Where do I start?
You'll need our ThernaSkirt Designer Software to create plans for each room. There is also a manual available in Technical Data section which can help you to explain how design software works.
• Download ThermaSkirt® Design Software
When I try to install the software it says I need .NET Framework, what's that?
It's Microsoft software which is required to be installed on the system to make our software work. It is often pre-installed on relatively new computers, but this may not always be the case. You can download it from Microsoft Website. The download page is pretty scary, but just look for the button in the middle of the screen. Alternatively, simply click here to download it from our website. It's pretty big (23MB) and could take over an hour on dial-up, or a few minutes on broadband.
How do I work out what I need?
Let the software work it out! Just draw the complete outline of the room (i.e. the area that you want to heat), put in windows, doors and gaps, then use the software's "Add to Basket" button.
How is the Heat Loss Calculations worked out?
You will be asked to identify the location of the room (1st, ground floor etc.) and the type of room (bedroom, lounge, conservatory etc.) and the approximate age of the building or standard of insulation. The software then works out an estimate based on known parameters and Building Regulation standards. Please note this is an estimate only and whilst we are confident it is accurate to +/- 5% it is not an underwritten calculation equivalent to a survey by a qualified Building Surveyor with indemnity insurance. As such we cannot absolutely guarantee this figure is correct for your room. If you are unsure as to the actual level of insulation of your property it is important you undertake a paid-for survey by a suitably qualified person.
What Heat Source can I use?
You can vary the flow temperature to indicate the ThermaSkirt's performance when connected to a high grade heat source such as a gas or oil condensing boiler, or low grade heat such as from a renewable source such as heat pumps & solar thermal.
What is a feed point?
The feed point is where ThermaSkirt joins the rest of your central heating system. It is the point at which hot water arrives to go around the ThermaSkirt, and leaves on its return to your boiler. You must have at least one feed/return point on your plan before you can add it to the basket.
Do I have to add "dummy" skirting?
No, the software will assume that you want matching skirting all around the room. You simply control which parts are 'active' by where you place the feed/return point and how you bridge gaps and doors. When adding to basket, it will ask you to select the skirting profile and colour. If you select a painted or paint-your-own finish, you will then have the option to select primed MDF for the dummy unheated sections to save cost.
Where do I put a feed point?
There's no absolute answer, because it depends on existing pipework, accessibility etc. If you have it towards one end of your skirting then a single feed/return point will do fine. If your existing pipework is in the middle of a length of wall then consider using a bi-directional to make both sides "active". Just remember that the thermostatic valve control is built into the feed/return unit, so although you'll not want to adjust it every five minutes, keep it relatively easy to get to! Most importantly make sure the feed/return point is clear of cables and hidden obstacles (like wooden stud-partition frameworks).
How do I overcome obstructions like doorways and openings?
Simply add these features to the room, at which point, the system will offer you alternative methods of bridging the obstruction. This could be under the floor, in the floor or up & over. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Can I try out different plans?
Yes, just add them with the software, or remove them from your basket as you like.
How many room plans can I create?
You can create any number of plans you like.
What do I do about corridors or one half of a lounge-diner?
Just draw the whole area that the skirting is required to heat and place an archway/opening where there is no wall. If you make the archway/opening size 1mm x 1mm, it will fool the system into stopping your heated ThermaSkirt at this point. You can then add dummy skirting at the point it is added to basket (see “Do I have to add Dummy Skirting?, above)
Can I pay online?
Yes, just enter your delivery address and follow the steps through the WorldPay screens. At the moment online ordering is restricted to mainland UK and Republic of Ireland, but please contact us on 0845-1238367 for other areas. Alternatively email us at info@discreteheat.co.uk for details.