Heating feature

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Since the turn of the century, we have witnessed vast technological advancements which have helped create an “anytime, anywhere” generation. After mobile phones and other handsets, it seems the number one products on householders ‘wish-lists’ are intelligent or smart products for the home with a plethora of kitchen and bathroom domestic appliances and showers to choose from.

The digital age has influenced the heating market too, especially as it appeals to the other main area of interest of homeowners – eco-friendliness. This has inspired manufacturers to create innovations like TVR thermostats and smart controllers for heating

With the heating season fast approaching, The Installer team have spoken to Steve Birch, Sales Director at Vogue (UK) and Mark Booth, Managing Director at Gira UK, to find out their views on the latest technological trends to impact the heating industry.

Speaking on behalf of Vogue (UK), Steve Birch reveals “Features such as concealed valves, adjustable fixings or built-in thermostatic controls for practical placement and maximum user convenience, continue to gain momentum in the heating market and make perfect sense for a bathroom or kitchen where risk avoidance is paramount. Thermostatic Valve Radiators allow KBB installers 

Thermostatic Valve Radiators allow KBB installers customers to heat only the space they require, allowing for heat management from room to room."

customers to heat only the space they require, allowing for heat management from room to room. TVR thermostats facilitate programming radiators to suit individual needs so they operate at chosen times of day or as and when required. Plus, this addedvalue heating solution can be preset to ensure if the temperature dips outside, your home will not.”

How has the digital age affected the range of product you are offering to the wider market?

“We recognize that home automation is developing all the time and therefore cater to this

We recognize that home automation is developing all the time and therefore cater to this new category of homeowner with an extensive collection of accessories and additions."

new category of homeowner with an extensive collection of accessories and additions, which enhance the efficiency of our heating solutions. In fact, remote or digital control features are definitely on the rise, with many consumers now wanting to control interior solutions away from the home or room, in readiness for their return. In response, we offer a Controlled Heat Element for our range of towel warmers and radiators. Designed with negative temperature coefficient technology, 7 day programmable element and Eco, Boost and Safety lock features, this high- 

TVR thermostats facilitate programming radiators to suit individual needs so they operate at chosen times of day or as and when required."

utility component gives total flexibility, as and when your customer needs it.”

Mark Booth, Managing Director at Gira UK Ltd agrees that addedvalue features are fundamental when heating a modern home and comments, “Reducing energy use, whilst increasing comfort is of primary concern for the modern homeowner and intelligent building control makes it possible to heat the home efficiently. With the help of room temperature controllers, installer’s customers can bring each room to the desired temperature at specific times of the day or night. From the moment their alarm goes off, the automatic control will ensure that the home is heated to a comfortable temperature: able to vary between bathroom, kitchen, bedroom and living spaces. It will even identify a room that has the sun on it in the morning and adjust the temperature down, then raise it again when the sun changes position to ensure a constant heat throughout the home.”

“Should the home be empty during the day, smart heating will automatically turn down in order to save energy that would otherwise be wasted thus reducing energy bills. Additionally, functions include lowered temperatures at night, a holiday programme, and even a party function to spontaneously extend the heating phase. You can even control the heating remotely, by using a smartphone and app so your customer can return to a pre-heated home that is set to their perfect temperature: convenience and energy efficiency are key in a smart home.” 

Reducing energy use, whilst increasing comfort is of primary concern for the modern homeowner and intelligent building control makes it possible to heat the home efficiently."

Any other products that KBB installers should be aware of?

“Installers will be interested to know that for a greater freedom of fitting and operating efficiency for the customer, we also offer Dryline technology” commented Steve Birch, “Dryline means the radiator or towel warmer does not contain any fluids and instead, is heated by a silicone heater via a 3 core cable which is attached via a fuse spur. The Dryline element remains invisible to the eye, yet has high capacity for drying towels as well as providing heat. Furthermore, it runs independently of the heating and hot water system so you have far greater options of where to locate the radiator.”

It is safe to say that over the past few years, the market for luxury designer radiators and towel warmers in the home has rapidly expanded. Not only is there a greater amount of choice than ever before, but in many cases the quality and design of heating products available has also improved with new technologies and innovations becoming standard fare. In fact, domestic heating is constantly needing to ‘upgrade’ and ‘refine’ if it wants to compete with the latest fashions as consumers want the latest designs, materials and technologies more than ever before.

“Those opting for smart building technology to heat their home will find the right partner in Gira for room temperature controllers with a timer clock and cooling programme. The changeover to 'heating' or 'cooling' operating mode occurs automatically via separate input. In addition, the device is capable of teaching itself heating optimisation. Heating and cooling can also be controlled and monitored via the central operating units that are handling the entire building

It will even identify a room that has the sun on it in the morning and adjust the temperature down, then raise it again when the sun changes position to ensure a constant heat throughout the home."

technology, such as the Gira G1. Better still for consumers is the Gira system controls the entire house including lighting, appliances, hi-fi, blinds, alarms and door entry as well as heating.” Recommends Mark Booth.

Steve Birch agrees and suggests, “No longer viewed as a luxury purchase, heating solutions are now an essential finishing touch and become a vital piece of bathroom equipment that can improve user comfort, help manage utility bills, reduce a home’s carbon footprint and importantly, create a hygienic washing environment. Fulfilling a practical need in the bathroom, dual-purpose designs are increasingly popular and are now deemed a designer interior solution by many. By combining a strong, visual impact with excellent technical performance, a practical multi-rail with innovative finish or combination design that can heat the room and efficiently dry towels is striking the perfect balance between style and substance”

“The market’s continued desire for greater efficiency and the introduction of ‘personal home energy management’, indicates that home technology is on the rise with no signs of abating.” Steve concluded.

In summary, with many consumers now looking to heighten the level of utility, eco-friendliness, cost-saving and convenience in their home, Its worth remembering that heating provides for all of these disciplines. Heating control in particular is changing at a pace and installers and retailers would be well advised to keep abreast of the changes or risk falling behind the competition.

Decor Harmonique, Vogue UK