When it’s time to think big

09 December, 2007
There’s a powerful environmental and economic case for underfloor heating in large spaces, says Mike Lamb.
seat
Demonstrating that form and function do not have to be mutually exclusive is this stylish bench radiator from Jaga Heating Products. Providing an interesting focal point for areas such as lobbies and public spaces, this freestanding unit is available in lengths from 1.2 to 2.8 m and outputs from 2.2 to 5.1 kW. Standard colours are white or sandblast or sandblast grey metallic.
Intelligent controls can reduce the annual fuel consumption of combi boilers by up to 15%. Owen Mace explains how.
manifold
Emmeti UK has improved its manifold for radiators and underfloor heating with the addition of a flow meter for each circuit to speed up commissioning, two drain-off and filling points (rather than one) that can be used at the same time — also to speed up commissioning. A Grundfos pump is also incorporated into a full pre-assemble manifold.
wall
Look closely at the object on the wall at the far end of this room. Believe it or not, it’s a radiator. Its manufacturer, Jaga Heating Products, describes it as ‘the beautiful Heatwave radiator’.
heating
Creda’s electric underfloor heating mats are just 3 mm thick and can be used with any type of flooring, including ceramic tiles, carpet, laminate or wooden floors.
PM
Phil Marris explains how the latest technology for low-surface-temperature radiators delivers safety and energy-efficient performance.
LF
Lars Fabricius of SAV Modules explains how new heat-exchange technology can bring the benefits of their own combi boiler to dwellings served by central boilers.
radiator
David Hearne reflects on the demands placed on wet space-heating systems by the trend towards lower flow temperatures — and how radiators can still feature in such systems.
boiler
Ferroli has two wall-hung condensing boilers to its range. They have outputs of 80 and 125 kW and can be installed singly or in banks for higher outputs.
BM
How do you install underfloor heating underneath a wooden suspended floor? Bill McConnel offers a range of solutions.
heater
The new low-surface-temperature version of Dunham-Bush’s AM series of fan convectors ensures that surface temperatures do not exceed 43°C.
wireless
Honeywell has made it much easier and faster to install energy-saving controls for underfloor heating and radiator systems served via a manifold. The HCE80 wireless manifold controller works with existing Honeywell wireless heating programmers and thermostats. It can be mounted close to the manifold, and there are no control cables between the rooms being heated.
Lochinvar has introduced a new version of its CP-M high-efficiency condensing boiler for commercial use. These wall-hung condensing boilers have pre-mix modulating burners and can incorporate additional on-board options, including control of up to four different zones, providing a cost-effective alternative to a full building-management system.
bss
BSS Industrial now offers its own-brand radiator — The BOSS RIOpanel. It is the result of collaboration between manufacturer Hudevad and complements the BOSS range of thermostatic radiator valves launched early this year.
vaillant
Two Vaillant wall-hung condensing boilers have replaced an old industrial boiler to provide heating and hot water for a private GP practice in London. Vaillant supplied two ecoMAX 65 kW boilers, a low-loss header, condensate pump and air and dirt separator for Chase lodge in Mill Hill.
fire
Combining the function of a radiator with the aesthetics of an open fire is Smith's Industries” Hydroflame, which is regularly installed in homes by Wrexham Maelor Borough Council.
bleeding
A new approach to bleeding radiators has been developed by Homeguard.
factory
Ambi-Rad’s new Vision range of energy-efficient radiant-tube heaters have been installed in the two buildings of Ash & Lacy at West Bromwich to replace a warm-air system.
table
The ductwork sector must take advantage of the current healthy state of the market to tackle contractual abuses and poor profit margins. Modern Building Services reports from the first joint HVCA/ADCAS ductwork conference.
AHU
Tony Millard highlights how merely meeting the requirements of Part L can jeopardise the efficiency of air-handling units.
fans
Xpelair’s XPress range of duct fans is said to provide very high pressure development, volume and efficiency — enabling significantly smaller ductwork to be used than with conventional inline fans.
cutter
Lindab has introduced a machine for cutting spiral ductwork on site. The SR Cutter can be used for all types of spiral ducting within the dimensional limitations, including LindabSafe products.
fans
Addvent has introduced a range of powerful built-in commercial wall fans for both public and commercial applications. They are designed for a space-saving flush fit into walls and are made of high-impact ABS thermoplastics for strength and durability.
passivent
Passivent’s Enhanced Digital Controller for its natural-ventilation system now qualifies for Enhanced Capital Allowances, so that all of its cost and associated installation work can be offset against tax in the first year — rather than at 25% a year on a reducing basis.
hospital
A 50% difference between the energy consumption of old and new hospital buildings at the Turku University Hospital (TYKS) in Finland has been attributed the installation of 50 Flakt Woods EU air-handling units to integrate all energy functions, such as heat recovery, heating and cooling.
xcell
Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery for larger dwellings is provided by Xpelair Xcell 270 unit. It uses the latest UltraDC technology for reduce energy consumption in operation and increase its life up to fivefold.
fans
Ventilation is essential for buildings. As their energy performance improves, the proportion of energy required to deliver ventilation increases. Joe Barasso discusses strategies for efficient ventilation.
trickle vent
Titon’s Trimvent Select Xtra 5000 trickle vent can be installed in replacement windows to provide the 5000 m2 of equivalent area that is needed in habitable rooms to comply with the requirements of Part F of the Building Regulations and to conform to the best-practice guidelines of the Glass & Glazing Federation.



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