Fitting the Radiator Panels
- How simple is it to fit the panels?
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Most people who are reasonably proficient in basic DIY will be able to fit the panels by themselves. It is not necessary to remove the radiators. HEATKEEPER Panels come supplied with comprehensive, easy-to-follow fitting instructions and a good supply of self-adhesive, double-sided tape.
- Do I have to remove my radiators to fit the panels?
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No. The panels are sufficiently flexible to slip behind the vast majority of household radiators without removing them. The panels are 8mm deep and a gap between the radiator and the wall of 15mm or greater is adequate for easy fitting without removing the radiator.
- What equipment will I need to install the panels?
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Comprehensive, easy-to-follow fitting instructions and a good supply of self-adhesive, double-sided tape are included in the pack when you buy HEATKEEPER Energy Saving Radiator Panels. In addition to this you will need a pair of sharp household scissors and a flexible stick or a bamboo cane to help you attach the panel to the wall behind the radiator.
- Do I need to fit segments of panels on the outside part of the radiator fixing brackets?
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The greater the area behind the radiator you can fit the panels the more effective they will be. So fitting segments of panels outside the brackets is recommended providing they are not visible beyond the radiator.
- What is the optimum and minimum recommended gap between the radiator and the wall for effective use of the panels?
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The minimum recommended gap is 15mm. The panel profile projects 8mm from the wall and so a lesser gap will restrict the flow of convected heat. The optimum gap is 20-40mm for ease of fitting, but benefit will be obtained from larger gaps up to the distance dictated by the radiator bracket.
- Does the adhesive tape supplied with the panels work on walls which have been wall-papered?
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The double-sided adhesive tape supplied with the panels is manufactured to a high industrial specification. It has been designed to withstand heat and is very durable. The tape can be used on walls which have been wall-papered. However if you have an uneven or textured surface behind your radiator, such as contoured vinyl, wood chip, embossed or Hessian wallpaper, textured paint, painted brickwork or wooden panelling, you will need to use a contact adhesive (such as Evo-Stik Impact) available from Joulesave (please telephone us if required) and most DIY stores.
- What is the impact on the effectiveness of HEATKEEPER Energy Saving Radiator Panels of wooden radiator cabinets?
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Wooden radiator cabinets installed in some homes for aesthetic reasons tend to restrict the free flow of air. Heat builds up, creating a greater loss into the wall thereby as much as halving the effectiveness of the radiator. HEATKEEPER Panels will substantially reduce this heat loss, reflecting the infra-red heat back to the radiator, so the water returns to the boiler hotter which then fires less often.
- I have large open cast radiators. Can I paint the panels to match the visible wall behind the radiators?
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HEATKEEPER Panels are very effective for such radiators but they will be more visible. We do not recommend painting the panels as this inhibits the reflection of infra-red heat through and into the radiator and so reduces the energy saving efficiency of the panels.
- Can I fit HEATKEEPER Energy Saving Radiator Panels behind a wood/coal burning stove or night storage heaters?
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Wood/coal burning stoves
It is possible to use HEATKEEPER Panels behind a wood/coal burning stove. The saw-tooth profile of the panel creates a layer of still air between the panel and the wall, acting as an effective insulator to prevent heat loss into the wall. The profile also aids the flow of convected heat out into the room thereby improving heat distribution, reducing the time it takes to heat up the room, and virtually eliminating cold spots. However it is important to make sure that the Panel is not in direct contact with the stove or the flue.
Night storage heaters
As long as there is sufficient gap between the storage heater and the wall, the panels will work just as effectively as for standard central heating radiators. The minimum recommended gap is 15mm to achieve the optimum flow of convected air.
- Will fitting HEATKEEPER Energy Saving Radiator Panels on the wall behind a radiator cause problems with damp because they prevent the radiator from drying out the wall?
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The purpose of the radiators is to heat the room and not to dry out a damp wall. If the wall behind the radiator is damp we recommend you do not fit HEATKEEPER Energy Saving Radiator Panels. Consult an expert such as a buildings surveyor to find out the cause of the damp and to recommend appropriate action. Once the damp problem has been fixed you can then fit the radiator panels.