Radiators have always been lumps of metal on the wall around which a room has to be designed. Not any more, it seems, as BSS and manufacturer Hudevad show, underfloor heating and new-look radiators work well together
RADIATORS have been used as the primary heat source for commercial and domestic buildings for years. Doing exactly as their name suggests, the metal panels in their varying shapes and sizes are capable of radiating heat across vast spaces and are easily controllable.

But, with the introduction of condensing boilers and their associated lower water temperatures, many contractors are now looking towards other types of emitters to find the most efficient way of heating premises.

BSS Industrial has partnered with radiator manufacturer Hudevad to address these issues. As a result, it has recently launched the BOSS RIOpanel radiator into the commercial market.

David Hearne, Hudevad general manager said: 'Heating systems are bespoke to buildings. From the small manufacturing facility to the 100,000 square foot office development - each case has its own requirements. But a few simple considerations help to illustrate where a traditional radiator system might be more suitable, or where a combination of solutions could provide the answer.

'The British climate is very unpredictable, which means that our heating solutions need to be incredibly flexible. Add to this our increasing pressures on saving energy, and money, and the task of choosing the right system becomes quite complex.'

Condensing boilers are known for their energy efficiency. But, given their lower flow and return temperatures, they lend themselves particularly well to installation with underfloor heating systems (UFH). UFH is unobtrusive, has the benefit of being able to provide a constant level of warmth across large floor spaces and allows for great flexibility in interior design.

'In contrast, radiators might not be considered the best option for heating large areas,' said Hearne. 'They can get in the way of other internal structures, perhaps resulting in a compromise in the way an interior is designed. Traditional models are not particularly suited to working with condensing boilers as the lower temperatures mean that a radiator would have to be of considerable size to generate the required heat output. And, finally, they are simply not perceived as the most modern option.'

So, how is the radiator reinventing itself to compete with its 21st century rivals? As temperatures out of doors are fluctuating, the the heating system indoors needs to be able to respond. UFH is particularly slow to react to changes in demand, and this is only amplified when working with vast floor spaces. Radiator output, however, can be adjusted to reflect the changing conditions outside - by using thermostatic radiators valves (TRVs).

BSS says evidence of the market demand for this level of control is demonstrated through the launch of its range of TRVs earlier this year. Introduced under its own brand, BOSS, the range consists of thermal heads and manual radiator valves, compliant to EN215, to enable control over space heating requirements - and energy bills.
Another way in which the radiator has reinvented itself is in its design, says Hearne.

'One of the perceived benefits of UFH is that it offers complete freedom on how the space is utilised. Radiators are seen as big pieces of metal that interiors need to be planned around. But, with the vast range of new designs, available for industrial and commercial use, radiators can in fact be extremely adaptable, a design feature and add interest to a blank space.

'Then, tackling the argument for the condensing boiler, working with BSS Industrial we have just launched the BOSS RIOpanel radiator. The range is manufactured in Denmark and includes type 33 radiators constructed with three panels and three convectors, which offer significant heat output at even the lowest flow temperatures. Models are available in standard, compact and flat-front options to compliment any style of architecture.

BSS says the BOSS RIOpanel has been launched to offer maximum flexibility, but Hearne says a combination of approaches is probably best.

'I believe the ideal solution to a complete heating system would be to use the different systems in tandem: radiators, UFH and condensing boilers, depending on the demands of the building. Radiators rapidly to heat an area on demand, and offer flexibility of control and UFH providing constant background heat,' said Hearne.

'Traditional and modern heating systems both have their benefits, but the best solution is one that combines the latest technology from both.'

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