Smart Rads

Mcorriga

Hi all,

I was wondering has anyone ever installed these new smart rads on the market. Are they more suited to retro fit or are they also applicable to new builds.

The reason I ask is because I am planning a new build but personnally dont like Underfloor heating. I rather having more control and want the possibility of getting instant heat that you get from convential heating from oil and a rad.

http://www.dimplexrenewables.com/brand/DIMPLEX-SMARTRAD

http://www.zehnder.co.uk/commercial/products/NOVANEO_BROCHURE_1.PDF

Outkast_IRE

They are suitable for retro or new builds , they are useful because a small size rad will have a big output compared to traditional rads.

If retrofitting or new build remember these need a power supply.

I have installed similar types and all users so far have been happy with them

Mcorriga

thanks for the feedback

When installing was it in conjunction with a Heat pump. If yes what type of heat pump. Air to water or Geothermal.

What type of smart rads did you install, was it the Dimplex kind??

Outkast_IRE

Mcorriga wrote: »

thanks for the feedback

When installing was it in conjunction with a Heat pump. If yes what type of heat pump. Air to water or Geothermal.

What type of smart rads did you install, was it the Dimplex kind??

These were the ones i have fitted i would doubt there is much difference besides the controls which look more complicated on the dimplex

http://www.solorad.ie/

I installed in conjunction with air to water heat pump and also on a standard condensing gas boiler system.

JohnnieK

Yeah the Solo rads are much more pleasing on the eye. I think the Dimplex one's are an eye sore, big and chunky.

They would work fine on a heat pump. Dont forget the power supply.

liveandnetural

second the solo rads......dont forget power to each unit(fused spur)
the only draw back to these units is the fact the have a fan and any fans can give trouble i have replaced one in a house i did in 2006
one other little niggle is the noise in a bedroom when your sleeping or you kids are trying to sleep you have a low level fan sound running when it working

if you have high, double hight or vaulted ceilings these are you man!!

Outkast_IRE

liveandnetural wrote: »

second the solo rads......dont forget power to each unit(fused spur)
the only draw back to these units is the fact the have a fan and any fans can give trouble i have replaced one in a house i did in 2006
one other little niggle is the noise in a bedroom when your sleeping or you kids are trying to sleep you have a low level fan sound running when it working

if you have high, double hight or vaulted ceilings these are you man!!

Its a sound many people will be getting used to in the future with HRV etc starting to be installed more often.

Mcorriga

Hi all,

thanks for the feedback. definately worth considering

Would you know if these Rads would work with a Back boiler

freddyuk

These units are the same principle as kick space heaters in your kitchen. These have fans because they cannot work as convector heaters under the cupboards so need to push the warm air into the room to work effectively as most kitchens have no wall space for normal radiators.
A wall hung radiator uses convection to warm the air above which rises and draws cooler in from below and a circulation starts to heat the room in a natural loop from cool wall (normally under a window) up and over to the other side of the room.
This system works without any form of moving part and if designed and balanced correctly will do the job fine.TRV's will add additional control for individual rooms.
Having an electric fan forces the warm air to move faster - it does not produce any more heat from the existing input. You will therefore have additional cost to run the fans and the added noise but at what additional cost on the electric bill against what additional advantage in heating performance.
I do not know the answer but I am asking the question to confirm they are worthwhile and why?

Outkast_IRE

freddyuk wrote: »

These units are the same principle as kick space heaters in your kitchen. These have fans because they cannot work as convector heaters under the cupboards so need to push the warm air into the room to work effectively as most kitchens have no wall space for normal radiators.
A wall hung radiator uses convection to warm the air above which rises and draws cooler in from below and a circulation starts to heat the room in a natural loop from cool wall (normally under a window) up and over to the other side of the room.
This system works without any form of moving part and if designed and balanced correctly will do the job fine.TRV's will add additional control for individual rooms.
Having an electric fan forces the warm air to move faster - it does not produce any more heat from the existing input. You will therefore have additional cost to run the fans and the added noise but at what additional cost on the electric bill against what additional advantage in heating performance.
I do not know the answer but I am asking the question to confirm they are worthwhile and why?

Most people use these because
1. the output for the size of them is very high.
2. They can be used in conjunction with heat pumps etc because the output is so high they work fine with a lower temp input as long as sized correctly.