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Will a skirting heating system work as well as conventional radiators?

Question

Asked by: Helen Swalwell

We are converting several outbuildings, one of which will be our main residence when completed. We’ve read about skirting heating. It sounds good but we’re unsure as to whether the system will be as effective as radiators — particularly as we live on the Scottish coast and it can get very cold and windy.

Answer

Answered by: Mark Brinkley

The heat output from skirting heating is calculated with reference to two variables: the length of the skirting radiators and the temperature of the water flowing through the system. The key to designing an efficient system is to balance these two variables so that the required heat output per room is met without having to use very hot water temperatures. This can easily be achieved with reference to the manufacturer’s test data. To be fair, the same criteria applies to other heating systems — such as conventional radiators or underfloor heating (UFH).

In some ways, skirting heating is a hybrid: it does away with having unsightly radiators, but it is much more responsive than underfloor heating. Whether it is ‘better’ is a matter of opinion. It’s more expensive than the familiar steel radiators, but not necessarily more than underfloor heating or some of the more stylish radiators on the market.

#1

I got Bestboard heating

Graham Scott (not verified)
Fri, 22/04/2011 - 15:14
Graham Scott's photo

I got Bestboard heating fitted in my house, its great.I had radiators before, cost an absolute fortune to heat.in 2009 my gas bill was £700 a year.This year with the new increase on Jan 2011 my bill is around £500.Our home with the old radiators was pretty miserable.We had timer set fro 5pm to 9pm, by 7.30 it was warm enough.Now its about an hour to heat up and the comfort is great.I am so happy when I go home now with the house being nice and toasty.

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