Month: November 2018

Have you considered skirting heaters as an alternative to radiators and underfloor heating?

Most homes in the UK use radiators or underfloor heating to heat their rooms. Radiators are often unsightly, and as the heat is emitted from one point in the room, cold spots occur (check out our article comparing Thermodul to radiators). Underfloor heating is expensive to install, and slow to warm up/cool down.

An alternative to radiators and UFH is Thermodul Skirting Heaters. A sleek Italian design which frees up wall space, Thermodul is a heated skirting board that radiates heat around the perimeter of the room giving a feeling of comfort similar to that of under floor heating, but is much more responsive.

In addition, because of the lower operating temperature and reduced amount of water to heat in the system, energy savings of up to 30% can be achieved.

Thermodul can easily be retrofitted to a house using existing pipework, or incorporated into a new build. There’s even an electrical version for situations where a hot water boiler is not feasible, and our dual fuel system (water & electrical) is an ideal match for renewable heat sources such as heat pumps and solar PV.

Thermodul skirting heaters can be fitted in all rooms, and even in conservatories and as kickboard heating in kitchens.

If you’d like to find out more, or would like us to provide you with a free, no obligation estimate for your project please contact us.

There are several skirting board heating systems available on the UK market, and the most well know is probably Thermaskirt®. We are often asked about the differences between Thermodul and Thermaskirt®, and so by the end of this article you should have enough information to make an informed decision as to which product will best suit your needs. Although Thermaskirt® is available in several profiles, for the purpose of this comparison we will look at their most popular Urban LT water model.

History

Thermodul skirting heating is designed manufactured in Italy by HEKOS. The company has over 30 years experience in efficient heating systems, and Thermodul is still working in installation over 20 years after fitting. The product achieved EN442 certification in 1998. We have been supplying Thermodul in the UK to both domestic and commercial customers since 2009.

Thermaskirt® is invented and manufactured by Discrete Heat Co. Ltd, and since it’s appearance on BBC’s Dragons Den in 2008 the company claim to have supplied over 20,000 domestic systems. They also work with the NHS and several housing developers.

Design

Although Thermodul and Thermaskirt® are both skirting heating systems, their design is quite different.

Thermodul consists of a twin copper pipe heating core with aluminium fins, and an extruded aluminium clip on cover makes cleaning and access for maintenance an easy task. A small air gap top and bottom allows air to pass over the core, and the system works on a combination of radiation and convection.

Thermaskirt® is a patented aluminium profile with water pipes moulded into the back, allowing heat from the warm water to radiate. The system also incorporates a top edge seal to allow decorating, and some models have a removeable cover to hide cables.

Profiles

Thermodul is available in one profile, and its stylish Italian design works equally well in domestic or commercial applications. The profile is 137mm high, and 29mm deep.

Thermaskirt® is available in eight different profiles depending on your preference. The Urban LT is suitable for properties built after 1919, and is 150mm high, and 20mm deep.

Colours

Thermodul is available in 3 standard colours, White RAL 9010, Dark Bronze and Natural Oxidised Silver. It’s also available many wood, metal and stone finishes, as well as any RAL colour to custom order. Check out our colours and finishes section.

Thermaskirt® Urban LT is available in Cricket White, Vintage Ivory and Carbon Black.

Heat Output

As you can see from the figures below, Thermodul and Thermaskirt® Urban LT have virtually the same heat output per linear metre.

Thermodul – ΔT=50K (tested to EN442-1 & EN442-2): 146.4 W/metre

Thermaskirt® Urban LT – ΔT=50K (BSRIA Test Data to BSEN 442-1): 149 W/metre

Also, Thermodul profiles interlock and can be mounted double or even triple height to provide additional heat per linear m.

Installation

Thermodul installation is a straightforward job for any competent heating engineer (and even DIYer) using standard 15mm compression or soldered plumbing connectors available at any plumbers merchants. The cover and heating core can easily be cut to length or joined on site for a seamless installation, and internal and external corners and end caps are available for a neat finish.

In addition, Thermodul can be installed in various configurations for situations such as floor to ceiling windows, kitchen plinths, around doorways and double height for larger thermal needs.

Thermaskirt® will arrange installation either themselves or using one of their approved installers. Each section is joined using their own push fit connectors and valves.

Conclusion

This article has highlighted the key differences (and similarities!) between Thermodul and Thermaskirt®, and if you’re considering skirting heating for your project you should now have a good idea of what’s available.

If you need more information please contact us. We are always happy to answer any questions or provide a free no obligation quotation.