How To Avoid Large Radiators & Maximise Wall Space With Heat Pumps
How To Avoid Large Radiators & Maximise Wall Space With Heat Pumps
Earlier this year changes to Part L of the Building Regulations came into force, meaning all new and replacement wet space heating systems in domestic and non-domestic buildings in England and Wales must now be designed with a maximum flow temperature of 55°C.
When a heat pump is installed, the regulations state a flow temperature of 45°C should be used to achieve maximum Coefficient of Performance (COP) – a crucial measure for system efficiency.
It’s well known that if installing traditional steel panel radiators, they need a much larger surface area to compensate for the reduction in flow temperature. They may need to be double or even triple the size of the originals to heat the space effectively, taking up precious wall and living space.
But most homeowners don’t want huge, unsightly radiators dominating their space. Many don’t want radiators visible at all, hence the increased popularity of radiator covers (which we typically wouldn’t recommend due to restricted airflow reducing performance and efficiency).
Minimalist interior styling is more popular than ever as homeowners look to transform their homes into serene spaces to escape from a hectic and often overwhelming world. Minimalism is about prioritising the essential, stripping a space back to its core function with simple forms and neutral elegance.
As home and building owners pursue this ‘less is more’ approach, demand for invisible climate control is on the rise.
Although underfloor heating can often be the first line of thought to achieve this with low-flow temperature systems, it can be difficult and expensive to retrofit, and due to the slow heat-up and cool-down times, it is unlikely to be the most economical option – an important factor to consider at a time when energy prices are rocketing and efficiency is paramount.
SO, WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?
1. Wall-mounted fan-assisted radiators
Adding fans inside your radiators is an excellent way to achieve high heat outputs from a heat pump or other low-flow temperature system without increasing radiator size.
Jaga designs highly energy-efficient fan-assisted natural convectors (not to be confused with fan convectors). They are effectively a hybrid unit; a standard natural convector with small thermal activators (fans) which sit on top of the heat exchanger inside the unit. The activators increase airflow and can boost heat output by up to 300 per cent. This technology is called Dynamic Boost Hybrid (DBH).
Adding DBH means the unit’s physical size can be smaller than natural convectors and much smaller than steel panel radiators, saving valuable wall and room space. For example, Jaga’s Strada Hybrid – our most popular radiator for residential applications, which is simply a Strada rad with DBH added inside – can provide the same heat output at almost half the size of a steel panel radiator.
Jaga's Strada Hybrid fan-assisted natural convector provides the same output at almost half the size of a steel panel radiator
With a changing climate with hotter summers, consumers are looking at cooling their homes as well as heating them. DBH is designed to offer light cooling too when used with reverse cycle heat pumps, providing thermal comfort throughout the year.
As well as the Strada, DBH can be fitted inside almost all Jaga Low-H2O radiators to allow them to be even smaller at lower flower temperatures, including our Low Surface Temperature (LST) rads; Tempo, Guardian and Maxi 2020 for schools, care homes and healthcare applications, our freestanding rads such as Mini Freestanding for spaces with large windows where wall-mounting isn’t possible, and even our Mini Canal trench heating, also great for spaces with large windows, multi-storey buildings and offices. See our product pages or DBH page for more information.
It’s worth noting too that a system with Low-H2O rads is proven to be up to 16 per cent more economical than one with steel panel radiators and 5 per cent more economical than underfloor heating.
2. Fan-assisted radiators built into a wall recess
Our built-in fan-assisted natural convectors are exactly the same as the wall-mounted version outlined above but are designed to be completely hidden. They can be built into a wall recess, providing an invisible, space-saving solution without sacrificing heating capacity. The only visible element would be the air inlet and outlet grille, these can be tailored to enhance the space décor. Perfect for the ultimate minimalist interior.
Jaga's built-in radiators can provide discreet heat. For pairing with heat pumps, opt for the fan-assisted version with DBH technology.
3. Trench climate convectors fitted in the finished floor
Another option to maximise wall space is trench climate convectors fitted into the finished floor to leave your walls completely clear.
Trench has always been the architect’s choice and is widely used in highly glazed buildings such as offices to offset the heat loss from the glazing. But with modern homes now incorporating more and more glazing in their design, and minimalist style in favour, trench is fast becoming a popular solution for homeowners too, particularly in high-rise city centre apartment blocks where wall space is precious.
Many specifiers working on historic and listed building projects opt for trench convectors due to the limited wall space and difficulty fitting pipework into the walls or just to avoid impacting the aesthetics of the building interior. At Jaga, we’ve worked on numerous projects like this where low-flow temperature heat pumps have also been installed as part of a whole heating system upgrade, so we’re well-versed in providing the best solution for unique heritage projects like these.
Where summer cooling is a priority, our Clima Canal range provides deep cooling, effectively a water-based air conditioning unit that reduces heat and moisture from the space.
Jaga's trench climate convectors are the stylish choice to maximise wall space for a minimalist interior.
4. Fan convectors built into a recess or ceiling
Another alternative is Briza 12, our sleek, high-performing fan convector. It’s more powerful than Low-H2O rads, and its functionality is very similar to Clima Canal. It can be easily built into a wall or ceiling recess so can be designed to be near invisible (wall and ceiling mounted options also available), is whisper quiet, highly energy efficient, and controllable via various methods such as a built-in room thermostat or the latest home automation systems.
For even more power, our Briza 22 is the high-performance version designed for commercial applications.
Jaga's built-in Briza and Hybrid solutions can provide powerful yet discreet heating and cooling from one unit, and even ventilation too.
GET IN TOUCH
For more information about maximising wall space with heat pumps and low-flow temperature systems, or for support with finding the best solution for your project, please get in touch with our expert team.