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Increasing the Value of a Home with Radiators
In the not so distant past, installing a central heating system in your home was not normally a very creative undertaking. The most critical consideration was how to best heat the room. Until recently the second thing that needed your attention was whether to choose grey or white radiators that would not really catch anyone’s eye. It was a lot like Henry Ford’s statement that you could buy his car in any colour as long as it was black. Today you can find a huge selection of new more artistic units made to fit into the décor of any home. Modern interior designers often prefer to show them off rather than concealing them. Some of these trendy units look more like pieces of art hanging on the wall than utilitarian and mundane heating equipment. Upmarket radiators can also be highly efficient and can increase the value of your residence. People who are looking to purchase a beautiful new home with attractive visual features will appreciate these chic units in contemporary or traditional styles in a variety of colours and materials. They are now made to blend in with any furnishings or can even be attractive focal points on their own. Additionally, fashionable radiators come in all sizes and shapes. It is no longer necessary to position the unit according to its size. Instead you can choose the exact place where you want to situate it and then buy a decorative piece of apparatus that will fit best into the space.
Stylish and Functional
For the more traditional homes, one can still buy authentic reproductions of early designs but with all the benefits of modern technology. These radiators look exactly like they were cast a hundred years ago but will provide the same trouble-free operations as anything else crafted today. They come in a variety of metal finishes to match any era’s interior decorating. You can find many styles of metal pipe, wall mounted units which are more exciting and interesting than the traditional style. One mode is a freestanding column which stands erect reaching almost to the ceiling and comes in a variety of colours to match the furnishings. Another design is a short, wide floor unit incorporating a fabric covered bench seat on top. Not only does this make the heating space useful, but it also provides a warm place to sit when removing boots when coming in from outside. This makes it perfect for welcoming guests in the foyer by the front door. Some other contemporary radiators look like sculpted metal art cut creatively into unique shapes or painted by an artist. Some are available in polished chrome or brushed stainless steel, and can feature formed pipes with gentle, waving bends. You can find small units built into wall mirrors, useful for a half bath or hallway where it hangs off the floor and at eye level. There are even designer radiators on the market made with huge decorative stones which radiate the heat instead of the usual formed metal.
Proper Size Means Maximum Efficiency
It is important not to forget that installing the proper size unit is an important decision. Choosing the size of radiators for each room involves consideration of two criteria. First is the room temperature you will want to maintain. This is not complicated and the home heating industry suggests these guidelines: lounge and dining room 21C, kitchen 16C, bedrooms 15C and bathrooms 23C. The second consideration is how much of the heat produced by the boiler will be lost from the room, a good deal of it through windows and doors, and less through the walls and ceilings. The loss will depend on the type and quality of the materials that were used in building or renovating the house. If the units are not big enough, the room will never reach the temperature you want it to. If they are too large for the room, the system will continuously overwork and be uneconomical. Installing electric radiators is one option for avoiding this problem since each will have its own thermostat for individual unit control. There are some basic calculations that will help you choose the correct output in BTUs (British Thermal Units) for each room in the house. For lounges and dining rooms multiply the cubic footage of the room by five; for kitchens multiply by three; for bedrooms multiply by four; for rooms facing north add 15%. It is unlikely that any radiators will match the exact heat required, so select the first size greater than your heat requirement.
Maintaining Peak Efficiency
Regardless of whether your home is heated with a steam or hot water system, it is vital to have your radiators examined and serviced by a qualified professional at least once every year. This will give you peace of mind and keep your family safe and healthy. Just as important is that ensuring that everything is performing at peak capability will significantly reduce your utility bills. Properly maintained equipment uses less power so heats your home more economically. Between professional visits, there are some things you need to do to guarantee that minor problems do not become major disasters. This applies to all kinds of heating units including cast iron radiators. One, check that each unit is slightly tilted towards the steam inlet pipe which comes up from the floor or out of the wall. Two, make certain that there is no corrosion, rust or paint blocking the air from escaping from the vents. Any air that gets trapped in the radiators will prevent steam from circulating and so keep them from heating up properly. Three, you will want to check that your inlet valves are either all the way open or all the way shut so verify their positions to avoid knocking or banging sounds. Four, look for water dripping from the inlet valves. Normally it is the cap nuts that are leaking, not the valve itself. These are the big nuts located where the vertical and horizontal connections meet, and can usually be fixed simply by retightening the nuts.