Air Source Heat Pumps: What Are They?
A heat pump runs on electric and works, in principle, the opposite way to a fridge. It draws in warm outside air and passes it over a refrigerant liquid contained in a series of tubes. This then warms up and expands into gas, which is then compressed to increase the pressure, boosting the temperature of... Continue reading→
Advice: Radiator Care – Part 2
Steam radiators need their air vents cleaned regularly. These are usually located halfway down one side of each radiator unit. If the air hole becomes blocked, it can compromise the efficiency of your heating system and, ultimately, have an effect on your energy bills. To clean them, simply use fine wire, paper clip or sewing... Continue reading→
Advice: Radiator Care – Part 1
It is important to know, before you start, whether you have hot water or steam radiators. The easiest way is to look at the number of pipes coming out of them: if there's only a single pipe, then it's attached to a steam based system. However, if there's two, it could be steam or hot... Continue reading→
Advice: Radiator Covers Increase Energy Bills
In an interview about saving money on energy bills, Martin Lewis confirms what we've known for some time: radiator covers drastically increase your energy bills. You're not only blocking the convection flow, you're also paying to warm the cover before you warm the room. This means it takes longer, keeps your heating on longer and... Continue reading→
Choosing a Radiator: Materials
Steel Extremely durable High heat output and efficiency. Generally the most budget-friendly option. Will heat up and cool down quickly giving easy control Check out our range of steel radiators here: Steel. Cast Iron Industrial style Heats up more slowly, but retains it a lot longer Very heavy, so limits where they can be placed... Continue reading→
Choosing a Radiator: Valves
A question we're often asked is: do you need to have radiator valves? Valves allow you to control the temperature of each individual radiator and, therefore, your heating bill. You can effectively turn rooms off when they're not in use, or have them a different settings depending on the needs of the people in each... Continue reading→
Supporting Local: Whitley Bay FC
Helping to support local businesses and communities in the North East is extremely important to us and, thanks to an introduction from our partners at H2O Bathroom Design Co, we're now supporting Whitley Bay FC in a brand new sponsorship programme. You can see us on a board at pitch side, behind the "man of... Continue reading→
Choosing a Radiator: Position
Where you install your radiator can make a noticeable difference, and there are many misconceptions about the effect the location can have. So, we've put together a "Do & Don't" list to help with your radiator choices and interior design decisions. Do place your radiator under a window There’s a common misconception about having radiators... Continue reading→
Choosing a Radiator: Energy Efficiency
Electric radiators are considered the most energy efficient, with nearly all power being converted into heat. However, keep in mind that, when it comes to the energy bill, it’s how much you pay for the fuel that powers the heating that counts most. If electricity is more expensive than the equivalent amount of gas/oil, fuelling... Continue reading→
Choosing a Radiator: Best Heating
While aluminium and cast iron radiators are universally considered the better materials, it's important to know how you want your heating to work: speed up to temperature or long lasting heat. For speed, you should aim for aluminium radiators. This material is a superconductor and is amongst the most effective for warming an area quickly... Continue reading→