Designer Radiators Direct.

If you have in your mind the idea that there can only possibly be a handful of different towel radiators then take a look at this one website where single rail to multiple rails and ‘L’ shaped, bench versions and even one finished in siltstone are on view.

The latter can bring vibrant colour to the bathroom and is a little known product essentially ninety per cent natural quartz with resins and additives added to create what is fast becoming the flavour of the year in kitchen work tops.

As you would expect with such a huge choice there is also a full range of prices to suit all budgets. When ordering radiators from this site do not forget to also order the correct thermostatic valves and definitely do consider the programmable ones that can help manage on/off times and thereby assist in saving running costs.

Stainless steel retains a shine and requires hardly any maintenance other than an occasional polish with a soft cloth. It is a very tactile alloy that radiates heat faster than most other material and is a practical as it is beautiful with these stunning designs.

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Smooth Looks And Totally In Vogue

That totally sums up my new radiators around the house, every one of them different, all unique from this one manufacturer and aptly named company of Vogue radiators.

If you were like me and thought a radiator was just a radiator then you need to look at the stunning range of over one hundred different models from this one manufacturer alone and get used to the idea that designer radiators have arrived.

It’s not just the looks that make them all so appealing it is also the beautifully crafted seamless finish to the wonderful alloys and metals whether it is aluminium, stainless steel or chrome. All have their appeal and the only problem you will have is deciding which ones are for you.

Choosing the radiators for your home is almost like deciding on make and model of the car you drive. Once you find the manufacturer that most appeals, which in my case was Vogue, then you, will probably, stick to the brand when they need replacing some long time away in the future.

The exacting standard of manufacture actually makes it unlikely you will ever have to replace them but boilers and valves are increasingly more efficient so they may well be changed before the radiators.

With gas prices escalating and CO2 emissions a constant battle to reduce, boilers are increasingly more efficient and anything we can do to insulate the home should be worked upon.

Not a lot of people know this but if you turn down the system by just one degree then the saving in gas or oil can come to around seventy pounds a year for the average three bedroom house.

Other lesser practised ways of insulating includes the ground floors where the type of treatment greatly depends on whether it is concrete or floor boards. Either one can be better insulated and help reduce running costs.

The latest thermostatic controls are also available at this site and with the correct programming can also help save on those winter fuel bills.

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May Heat Surround You

Most of us know that nowadays modern radiators are produced in many different shades and not just in white. Since they have become focal points as well as being useful they are not hidden behind some form of housing any longer.

This will save the expense of having cabinets made and also, of course, it will save you space which is often in short supply in modern houses and apartments.

Especially popular are the designer brands such as MHS radiators and they are very much in demand for their superb quality and design.

Although you cannot fail to notice that many contemporary designs have been specifically made for use in the bathroom, there are plenty ranges that are meant to be fitted in living spaces too.  Now they are no longer hidden behind some intricate trellis work, they have become very much part of modern interior design.

The old fashioned radiators have become column heaters with tubes that are either round or square which give off an enormous amount of heat.  You can either buy them in a colour of your choice or you may want to choose a metallic finish which is now so popular.

The chrome, aluminium and stainless steel radiators are very popular because of their look and their extremely efficient heat distribution.  Some of them are, with a little care, also extremely hardy and they will last you for many years.

You will not be able to appreciate what choices there are until you happen to go on line to see what is available to you.  This is by far the most convenient way to lay your hands on illustrations and different brands, including cheap radiators, so that you can make an informed choice.

Of course, you need to know what kind of heat output your home requires in order for you to stay warm adequately.  For this reason many sites have posted a handy reckoner for you to use to work out BTUs.

Modern radiators are just as efficient providing heat as the old fashioned cast-iron heaters that were used by our grandparents.

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Cheap, Cheerful And Energy Efficient

A central heating system is more efficient and cost effective than having to rely on wood fires. We have been living with this form of heating many years now.

If you are thinking of throwing out your seventies radiators and your budget is tight you will have to find cheap radiators to replace them. 

Cheap does not necessarily mean bad.  There might be a shorter warranty on them and they will be simpler in design, but they will be much more energy efficient than the ones you are throwing out.

Over time radiators will fill up with sludge and they might start to corrode at the points where the water in and outlets are.  You can either have the inside power cleaned, but why not replace the ugly old ones?

They will keep you warm, are more energy efficient and at the same time they will improve the décor of your home.  The new styles are there to blend in well with old and new furniture.

It may be that electric radiators are cheaper to buy, but you have to consider how much they are going to cost you to run as electricity is generally more expensive than gas.  A slightly more expensive heater may cost you less in the end.

Of course you can go a little further and have thermostatic valves installed at the same time.  They are very efficient in saving you energy by shutting off the radiator when the room has come up to temperature.  The old valves you used to have were probably on their last legs too as they are only efficient for so long.

The new radiators, whether cheap or not, are far more durable than their old counterparts.  They are made of metals that are often powder coated that give a finish that is not easily chipped and the powder coating will also protect the metals underneath from damp.

They are easily cleaned with a damp cloth to keep them looking new for longer, so if you look after them well they will last you for years.

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