A new report aims to debunk a number of 'myths' surrounding steel panel radiators
The Manufacturers' Association of Radiators and Convectors (MARC) has released the findings of a pan-European report assessing the future role of steel panel radiators.

Highlights include:

• Their flexibility makes steel panel radiators and convectors the best way to introduce energy efficient heat generators into existing properties, with renovation and retro-fit accounting for more than 90 per cent of the UK and other major western European markets.

• Steel panel radiators work well with low water temperatures 'making them an ideal choice for eco-conscious developers and home owners'.

• Steel panel radiators have quick reactions to temperature control 'with small heat losses meaning that efficiency is not lost with long heat-up times. This is a benefit of the lower thermal mass of steel panel radiators'.

The report was started by Rettig ICC's research and development team, with support from a range of experts from Finland, Germany and Sweden.

MARC chairman John Colling said: 'During the last 60 years, most technologies have gone through revolutions. With steel panel radiators, it has been more evolution, with the introduction of the advanced welding technologies developed by radiator manufacturers in the 1980s, allowing convector panels to be welded directly onto the radiator waterways. The effect of this was to produce the same amount of heat output from radiators using less primary steel and water content, a major step forward in the drive for energy efficiency and carbon emissions.'

He said that there were myths surrounding steel panel radiators such as that they created a stuffy atmosphere and did not provide thermal comfort throughout a room. Mr Colling concluded: 'The information compiled in this report, with the assistance of some eminent European experts, shows the reality of steel panel radiators as the smart choice for heating homes is backed up by fact, not perception or myth.

'Typically, the average steel panel radiator costs circa £50 to £60, lasts 30 years and comes with a ten-year manufacturers' guarantee. Where else do you get value like that?'

Radiators - Some of the facts

• Of the 26.3 million homes in the UK, 23.6 million have wet systems

• Around 190 million radiators are installed in the UK

• 70 per cent of the housing stock that will be here in 2050 already exists and most properties have radiators

• Radiators account for 90 per cent+ of all new build installations

• They are the main heat source of heat emission in 31 out of 32 European countries (BRG Consult)

• The European radiator market was 27 m units in 2010 and this is set to grow to 29.5 m units by 2014 (BRG Consult)