Sector 

The advantages of freeing up floor space is well recognised and Radiant Heating systems can be found across number of sectors:

Healthcare  

Replacing wall mounted radiations with ceiling mounted radiant heaters, reduces cross infection risks and helps meet infection control targets.

Polyester powder coated flat surfaces are durable and easy cleaned in accordance with specific regimes. An anti-bacterial coating, which inhibits bacterial growth is available.

HTM 07 02: EnCO2de is the primary guidance in energy efficiency in healthcare facilities. It states that “ceiling-mounted radiant panels are useful in areas such as wards where there is little floor space and where wall-mounted radiators present a health and safety hazard. “

It goes on to say that “The choice of heat emitters should be made in conjunction with a consideration for the health and safety of occupants. This is particularly pertinent to clinical areas such as wards where systems may inadvertently harbour dust and germs or where occupants may be injured by touching hot emitters.

The combination of reduced energy consumption and maintenance requirements, with competitive initial capital costs, leads to low whole life cycle costs.

Education

High level installation frees up floor and wall space, creating valuable teaching space and reducing the risks of accidental burning. High level installation and robust construction materials ensure product durability in demanding environments.

When freely suspended or where Radiant Heating Service Rafts are specified, Radiant Heating is an ideal heat source in naturally ventilated buildings. Click here to learn more. Additionally the can help meet the requirements of BB93 – see below.

Radiant Heating systems are ideal for sports halls, which may only be operation for several hours a day and require rapid warm-up times. See Leisure sector.

Building Bulletin 87 (BB87), published by the Department for Education and Employment details in 2003 details guidelines for the environmental design, including heating systems, in schools. The 2003 publication replaces the 1997 edition and includes 2002 amendments to part L2 of the building regulations.

The acoustic design of schools is covered by Building Bulletin 93 (BB93) published in 2003 by the DfES. Radiant Heating Service Rafts combine a radiant heat source with other M&E services and acoustic treatment. They can be used to control reverberation in classrooms, corridors and stairwells.

Public Buildings 

Low running costs, durability and long life cycles are key concerns for the public sector. Radiant Heating panels are flexible and suitable for a wide variety of public buildings including, libraries, museums etc., and offer long term value and comfort for users. High level installation ensures staff and members of the public do not accidentally burn themselves or damage heat emitters. Robust construction ensures durability, a key consideration in publicallyfunded projects. Radiant Heating systems can reduce internal operating temperatures and operation energy use, both key in reducing carbon emissions and energy bills.

In public buildings such as churches, which may only be occupied for several hours a week, the benefits of rapid warm up times are particularly beneficial. Traditional convective heating systems may require several hours of pre-heating before a comfortable air temperature is reached.

Transport

Key considerations in the transport sector include durability, rapid warm-up times and the ability to increase efficiencies by system zoning. Radiant Heating systems are ideal for areas with a high air change rates e.g. entrance areas, walkways and waiting areas. Heat is directed where it is required, unlike locations with all-air systems, which rely on heating large volumes of air before travellers and staff feel the heating benefit.

The lack of moving parts means maintenance disruptions are reduced, particularly relevant to busy transport hubs. This results in reduced downtime, disruption to passengers and out-of-hours operational work.

Radiant Heating system are also suitable for developments that incorporating retail units and public areas. The design can reflect the architectural vision for the transport hub, while delivering heating performance and ensuring passenger comfort.

Commercial 

The monolithic appearance of Radiant Heating panels is popular in commercial offices. They  increase the amount of useable floor space and fit within office planning grids, enabling future office and partitioning needs to be met.
Click here to find out more.

Modern buildings have lower space heating demands compared toolder buildings due
to their better overall thermal performance. This is in part due to the heat emitted by lighting and business machinery. Radiant Heating systems are ideal at combating heat losses at the perimeter of a building. Additionally radiant heating will combat condensation and cold down downdrafts at glazed elevations.

Radiant Heating systems are energy efficient, helping to meet building regulation and decrease carbon emissions. Additional radiant systems can increase occupant comfort and productivity levels.

Industrial 

In warehouses and large buildings, Radiant Heating panels can be used effectively to increase working temperatures in a particular area, without heating an entire space. This results in efficient heating, reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Installation at high level reduces the risk of damage to terminal units by machinery and frees up valuable floor and wall space. System zoning can lead to reduced operating costs, particularly when certain areas are used for overtime and shift work.

Leisure

Sports and leisure venues, which may only be used sporadically, can quickly and efficiently heat their premises using radiant heating. This can lead to significant reductions in energy usage and costs.

Additionally both floor and wall space is freed up making the space more flexible. Radiant systems do not create significant air movement, a problem sometimes associated with high air velocities and convective systems.

Due to a lack of moving parts, Radiant Heating systems require minimal maintenance and their smooth surfaces enable easy cleaning, perfect for busy leisure facilities.