Editor’s Choice

MULTIPANEL MAKE IT BRITISH

What did companies that saw significant growth during and after the previous recessions have in common?

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n these challenging times, we need to look at those IPG suppliers who are not just flying their ‘open for business as usual’ flag but are continuing to innovate and introduce new and exciting products to the marketplace.

Multipanel, the UK’s leading brand of waterproof wall panels for bathrooms, recently announced the launch of the Neutrals Collection, an exciting addition to their existing marine grade plywood panels which offers consumers greater flexibility in bathroom design and full room application. Comprising five subtle colours: Creamy White, Parchment, Clay, Dove Grey and Pebble Grey, these contemporary decors are reminiscent of painted walls with a stunning eggshell finish and have been hand-picked to complement the best sellers from the existing Linda Barker, Classic and Heritage Collections.

As with all Multipanel plywood panels, this collection is 100% waterproof with no need for grout and thanks to Multipanel’s unique Hydrolock® system, installation is quick and easy and makes is possible to join panels with a virtually seamless connection. Made using FSC certified materials, these panels are 100% recyclable, easy to clean and maintain and come with a 15-year warranty. And, importantly in the current climate, they are made in Britain.

John Mortimer, Sales Director, at Multipanel said: “By introducing the Neutrals Collection we are offering consumers even more choice and flexibility in bathroom design. We are confident that our ‘perfect pairing’ solution will inspire consumers to become more adventurous in their choice of bathroom décor.”

The launch is being supported by a complete brochure redesign featuring a step-bystep style guide and designer recommendations. Customers and Installers now have access to new digital assets via the Multipanel website (registration required) to support the launch. David Cairns, The IPG’s Head of Supplier and Commercial Strategy commented: “This is a good news story, its reassuring to see that in times of chaotic change, a British manufacturer is investing in products and marketing.”

heating Radiator trade body launch consumer campaign to stamp out poor quality

The Manufacturers Association of Radiators and Convectors (MARC), is committed to product satisfaction and consumer assurance. Members pledge to raise standards and compliance, through a series of initiatives the first one being a targeted consumer campaign.

Launching today, 2nd July 2020, the ‘You are what you Heat’ campaign represents that it is important to have quality, *CE marked radiators, in order for heating systems and homes to be fit and healthy, which applies to all products sold into the construction industry, including those purchased online.

Isaac Occhipinti, Head of external affairs, MARC

said; “MARC members are committed to driving change. Members are proud of their brand and what it stands for. The ‘You are what you Heat’ campaign has been created to ensure that consumers are aware of the importance of having quality, radiators that conform to current standards, installed in their home. Installing radiators that do not conform could result in cold, expensive and inefficient homes.”

“MARC wants to protect consumers and ensure industry wide compliance with the Construction Products Regulations, which applies to all products sold into the industry, including those purchased online.”

“For us, that means working across the whole industry to ensure that all companies comply with the regulations, and that their marketing materials and product performance data are correct. Inflated heat outputs on product packaging defraud consumers. False claims leave consumers cold, out of pocket, and with a bitter taste which reflects badly throughout the industry.”

“It’s not just the consumer who is affected. The environmental effects are considerable.

“Poor quality radiators simply don’t last long, and lead to bigger carbon costs as they need replacing more often. In addition, a radiator that has overstated its heat output will lead to a boiler that can’t condense properly.”

“It will, therefore, burn more fossil fuels and cause higher amounts of carbon to be released into the atmosphere.”

“Unfortunately, many consumers are not aware of what they need to be looking for when purchasing a radiator. Which is why we have produced a

‘Consumer guide to Buying the right

Radiator’. One guaranteed way that consumers can have product assurance is to look out for MARC membership!”

“All members of MARC must provide proof of product performance (CE marking), together with test certificates.”

For more information about MARC please visit www.marcuk.com Members of MARC are; • Castrads • DQ Heating • Irsap • Kudox • Purmo • SBH Radiators • Stelrad Radiator Group • Terma • Towelrads • Zehnder Group

You can download the consumer guide to buying the right radiators for your home here.

B

oth warm an area from the floor up and unlike central heating warm the people and objects in a room rather than just heating the air. Central heating is still used in millions of UK homes and causes a massive amount of energy wastage.

Underfloor heating offers much greater freedom from a design perspective as it saves around 15% more space and eliminates the problem of visible pipes and radiators. But which one wins the race, water or electric?

Electric underfloor heating costs far more to run than warm water UFH, in fact a system like Wunda Group plc’s over floor heating system Wundatherm could save you 65% when compared. Wundatherm is a rapid response wet system that doesn’t require digging up floors and is perfect for both new and existing properties without the need for screed. A water system

So what do homeowners need to know about electric and water UFH?

An electric system Wet systems, which are also known as hydronic, involve pumping the heated water through the underfloor heating pipes/ circuits which have been laid on top of or in the subfloor, underneath the floor finish.

What are the financial savings? Wet UFH uses much less energy than central heating as it is designed to run at a lower temperature whilst still providing the same level of heat. However, costs and efficiency will differ depending on construction, insulation, energy tariffs and how the heating is being controlled.

For example, a room size of 40m² would cost around £900 per annum to heat using electric UFH, whereas a wet UFH system would only cost about £180 per year.

Electric UFH is readily available as either a heated mat or as a cable system that converts electric energy into radiant heat. The mats use thin pre-attached electric heating wires that are rolled out under the floor finish and the heating cables can be installed directly on or within the subfloor.

Electric UFH

Running an electric underfloor heating system will cost more than a water system due to current energy tariffs. In contrast, hydronic heating systems deliver reduced long term running costs when compared with electric systems and homeowners can benefit from even greater savings by using more efficient heating sources and controlling it via a thermostat.

How long does it take to install? Installing underfloor heating is often simpler than you may think, but it is recommended that systems are installed by a qualified installer who has worked with UFH before.

Electric system installations Electric systems are often very quick to fit with some products claiming they can be installed in under 30 minutes.

Water system installations Water systems do often take longer to install as time is needed to test the flow and pressure of the water.

What are the costs of installation?

When choosing whether a water or electric system is most beneficial, it’s worth doing some research first. Like what is the price difference between a plumber installing a wet system and an electrician wiring the electrical system to the mains? Homeowners can expect to pay around £200 plus per day for a competent tradesperson to install a heating system, but in the case of Wundatherm, up to 150 sq. metres takes two people just two days to install and only requires a plumber when it comes to commissioning the system on completion.

Wunda prides itself on first class quality and customer service, providing free technical support six days a week, and provides the specialist service of detailed layout plans for all bespoke systems free of charge to trade customers. With these layout plans to hand, tradesmen can have complete confidence in laying the boards and installing the Wundatherm system.

For further information on the Wundatherm underfloor heating system or a free estimate, call 0800 083 2677, email plans@wundagroup.com or visit the website www.wundagroup.com Wunda Group is supported by Vantage PR

heating STELRAD LAUNCHES NEW ‘BOUTIQUE’ SERIES FOR BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS -

Targeting retail sector in particular

Leading radiator manufacturer Stelrad Radiators has launched a new radiator series of existing and new radiators under its ‘Boutique’ branding, offering a comprehensive, premium range of living space, kitchen and bathroom products.

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he new series is accompanied by an impressive new 116-page brochure and its own stylish section of the new web site. This series offers the marketplace the widest range of styles and by far the largest selection of sizes of specialist decorative and designer bathroom and kitchen radiators on offer from any manufacturer in the UK.

You’ll find familiar and welcome products in the new Series - with names such as Caliente, Concord and Column – but equally you’ll find new styles and names such as Como and Lecco - products exclusive to Stelrad, along with Silhouette as well as new additions and designs for established styles like the Concord Side Concept and Concord Side Chrome – and even Concord Chrome Vertical. The UK’s no.1 brand in the radiator market is adding style and appeal to the kitchen and bathroom and adding colours and chrome finishes to add to the sparkle.

The addition of a wider range of vertical radiators recognises the demand for narrower, taller radiators that need to fit a smaller radiator footprint. Small on space, but bigger on style is the name of the game and every radiator in the series offers a quality heating appliance – not just a good looking, aesthetically pleasing design for any room. These radiators provide quality heating for the space in which they sit – not just a towel warming facility - but a space heater to provide comfort for the kitchen or bathroom where they’re installed.

The addition of coloured radiators available from stock adds even more depth to the range – with a number of the existing and new radiators available in anthracite grey from stock – offering something a little bit different available immediately from the company’s National Distribution Centre.

Most of the Boutique Series can be ordered in up to 36 colours if you can wait a while for delivery – but there’s a wide range of options now stocked in anthracite grey from stock, which can blend so well with other décor and add that additional style to many bathrooms and kitchens.

Interestingly, the monochrome bathroom and kitchen are very much back in style and can look elegant and contemporary. The addition of an attractive metallic radiator to traditional black and white can really add that luxurious look.

The selection of options is vast but just to pick out three that will set the pulses racing – take a closer look at the new Como – a flat brushed stainless-steel rectangular tube design for both modern and contemporary homes. The new Column Vertical Concept – stunning in anthracite grey – again a combination of traditional design and modern colouring. And the new Traditional Column – a classic look especially in a bathroom – in traffic white with a chrome frame – offering just a little more style and lot more pizazz for the home… it’s a selection that demands careful consideration.

“We’re the largest manufacturer of radiators in the UK and Ireland by far,”

says Head of Marketing Chris

Harvey, “but the premium and top end sector is one where we want to focus and this is what the Stelrad Boutique Series does – a new stylish option for the trade and to retail outlets across the UK and Ireland. We are offering a comprehensive, stylish collection that genuinely provides the total radiator offering under one roof – with our legendary combination of quality, reliability, availability and cost effectiveness all wrapped up in a single collection of radiators.“

To find out more about the new Boutique Series, head for the new Stelrad website at www.stelrad.com or at www.stelrad.ie in Ireland. You can call for brochures and information on 0844 543 6200 or email marketing@stelrad.com. Alternatively, you can also see regular updates from Stelrad on Twitter @Stelrad and Facebook @StelradRadiators.

To alleviate the very real problems of noise, keeping sound and air pollution outside, Vectaire has three new models in its vertical whole house heat recovery range. The Midi, Maxi and Maxi Plus are now available with integral acoustic attenuation - lined with superior sound deadening materials for really low sound levels and tested by BRE. Sound pressure levels are down to <5.0, <5.0 and 6.9 dBA respectively. They are easy to install – nothing extra is required other than the unit itself – they are the quietest, lightest and smallest on the market. Efficiency, performance and economy remain the same as the standard models. “BY-AT” models incorporate summer bypass and frost protection, and commissioning is via an integral LCD. Windows can be kept firmly closed while these MVHRs provide energy efficient ventilation and a comfortable environment. Products are SAP PCDB Listed and manufactured in our own factory in the UK to ISO 9001. Vectaire offers a design service ensuring units are installed in the best possible way to provide efficient, effective, low energy and very economic ventilation. Vectaire can also organise installation, commissioning and maintenance of these products and can supply all necessary accessories. All Vectaire’s residential ventilation is detailed in the latest Low Energy Catalogue.

You can have it all with Speedheat

Creating an airy, open space for living calls for clean lines and minimum fuss – but you also need to keep cosy. Speedheat electric underfloor heating can help to achieve it all. Installed with minimum disruption and no noticeable build up in floor height, Speedheat’s system is invisible under your choice of final floor finish. It is ideal for new build, renovation and redesign projects and comes complete with state of the art, unobtrusive controls. Speedheat spells the end to ugly radiators or trailing cables, with nothing to spoil the view. info@speedheat.co.uk