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The nights are drawing in. The weather’s getting colder. Summer seems like a distant memory. When schools begin their term after the summer holidays, preparations already begin for the event of the year: Christmas.
Playtimes are no longer spent on the school field and it won’t be long until parents start moaning about lost coats, scarves and gloves.
It’s at this point in the year when schools need to start thinking about the level of heat provided in classrooms. A cold classroom can be distracting for even the most motivated of pupils.
However, heating can be one of the most expensive energy users in schools, which means that keeping your school warm can be expensive.
Read on to find out some ways to improve your school’s heating efficiency…
1. Keep To Recommended Room Temperatures
Whilst it’s uncomfortable to be too cold in a classroom, the same could be said for if it’s too warm. Maintaining optimum temperatures will ultimately boost morale and improve productivity in your classroom.
The Department For Education and Skills recommend the temperatures for schools for various activities and situations.
- Normal teaching environment: 18 °C
- Circulation spaces (e.g. corridors): 15 °C
- Areas with high levels of activities (e.g. sports halls): 15 °C
- Areas with low levels of activity: 21°C
- Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools or areas with very young children: 21°C
The surface temperature of radiators needs to be considered. There have been instances where children have severely burnt themselves on radiators in schools. Always ensure that the radiator surface temperature doesn’t exceed 43 °C.
Need any support? Explore our LST range.
2. Time Your School’s Heating Appropriately
We recommend that you time your heating so that it reaches optimum temperature before children arrive and cool down gradually throughout the day.
Contour offers four different thermostatic radiator valve kits specifically designed for out LST radiators. Controlling the heat output of your radiators couldn’t be easier. To read more about our TRV kits, click here.
3. Prevent Interference With Radiators
With schools being as large as they are, there are lots of opportunities for staff and children to disrupt the heating and ventilation levels. Discourage staff and students from doing this.
Did you know that Contour's radiators are pencil proof? Read more about it here.
Coated in Biocote anti-microbial technology, and hosting a range of bespoke and colour options, an LST radiator is the ultimate way to improve safety and provide a unique solution for your school.
Explore our TRV range and choose a tamper-proof kit.
4. Don’t Block Heat
Many educational settings suffer from a lack of space, particularly if classrooms are over-subscribed with over thirty pupils. Avoid obstructing radiators or vents with equipment and furniture. This will ensure adequate circulation.
5. Upgrade To A Quality Product
Choosing LST radiators for your educational setting is an economical investment in the long-term. Contour’s range of LST radiators ensures a certain heat output, reducing energy cost and maintaining a safe surface temperature.
Coated in Biocote anti-microbial technology, and hosting a range of bespoke and colour options, an LST radiator is the ultimate way to improve safety and provide a unique solution for your school.
Sadly, we have witnessed a product that hasn't stood up to the rigours of a demanding educational setting as well as had been expected. The result? Unavoidable damage and further cost in the long-term.
Conclusion
Safety and wellbeing are at the forefront of Contour’s LST range. Consider utilising some of the funds raised from your Christmas fayre on upgrading your current radiators to a cost-effective, safe solution.
If you’d like any more information on how LST radiators can enhance your learning space, fill out the form below and talk to one of our experts today.
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.
