Frequently Asked Questions & Trouble Shooting 

ASK A QUESTION?

1. About your existing property & system?
2. About Energy Efficiency & Performance?
3. Compared to other "skirting heating radiators"?
4. About Fitting & Installation?
5. Trouble Shooting & Problems?

1. About your existing property & system?

   1. Will it heat my room?
      

      The simple answer is almost certainly YES. The superb radiating properties of the alluminum alloy in ThermaSkirt ® and the large surface area created by skirting the room more than makes up for the apparent inconspicuousness of the system.

      Back to Top

      
      
   2. I have an older/drafty property. Are you SURE it will heat my house?
      

      You can download some software with which you can draw your room, get the heat loss estimates and calculate the ThermaSkirt ® output in Watts for both Urban & Regency profile. If in doubt, we always suggest an independent consultant as every house has its own peculiarities and problems, to give you a figure for your property.

      Back to Top

      
      
   3. Can it connect to my existing heating system?
      

      Yes. ThermaSkirt ® can be fitted to any system that provides warm water. If you have an existing central heating system it can be retrofitted with ThermaSkirt ®. If you are extending your property consider if your boiler is adequate to heat the extra space created. ThermaSkirt ®, however efficient, cannot compensate for a defective boiler or poor plumbing so check your existing system first!

      Back to Top

      
      
   4. What about replacing radiators?
      

      Yes! ThermaSkirt ® can replace an existing radiator. Pipework may need to be moved or extended, as ThermaSkirt ® connections are at one end rather than either end on a rad.

      Back to Top

      
      
   5. I have no gas on site. What boiler can I use?
      

      ThermaSkirt ® can work with any heating system that can provide hot or even warm water. Electric boilers are now available, and of course there is oil and wood pellet, as well as re-newables such as solar and ground source.

      Back to Top

      
      
   6. I live in a hard water area, is ThermaSkirt Ok for me?
      

      Hard water, or limescale poses little threat to sealed systems (i.e; recirculates the water) as the mineral levels should remain steady. Open systems (i.e; with a header tank) may cause 'furring' up over a long period. In either case, a simple limescale inhibitor, suitable for alluminium systems such as 'ThermaSkirt TS5 or ScaleMaster SM1' is recommended. Central heating systems should not be filled with chemically treated or 'softened' water. Contact DiscreteHeat for specific advise or in-line water treatment products.

      Back to Top

      
      

2. About Energy Efficiency & Performance?

   1. Is it better than a radiator?
      

      YES. Radiators are simple to install and cheap to buy, but they create convection currents (air movement) in order to heat a room. This can create hot spots and cold drafts that can make a room feel less comfortable. ThermaSkirt ® does not create significant convection currents and works by radiating the heat from all around at low level. The room 'feels warmer' at lower operating temperatures. See our BSRIA test results in our Energy Savings section.

      Back to Top

      
      
   2. What does ThermaSkirt ® cost to run?
      

      How long’s a piece of string? The size of your house, its layout and orientation, your lifestyle, the clothes you wear indoors, and even if you are ill or not, all affect your comfort level, and thus the energy required to keep you warm and ultimately the size of your bill. On a like for like basis, radiated heat feels warmer at around 10~15% lower operating temperatures, compared to a radiator, and thus you can lower your thermostat setting and still feel comfortable.

      Back to Top

      
      
   3. Doesn’t UnderFloor Heating ‘save energy’?
      

      Mmmm… If it takes a Kilowatt to heat your room, it takes a kilowatt, it takes a kilowatt, it takes a kilowatt, irrespective of the heating device. Where UFHs’ claim to save energy has some merit is that the lack of convection currents, (see above) make a room feel warmer at lower temperatures. In other words 900w may be enough for you to feel comfortable. ThermaSkirt ®, being a radiated heat all around the room works in exactly the same way.

      Back to Top

      
      
   4. Yes but doesn’t UnderFloor Heating use water at a lower temperature?
      

      Yes, but 9 times out of 10, this water at 35~45°C is created by mixing COLD water with your already pre-heated water. How energy efficient is that? Unless you have a split circuit boiler (expensive) both your hot water and heating will be heated to 65~70°C.

      Back to Top

      
      
   5. How about renewables such as Ground Source Heat Pumps & Solar?
      

      As long as you can provide warm water, and your heat loss is appropriate to re-newable energy sources ThermaSkirt ® will work as well as any UFH system. The larger Regency OG may be required for ground floor rooms (depending on your insulation values Urban LT may be adequate) with Urban LT adequate for bedrooms and upper floors. Your heat loss is a critical factor in deciding if renewable energy is right for you, so if it’s a refurbishment, check your figures carefully as only high specification new build can really take full advantage of air & ground source heat pumps.

      Back to Top

      
      
   6. How 'healthy' is ThermaSkirt?
      

      ThermaSkirt produces radiant heat like under floor rather than convected heat like radiators. This has been recognised as being a superior way to heat the human body, and also eliminates drafts and cold spots as well as dust and particle circulation that can trigger asthma and other respiratory complaints. Don't be fooled by other ‘skirting board’ radiators – if they have slots and grilles they are really convectors and will circulate the dust just the same as normal radiators.

      Back to Top

      
      

3. Compared to other "skirting heating radiators"?

   1. Skirting Radiators have been around for years, why is ThermaSkirt ® any different?
      

      True & False. Radiators at skirting level (or baseboard heaters) have been around for quite a while, but they are nothing like ThermaSkirt ®. They use convection (air movement) and so have slots and grilles and fins inside. This makes them bulky & ugly and look nothing like skirting.

      Back to Top

      
      
   2. Don’t these baseboard heaters produce more heat per m?
      

      True, so after the 1st 3 meters what are you going to do with the rest of the room? ThermaSkirt ® is discrete enough to skirt your room unobtrusively. You would not want more than a meter of baseboard heater in your room because of their size & appearance.

      Back to Top

      
      
   3. If baseboard heaters put our more heat per m, aren’t they more efficient?
      

      No. Heat output in a wet (or hydronic) heating system is a direct result of the temperature of the water and the surface area heated. Baseboard heaters produce more watts per m due to their internal fins & grilles. ThermaSkirt ® evenly distributes the same heat energy all around the room like UnderFloor and does not create the air currents, hot spots and cold spots that conventional baseboard radiators do. As a result you feel more comfortable at a lower room temperature and that’s REAL energy efficiency!

      Back to Top

      
      
   4. Doesn't ThermaSkirt get hot to the touch and isn't that a safety problem?
      

      Well, yes & no. ThermaSkirt can run at lower operating temperatures than conventional radiators as it has a much larger surface area and better heat distribution. As a result ThermaSkirt is potentially a lot safer than conventional radiators, and if required special temperature limiting valves are available for the vulnerable. The biggest safety issue with radiators is in fact impacts from falls, (Source: HaSS & LaSS Report 2002) and because ThermaSkirt has no sharp edges or exposed valves, this problem is completely overcome.

      Back to Top

      
      
   5. Don't some Skirting heaters have a separate front panel to keep the surface cool?
      

      Yes, they have slots top & bottom to allow air to pass through them over a series of fins or grilles. They rely on air movement (convection) to distribute the heat. Unfortunately they also distribute the dust and eventually get clogged with cobwebs and dirt and can stain your walls. ThermaSkirt can be wiped clean with a cloth – just like your existing skirting boards.

      Back to Top

      
      
   6. ThermaSkirt ® is aluminium & does not use copper lined bores – isn’t that a problem?
      

      Ask what the heat exchanger in your boiler is made from: Aluminium. Ask what the best radiators are made from: Aluminium. Ask what UFH allupex pipes are lined with: Aluminium. As a result if not having copper lining were a problem, every boiler and every aluminium radiator and every UFH system would have a problem. It’s a misnomer. The use of copper lined bores or pipes is a throwback to old technology when joints were soldered. The use of plastic push-fit has revolutionised plumbing, and ThermaSkirt ® is the only one that uses patented inert plastic push-fit fittings.

      Back to Top

      
      
   7. Suitability of Aluminium for Water Heating and Wet Central Heating System Applications?
      

      Aluminium and its alloys are widely used across the water heating industry with various grades of cast, wrought and extruded product being used for manufacture of a variety of water-contact components. Approximately half of the 1.5 million domestic boilers sold in the UK per annum currently have aluminium heat-exchangers.
      
      Aluminum owes its excellent corrosion resistance, and its usage as one of the primary metals of commerce, to the barrier oxide film that is bonded strongly to its surface which, if damaged, re-forms immediately in most environments.
      
      Aluminium can be prone to pitting corrosion in chloride containing environments where the solution is open to the air but this is generally not a problem with well-designed, properly flushed and maintained central heating systems. Corrosion resistance is reduced where pH of the water is elevated above 8.4 for long periods. See Letter from UK Water Treatment Association (UKWTA)

      Back to Top

      
      
   8. Wont copper bores last longer?
      

      Hey? Aluminium has a greater corrosion resistance than copper (or steel) especially when there is no oxygen present such as in the central heating water. In fact, mixing copper & aluminium in close proximity may facilitate a cathodic (electrolytic battery type) reaction. Mix that up with brass and stainless steel fittings and moisture and you have a recipe for a real event!. Discrete Heat recommend a corrosion inhibitor suitable for alluminium radiators. 'ThermaSkirt TS5 or ScaleMaster SM1' or similar in accordance with manufacturer guidleines will reduce chemical reactions with the alluminium and inhibit limescale depsosits.

      Back to Top

      
      
   9. Why does ThermaSkirt ® have 2 pipes?
      

      Simple: To ensure that the heat along the length is exactly the same everywhere.
      By encasing the feed and return pipe in the same section, the temperature is evened out between the 2 at every point along its length. This unique feature gives ThermaSkirt ® its underfloor heating-like heat distribution pattern – and it makes installation and pipework runs easier.

      Back to Top

      
      

4. About Fitting & Installation?

   1. Who can fit it?
      

      DiscreteHeat are appointing authorised distributors & installers; so call us to see if there if is one near you. If not, a competent and recommended-by-friend-plumber or joiner can install. We recommend that you download the instructions and the templates from our Technical Information section.
      
      These give you the pipe positions & heights for your installation that will ensure a speedy and trouble fee installation. DOWNLOAD THEM! It will save you a load of hassle!

      Back to Top

      
      
   2. How easy is it to fit?
      

      If you download the pipe & fitting templates from Technical Information, it will make your job a lot easier. It's more involved than a radiator, but simpler than skirting as there is no mitreing, butt & scribing or filling and caulking.

      Back to Top

      
      
   3. Is it a DIY job?
      

      Certainly can be. If you are not happy to do the plumbing side of things, get a plumber to put your pipes in for you. Download the templates for them to install them in the right place:
      Technical Information
      
      Don't let them fob you off! If the pipes are right, the rest is easy! You can design on-line which will give you the cut lengths, and you can decide where the best pipe positions are. Order on-line or buy in full 6m or 3m lengths (cheaper) and fit it yourself. We have on-line technical help by email 24/7 and our office hours help-line is 0845-1238367.
      
      Remember: Boilers and other gas heating equipment need to be fitted by a Gas Safe (formerly CORGI) registered installer – pipework and radiators do not.

      Back to Top

      
      
   4. What about the walls?
      

      ThermaSkirt ® can be fitted to brick & blockwork walls, timber studding & partitioning, new or existing build. Like a skirting, you will need a good fixing so check your walls are sound, or you can identify where the studs are. If you are wet plastering, ensure you plaster down to within 50mm at least of the floor. If practical, you could install a timber ‘ground’ to plaster down to, and which will provide you a really good stable fixing. If a particularly old and crooked property, you may need to provide a timber back-board, especially if you walls are not vertical for the bottom 6~8” (150-200mm). ThermaSkirt ® can accept a certain amount of flex along its length if the wall isn’t straight, but at corners and intersections, the corner covers require a good vertical alignment. If your walls are really bad, call us on 0845-1238367 as we have some new and specific solutions to your problem.

      Back to Top

      
      
   5. Will it affect my floors?
      

      ThermaSkirt ® is above ground so is unaffected by and will not affect your final floor covering, such as timber, carpet, laminate or vinyl. Bear in mind the thickness of your likely final floor covering if its not already down. You can install ThermaSkirt ® at the right height to allow for it and save you the job of trimming the bottom (removable) cover.

      Back to Top

      
      
   6. How do I go across doorways, archways and other obstacles?
      

      We have a threshold kit that provides 2 pipes hidden in the floor to a depth of around 50mm, that allows the flow & return to 'duck under' openings such as doors and fireplaces, and continue the system on the other side. We now also have an 'Architrave Kit' that routes the flow & return up and over the doorway. For more info, go to: Technical Information.

      Back to Top

      
      
   7. I have a room longer than 6m what do I do?
      

      We have an in-line jointing piece that allows lengths to be joined end to end to allow, 12m, 18m or whatever length required. A simple cover hides the joint. If designing on-line, any lengths greater than 6m are automatically divided by the computer program into 2 equal halves, so any join is in the middle. If you want it any where else, just ask, as we can ensure that it's positioned in a place that may be out of sight altogether.

      Back to Top

      
      
   8. What about the corner pieces, why are they proud of the skirting?
      

      How often do you sit & stare at the skirting boards? The corners allow for the skirting to expand as it heats up and to allow for any mis-measurement so have to be over the ends of the skirting. They are only 1.2mm thick so unless you look hard you won't notice them. In 90% of installations the corners are hidden by furniture and fittings. The timber finished ThermaSkirt ® has covers that are identically finished, so if it bothers you that much, order a system with a grained effect.

      Back to Top

      
      
   9. Can I make the corners "disappear"?
      

      Yes. If you use a tiny bead of matching silicon, and then carefully smooth with your wet finger, you will eliminate the sharp edge. As a result, for those of you that are really fussy, the corners will be virtually impossible to spot even on your hands & knees.

      Back to Top

      
      

5. Trouble Shooting & Problems?

   1. What goes wrong with it?
      

      Very little. We use a special Viton O ring that is used in turbo-chargers and petrol pumps and is often better than the seals in the rest of the pipework & fittings. We have conducted life tests assuming 10 operations a day (the average is 3) for 365 days a year (the normal is 200) and we have achieved an operational life of 27 years (and still counting) on the seals. The skirting is obviously never going to leak. By comparison a standard radiator usually has a 2 year warranty.

      Back to Top

      
      
   2. Does it ever leak?
      

      Yes - but only if you damage a seal on installation. We provide many of our systems ready-de-burred and silicon lubricant sachets are included, so unless you're really clumsy you won't damage a seal when fitting. If you're de-burring yourself – we provide a tool, and spare bits are available to allow you to de-burr on site. If you follow the instructions and de-burr properly and use the grease you'll have no trouble. If you're cack-handed and you do nick an O ring a spares kit is provided. Take a bit of care and you won't have to use it.

      Back to Top

      
      
   3. What about air in the system?
      

      ThermaSkirt ® is effectively a pipe so air cannot get trapped in it. Existing central heating systems where ThermaSkirt ® is retrofitted, may be more susceptible to getting air trapped in it because previously, the conventional radiator provided a convenient reservoir for the air in each leg or part of the pipework. If the ThermaSkirt ® is not getting warm, then you may have air trapped in the pipework somewhere. To shift it, close off all the radiators/ThermaSkirt ® systems and ensure your boiler pump is turned up to full pressure. Then, starting at the lowest part of the house, open 1 radiator/ThermaSkirt ® at a time, closing it off after a few minutes and moving on to the next one. This will force any air up and around, either out through the air-vent on the boiler or into any conventional radiators as they are opened. These can be bled as normal. Once all the radiators/ThermaSkirt ® systems have been opened and closed individually, then all can be opened as normal and the central heating run as usual.
      
      A recently introduced addition to the return manifold is a bleed screw, to assist trapped air in the pipework to get moving. See Installation Instructions Sheet for more information.

      Back to Top

      
      
   4. How do I bleed a system that has NO conventional radiators?
      

      If a new installation, then ThermaSkirt ® may be the only heating device in the property, and there are no conventional radiators to act as reservoirs. In this instance a bleed-off tee piece will provide a convenient and simple solution to this issue. At the highest point in the central heating circuit, Tee off into a vertical pipe, copper or plastic, and install an air release valve at 600mm or more above floor level. This could be in an airing cupboard, cylinder store, wardrobe or other out of the way place. Using the same method as described for a mixed radiator system, shut off all the ThermaSkirt ® systems and ensure the pump is set to maximum. Open and close each ThermaSkirt ® system individually. Any air forced around the system will be trapped in this bleed-off tee piece, and can be simply bled off by twisting the air release valve. See our instructions for more details. See Installation Instructions Sheet for more information.

      Back to Top

      
      

ASK A QUESTION?