Member Article

If you want full efficiency, add new radiators

European advice on prioritising energy efficiency measures in the home could go even further, says the Manufacturers’ Association of Radiators and Convectors (MARC).

A report released by experts in Dresden*, on the effects of energy efficient modernisation measures for existing buildings, highlights boiler replacement and building insulation as the first processes to undertake.

However, MARC’s experts, which represent more than 90% of the UK radiator market, advise that boiler replacement alone is only a half measure and that the best results come with renewing the home’s radiators at the same time.

MARC Chairman John Colling said: “The Dresden report advises that, when it is only possible to undertake a couple of measures, it is best to start with replacing the boiler and insulating the home. There is sense in this, in that it tackles the two key areas of energy efficiency: the warmth our systems emit and the building’s ability to minimise heat loss.

“However, changing a boiler only does half of the job if the system includes older, less efficient radiators. These can be replaced, like for like, with newer radiators that are more efficient and complete the system modernisation for only a small amount of extra cost.

“As highlighted in the report by academics and industry experts on the continent, launched by MARC in 2011, modern steel panel radiators are as energy efficient, if not more so, than other heat emitters when part of a well-installed system in an insulated property.

“Efficient radiators and modern boilers are hugely important in saving energy, but they are most potent when working together, and we believe that the advice of the Dresden report needs supplementing to take this into account.”

*The Institut f?r Technische Gebäudeausr?stung (Institute for Technical Building Services) Dresden.

MARC represents more than 90% of the UK radiator market. Its membership includes:

• Rettig Group: Myson, Purmo, Vogel &Noot
• ISG: Stelrad, Henrad
• Quinn: Quinn Radiators, Merriott
• Zehnder Group: Bisque, Zehnder
• Kudox

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