Do you know what this is?

Groving

Hello, this heating system is in the house that I am purchasing. It's been in place for over 30 years. The EPC for the house is rating C (71). I think it is some sort of baseboard heating but I am not certain. It is all over the house. It apparently has copper pipes. There is a combi boiler in place. I was told by the person who checked the boiler that I should remove the baseboard type thing and replace it with radiators. I am not convinced because the house has an EPC rating of C and is warm. The bills seem low (but it was a single elderly lady living there). 

I guess my questions are whether anyone has seen this before and what are your views on how well they work? Should I reap them out or simply have them serviced? Are they likely to be less efficient than a radiator?

Mister_G

They are skirting board radiators.  See here for more info:  Skirting Board Heating Review: Pros, Cons & Costs | Boiler Guide
I would suggest that if they keep the house sufficiently warm, I'd leave them in place.  After 30 years the system would probably benefit from a flush through, and maybe even a boiler change.  They should be just as efficient as conventional radiators.

Hasbeen

Duplicate thread. All replies here: Do you know what this is and whether it is worth keeping it? — MoneySavingExpert Forum

matelodave

Personally I'd keep them if they are keeping the place cosy - they give a much more even spread of heat than radiators. I'm guessing that the plumber you got in wanted some work. You'd get no advantage by replacing them with radiators.

There isn't anything to go wrong so there's nothing to service - they are finned hot water pipes behind the covers. Try unclipping the covers and giving the fins a gentle  vacuum or brushing of the heat exchangers to get rid of any dust and improve their efficiency.

I did investigate them when I was refurbing our bungalow ten years ago but they weren't really suitable for the low temperature heatpump that we were installing but they'd have been an excellent match for a gas or oil boiler.