Blog & Useful Tips by ADIGE Towel Radiators

To effectively utilize a dual fuel towel radiator, it is essential to first understand the functionality of this type of heating appliance. A dual fuel towel radiator is designed to operate using both the central heating system and electricity. This means that you have the flexibility to use it even when the central heating is turned off in the summer months, making it a versatile option for keeping your towels warm and dry throughout the year.

You can use/convert your central heating towel radiator to a dual fuel one by adding some parts and fittings such as dual fuel corner valves or a T piece, a T pipe (also known as dual fuel adaptor) together with an electric heating element. These additional parts will enable you to use your towel radiator as dual fuel meaning that it can be part of your central heating and can be used as electric only during summer months.

What Is the Correct Way of Using A Dual Fuel Towel Radiator?

Just like any other electrical equipment, installing and using your heating element requires your attention. The first and most important issue is to get it installed by a qualified “and” competent installer. No offense to anyone but not all qualified are competent and not all competent are qualified! So, a little homework to find the right person to do the job is very important to begin with. But once it is installed, how exactly do you mean to use it?

Most people are generally under the impression that they can simply switch from central heating use to electric use without any hassle. Some even believe that both heat sources can be used simultaneously. Unfortunately, this is not the case. The sole purpose of having a dual fuel towel radiator is to be able to have warm towels during summer months only, in which the central heating system is generally turned off. The correct way of using a dual fuel towel radiator would be to use the central heating option during the winter and use the electric option only during the summer.You should also follow the correct procedure when switching from one to the other.

How To Switch From Central Heating To Electric?

Come April or May, you may wish to turn off your central heating and switch your towel radiator from a plumbed radiator to an electric one. Doing so will still kill the chill in your bathroom and let you have warm towels after a bath or shower.  By following the steps below, you can protect your central heating, towel radiator, and, most importantly, your electric heating element which is installed inside the towel radiator.

Switch From Central Heating to Electric Element:

1. Before you switch from central heating to electric usage, you must isolate the radiator from the rest of your central heating system by turning both inlet (flow) and outlet (return) valves completely off.
2. Secondly, you will either need to loosen the bleed valve or the return valve slightly. The trick here is to be very gentle and loosen either of those very slightly. Loosening one of these will reduce the risk of pressure building inside the towel radiator as the electric element heats the trapped water.
3. Once the radiator is isolated from the pipe work of your central heating, you can safely turn on your electric heating element allowing it to heat the water inside.

To maximize the efficiency of a dual fuel towel radiator, it is important to set the temperature and timer settings according to your usage patterns. By adjusting the temperature to a comfortable level and setting the timer to turn on and off at specific times, you can ensure that your towels are always warm and ready for use. Additionally, regular maintenance such as cleaning the radiator and checking for any leaks or malfunctions will help prolong the electric element’s lifespan and ensure optimal performance.

Switch From Electric Element to Central Heating:

1. Before you switch from electric to central heating, you must turn off your heating element. How you achieve this will depend on the type of electric element you have installed. If it is a simple non-thermostatic heating element or a thermostatic one without a timer program feature, you will simply turn it off from the main fused spur, usually located outside the bathroom. If however, you have a WiFi-enabled thermostatic and programable electric element, you should then set this to holiday mode as turning it off completely from the main spur may erase the program memory.
2. Secondly, you will need to tighten back the bleed and turn both the inlet (flow) and the outlet (return) valves to the ON position on your dual fuel corner or angled valves to allow central heating water to circulate through the radiator.  

Now let’s look at the consequences of not following the correct procedures described above. Following “ifs” will give you an idea and help you understand those important steps.

• If you do not isolate the radiator by turning the valves to the OFF position, heated water will escape to other parts of the central heating system through valves and pipes work.
• If you do not loosen either the bleed or return valve, the radiator will build pressure and, in some cases, this may lead to a leak, which may even result in a welded joint on the radiator to burst requiring a replacement radiator.
• If the radiator is not isolated, heating element will end up trying to heat the whole central heating system and eventually fail fairly quickly.
• If you turn off a Wifi enabled programable thermostatic element form fused spur, you will loose all the programs.
• If you do not tighten the bleed valve, radiator will suck air as it cools down causing trapper air in your central heating system.

Further Usage Tips & Pre-Install Guidance on Dual Fuel Towel Radiators

It's important to conduct research and planning before installing a dual fuel towel radiator. As well as finding the right person to install it, getting the correct and most appropriate parts will ensure smooth operation throughout the year. Below are some bite-size tips which will help you achieve just that.

• Avoid using a TRV on dual fuel heated towel rails
  Unlike standard mechanical valves, thermostatic valves (TRV’s) have either liquid, gas, or wax-filled sensors. It is those sensors that control the water flow.  With a standard valve, you can get a complete seal once it is completely shut. However, you may not get a complete seal with TRV’s, and the heated water inside the radiator may escape.
  
  
• Avoid installing non-thermostatic standard heating elements
  Standard elements heat the water to its maximum temperature which can be in the range of 65C to 70C. This may be a little overwhelming, especially in the summer months. After all, you only need the water to be lukewarm to dry your towels and keep them warm but not heat the room.
  
  
• Avoid room temperature-based thermostatic heating elements
  Never use a thermostatic heating element based on “ambiance temperature” (room temperature). As the element should be used in summer months only, your room temperature will likely be over 20 Celsius degrees. Hence a room temperature-controlled thermostatic element may never come on to heat the water inside the radiator.
  
  
• Choose the correct type of valves
  If your pipe work is coming out from the wall, select a dual fuel corner valve that has a built-in T pipe (dual fuel adaptor) as opposed to an angled one. With specially designed dual fuel radiator valves, you will not need to offset the pipe work wider or narrower than the radiator and the whole connection will look neater and symmetrical.
  
  
• Use two T pipes instead of one
  If your pipe work is coming out from the floor, opt in for two T pipes instead of just one. With T pipes on both sides, your installer can adjust the pipe work the same on both sides of the radiator making a more symmetrical setup. See our heated towel rail connection illustrations page to view both one T pipe and two T pipes option to help you visualize how the final setup would like. 

In Summary, a dual fuel towel radiator is a versatile heating appliance that can be used with both central heating and electricity by selecting the right parts and valves for installation, allowing you to keep your towels warm and dry throughout the year. But It is important to follow the correct procedures when switching between heat sources to ensure that both the radiator and the element functions properly and to avoid any potential issues.

Updated by Vinnie Ozer // Adige Towel Radiators
18/May/2024 @ 02:16

Heated towel rails are a popular addition to many bathrooms, providing warmth and comfort as well as a convenient place to hang towels. But, can you hang clothes on a heated towel rail?

The short answer is yes, you can hang clothes on a heated towel rail. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind.

Firstly, it's important to check the weight limit of your heated towel rail. Most towel rails are designed to support the weight of towels and light clothing items such as bathrobes. Hanging heavier items such as jeans or heavy coats may exceed the weight limit and damage the towel rail.

Secondly, it's important to avoid overcrowding the towel rail. Overcrowding can reduce the efficiency of the towel rail and make it less effective at heating towels and clothes.

Thirdly, it's important to avoid placing damp or wet clothes on the heated towel rail. Doing so can cause moisture to build up on the rail and damage it over time. It's also important to avoid hanging wet clothes on the towel rail as they can take longer to dry, reducing the efficiency of the rail and potentially causing a musty smell in the bathroom.

Lastly, it's important to ensure that the clothes are hung securely on the towel rail. Use hangers or clips to hang the clothes and avoid placing them directly on the rail, as this can cause damage to the rail and increase the risk of the clothes falling off.

In summary, it is possible to hang clothes on a heated towel rail, but it's important to keep in mind the weight limit, avoid overcrowding, avoid placing damp or wet clothes on the rail, and ensure that the clothes are hung securely. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of a heated towel rail while also making the most of its convenient hanging space.

If you're looking to install a towel radiator in your bathroom, it's important to ensure that it's fitted properly to the existing pipe work. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to fit a towel radiator to your existing pipework and valves:

1)    Turn off the central heating: Before you begin, it's important to turn off the central heating to ensure that the radiator is cool and safe to work with.

2)    Drain the radiator: To avoid any water leaks or damage, you will need to drain the radiator of any water. Locate the valve that controls the flow of water to the radiator and close it. Then, open the bleed valve at the top of the radiator to let the water drain out. You may need to use a bucket or bowl to catch the water.

3)    Remove the old radiator: Once the radiator is drained, you can remove the old radiator from the wall. Use a wrench to loosen the nuts that secure the radiator to the valves, and carefully lift the radiator off the wall.

4)    Prepare the new radiator: Before fitting the new towel radiator, you will need to ensure that it's ready for installation. If the radiator requires assembly, follow the manufacturer's instructions to put it together. Then, attach the brackets to the back of the radiator. It's important to make sure that the brackets are level and securely attached.

5)    Install the radiator: Once the new radiator is prepared, you can install it onto the existing valves. Attach the valve tails using the nuts provided, and ensure that the radiator is level.

6)    Connect the valves: Once the radiator is securely attached to the wall, you can connect the valves to the radiator. Use a wrench to tighten the nuts that connect the valves to the radiator. It's important to ensure that the valves are securely attached to the radiator and that there are no leaks.

7)    Refill the radiator: Once the radiator is securely attached, you can refill it with water. Close the bleed valve and open the valve that controls the flow of water to the radiator. Wait for the radiator to fill up, and then check for any leaks.

8)    Bleed the radiator: Once the radiator is filled with water, you may need to bleed it to remove any air bubbles. Use a radiator key to open the bleed valve at the top of the radiator and release any trapped air.

9)    Turn on the central heating: Once the radiator is installed and filled with water, you can turn on the central heating and test the radiator to ensure that it's working properly.

In conclusion, fitting a towel radiator to existing pipe work and valves is a straightforward process that can be done with the right tools and instructions. By following these steps, you can install a new towel radiator and enjoy the benefits of warm, dry towels and efficient heating in your bathroom.

Towel radiators are a great addition to any bathroom, providing warmth and comfort while also keeping your towels dry and fluffy. However, to ensure that your towel radiator operates efficiently, it's important to choose the right valves. In this article, we'll discuss the different types of towel radiator valves and their importance in achieving efficient heating.

What are towel radiator valves?

Towel radiator valves are the components that connect your radiator to the central heating system. These valves control the flow of water to and from the radiator, allowing you to regulate the temperature of the radiator and the room. There are two main types of towel radiator valves: manual valves and thermostatic valves.

Manual Valves - Manual valves are the simplest type of towel radiator valves. They are operated manually by turning a valve to open or close the flow of water to the radiator. Manual valves are a good choice if you want a basic, low-cost solution for controlling the temperature of your radiator. However, they don't provide precise temperature control and require manual adjustment to maintain a constant temperature.

Thermostatic Valves Thermostatic valves are a more advanced type of towel radiator valve. They contain a temperature-sensitive element that automatically adjusts the flow of water to the radiator to maintain a constant temperature. This means that they can provide precise temperature control, which can help to reduce energy consumption and lower heating bills.

Thermostatic valves are also more convenient than manual valves, as they require minimal adjustment and can automatically adjust to changes in room temperature. This makes them ideal for use in busy households where the temperature requirements may vary throughout the day.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Towel Radiator Valves is essential for achieving efficient heating. If you choose manual valves, you will need to manually adjust the flow of water to the radiator to maintain a constant temperature, which can be time-consuming and inefficient. On the other hand, thermostatic valves can automatically adjust the flow of water to the radiator to maintain a constant temperature, helping to reduce energy consumption and lower heating bills.

In addition to choosing the right type of valve, it's also important to choose valves that are compatible with your towel radiator and central heating system. This will ensure that the valves operate efficiently and effectively, providing optimal heating performance.

In conclusion, towel radiator valves are an important component for achieving efficient heating in your bathroom. Whether you choose manual valves or thermostatic valves, it's important to select valves that are compatible with your towel radiator and central heating system. By choosing the right valves, you can ensure that your towel radiator operates efficiently, providing optimal heating performance and helping to reduce energy consumption and lower heating bills.