We are currently having some building work done, and as part of that we are going to have a new utility room, which will house washing machine, tumble dryer (condenser) and sink etc. It will also have an extractor fan fitted which will vent straight though the outside wall.
We hadn’t planned on having a radiator fitted, but today the builder/plumber said that they would have one because of “condensation”. In my mind, the extractor fan will provide the air flow to prevent condensation issues, and the tumble dryer will provide plenty of heat, negating the need for radiator. Very occasionally we will dry clothes in there on a clothes horse. Having a rad surely won’t help condensation, for that you need airflow.
What is the stw consensus? Should we have a radiator or not?
Depends on how big the room is andcwhere it is. Ours doesnt have a radiator but its small, only has a small bit of outside wall. Has washing machine and condensing dryer in there. We have and outside extractor but never use it. Boiler is also in there but don't think that kicks out much into the room. Never had a condensation problem.
Not a big room, 1.7m x 2.5m. Is sandwiched between study and kitchen, on the NW side of the house.
It wouldn’t be a big problem to put it in as the ceilings are currently down, but it will still cost me the price of a radiator and the labour, so I’m not sure I want to spend the money if it isn’t necessary as the building works are costing enough as it is!
I'd do it and bank on using the tumble drier less.
I’d do it. Buttons to do now compared to later.
Get the plumber to put the drops through the ceiling and cap them off ready to be used if needed.
Bathroom towel radiators are useful for drying stuff on (other than towels)
Went for under floor electric and a long low rad under the coat hooks. Also got a drying rack up high. Stuff dries quickly in there. We also have extraction
Towpathman, sounds very similar to ours then, it won't cost much to put in but I'd be more concerned about wall space. Towel rails used for drying will create a potential for condensation.
Radiator all the way.
Ours is an unofficial kit drying station during the wetter months, jacket, shorts and especially my 5:10s have a rest on there for an hour or two drying ready for the next trip out.
Get it. One that you can hang damp kit and put sneakers near to. You’ll be glad you did.
I'd also get a dehumidifier, if you want to be drying off stuff.
Towel rails used for drying will create a potential for condensation
The moisture output from the tumble dryer will dwarf anything coming from what's drying on the radiator. Condenser dryers still output some hot air. We have one in a room about the size of the OPs. The extractor fan sorts it though
Thanks all, having looked at it we have an appropriate wall space, so we may as well have it done now.
Having the same thing done now, plumber been around tonight to confirm all plans.
2.5m x 2.5m room, half of which is single skin brick which will require 50mm insulation behind plasterboard, its south west corner of house so sun drenched (as far as the NE of England gets). We plan also the condenser dryer mounted above the washing machine on a unit, and a window to the SW.
With the floor being raised 100mm and insulated then weyrocked the builder and plumber said we wouldn't need the rad.