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Embedding sustainability into interior design creates a crossover of function and fashion that positively impacts the people using the space.
Ensuring a room is ambiently heated is an integral part of creating a comfortable room where people want to spend their time.
We may typically view heating solutions as a clunky box on the wall that adds little to the aesthetic of a room. If it requires additional features such as low surface temperature or energy-efficient parts then it may be harder to believe that a radiator can be stylish, functional and serve its primary purpose. But the latest advancements in energy-efficient radiators have led to the creation of sleek and cost-effective radiators.
Energy-Efficient Radiators & Interior Design
Radiators aren’t necessarily the first consideration for interior designers but if your project requires a high-end solution then you’ll be looking for something sleek and stylish. If it’s for commercial use, then a heating system that keeps costs down would be best.
For example, if you’re designing a car showroom, an office or a hotel lobby then you’ll be looking for a heating solution that fulfils 3 clear objectives:
- Safe
- Stylish
- Energy Efficient
Safe Heating Systems
A hot surface is a potential hazard in any environment. Even more so if there’s a large volume of people passing through. The risk of a burn or bump increases.
For this reason, ensuring the installation of a low surface temperature radiator should be one of your first design considerations. An LST will not exceed 43°C which reduces burn risk whilst supplying enough warmth to the room.
Your radiator needs to have rounded corners and edges to prevent injury in case of a trip or slip. If you’re installing an energy-efficient radiator in a public space, consider specifying a guard or grille that prevents tampering or objects from being lost inside the radiator unit.
Stylish Heating Design
If you’re designing for a commercial or luxury space the heating system needs to blend seamlessly with the room. The radiator needs to feel like a part of the wider design or, in some cases, be hidden.
A sleek subtle design will add a touch of class to an often-overlooked part of the furniture.
Colour-matching your radiator to the rest of the room offers something different than the traditional white, modern radiators can be colour matched using a RAL chart to get the exact shade you desire.
Energy Efficient Radiators
In a commercial setting making smart design choices can reduce energy use. Keeping heating costs down is of huge benefit to building owners, landlords and those footing the bill. Reducing energy usage also has the wider benefit of helping the environment by using less water and creating less demand on the grid.
Installing energy-efficient radiators goes a long way towards having a positive environmental and financial impact on the end user or owner of the building.
Advancements in green technologies such as heat pumps, heat exchangers and heat convectors can be used with modern heating technology to keep optimal room temperatures, react to temperature changes and use less water.
Choosing An Emitter for Heating Systems
Designing energy-efficient heating for your project requires careful thought about the type of emitter you will use. The heat emitter is the part of the system that distributes the heat throughout the building.
Radiators produce most of their heat through convection. This means they heat a liquid inside them to create heat for the rest of the room. Traditionally they don’t work particularly well with heat pumps due to the high temperature of the liquid. But new heating technology has changed this.
Low water content radiators are designed to work with heat pumps. This is important because there is encouragement from Government to use air-source heat pumps or ground-source heat pumps.
However, a heat pump does require a larger radiator due to the lower surface temperature. If you’re designing a space that requires an LST radiator anyway then this is a desirable choice for you.
Designing Commercial Space with Energy Efficient Radiators
Selecting the most proper heating solution for your space is the goal of an interior designer.
Ensuring it is energy efficient and safe for a public space should be as big a part of the decision as the style of the radiator. In such environments, a low surface temperature ensures effective heat output whilst maintaining safety.
Advancements in heating technology mean radiators with minimal water usage, simple controllability, and rapid heating, can enhance thermal comfort.
About Us
Contour produces a range of innovative, safe surface temperature systems for healthcare, education, mental health, commercial and secure sectors, working in close partnership and collaborating with architects, M&E engineers, NHS Trusts, local authorities, design consultants and contractors to deliver outstanding safe heating solutions.
Contour is the exclusive partner of BioCote® anti-microbial technology for LST and anti-ligature radiators. BioCote® additives reduce bacteria by up to 99.9%. Contour combines an extensive range of colour-paints is with BioCote® for a durable, high-quality finish.
Contour’s heating solutions offer secure, single-person quick access to radiator guard interiors for regular deep cleaning and maintenance. Each year, Contour save the NHS millions of pounds in cleaning costs, therefore delivering cleaner, safer environments. Contour is redefining the marketplace and therefore many regards us as a design and innovation leader within the industry.
Contour has a quality-first philosophy. Our customer-focused team possess a ‘can-do’ attitude, they take pride in developing solutions for your heating requirements.
Contact us at:
The Mansions, 43 Broadway Shifnal
Shropshire TF11 8BB United Kingdom
+44 1952 290 498
Twitter: @Contour_Heating
LinkedIn: Contour Heating Products Ltd
