Frequently Asked Questions
Radiant heat is a unique transfer of energy that naturally searches out colder objects to warm. Radiant heating systems can be installed in the floor (underfloor heating) or ceiling and use this system to heat the room.
Instead of heating the air, radiant floor heating systems heat the surface of objects or people in the room. These surfaces then gently warm the surrounding air creating a natural warmth with minimal temperature variation in different points in the room.
Compared to traditional radiators, radiant heating panels are highly efficient – which leads to lower running costs.
Traditional convection radiators work by heating the air around them. The air circulates around the room, eventually heating the people and objects in the room. However, heating the air in this way can take a long time. And if you are trying to heat a large room, this can take a lot of energy. This results in high costs.
Radiant heating panels do not waste energy attempting to heat the air. Instead, infrared energy is emitted which directly heats the people and objects in the room. As a result, the temperature can be reduced without affected comfort levels. A radiant heating panel will provide the same level of comfort as a convection radiator using typically 40% of the power. For example, a 500W GR panel from Flexel International would provide the same comfort level as a 1200W convection heater.
Based a tariff where electricity is 12.5p/kWh, and the panel being on for five hours a day, the GR panel would cost about 25p a day to run.
The convection heater would cost around 75p a day. This results in savings of around £60 per year. However, the savings from radiant heating panels could be even greater.
The example does not take heat up times into account. Radiant panels provide almost instantaneous heat, so they will probably be kept on for less time than convection heaters. Convection heaters have to warm up slowly, and then they have to warm the surrounding air. It is only then that people will begin to feel the warmth.
Running costs are bound to be one of the biggest considerations when looking at an electric heater. That is why we are so proud of our energy efficient range of radiant heating panels.
At Flexel International we manufacture and supply a wide range of radiant heating panels. The panel that is right for you depends on your own personal preferences and requirements.
For example, if you want a discrete source of heating, you may want to consider a ceiling panel. This will provide energy efficient radiant heating without taking up any wall space. However, if you want a radiant heating panel to be a focal point in your room, you should choose one of our custom printed heating panels.
These include a high quality digital print. This can be one of a selection of beautiful standard prints, or you can send your own image to be added. There are also textured radiant heating panels available.
The textured surface, which increases the surface area by 2.5 times, results in more efficient heat generation. There are many options including radiant panel size, colour, surface texture and wall or ceiling mounting. The design of your room, the décor and budget should all be considered when choosing a radiant heating panel.