As schools adapt to meet net zero carbon targets and integrate new heating technologies, the importance of selecting the right climate control solution has never been greater. At Biddle, we are proud to work alongside schools, colleges and universities across the UK, providing efficient, reliable and future-proof heating solutions that create better learning environments.
Why Heating for Schools Is Changing
Sustainability in Education
Schools today are under increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint. Government targets and funding programmes – like the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) – are accelerating the move away from inefficient heat emitters.
Traditional radiator systems were designed for high-temperature water, making them inefficient when paired with modern, low-carbon heat pumps. Compatible heat pumps that raise the necessary water temperatures for radiator heat emitters can be cost and space prohibitive, impacting the capability of a school of meeting sustainability goals.
Fan convectors however (Biddle’s Forceflow CB) are engineered to work seamlessly with mid-temperature options, enabling schools who choose to adopt heat pump technology to maintain comfortable classroom temperatures while consuming less energy and reducing emissions.
Biddle fan convectors are purpose-designed to perform efficiently at these lower temperatures, ensuring rapid heat-up, even temperature distribution and year-round comfort – all while supporting schools’ net zero requirements.
Maximising Classroom Space
Space in classrooms is always at a premium. To achieve the necessary heat output, traditional radiators can take up large areas of wall space, desk space, storage, or teaching aids.
Fan convectors, by contrast, deliver the same (or greater) heating performance from a much smaller unit. This compact design gives teachers more flexibility in how they configure their classrooms and creates a more conducive environment for students.
New Heating Technologies: Compatibility with Heat Pumps
As heat pumps become the preferred choice for sustainable heating in schools, compatibility is key. Conventional radiators often struggle with the lower water temperatures supplied by heat pumps, leading to slow warm-up times and uneven heating. Biddle fan convectors are purpose-designed to perform efficiently at these lower temperatures, ensuring rapid heat-up, even temperature distribution and year-round comfort – all while supporting schools’ net zero objectives.
The Fan Convector Advantage
Fan convectors are increasingly becoming the school heaters of choice because they combine rapid performance with efficiency and flexibility.
Schools operate on tight schedules, with classrooms empty one period and full the next. Fan convectors deliver warm air quickly, rapidly raising classroom temperatures even during short occupancy periods. This means energy is used more efficiently, as systems don’t need to run continuously to maintain optimum levels.
Space-Saving Design
Because fan convectors produce more heat output relative to their size compared to radiators, they free up valuable wall and floor space. This is particularly useful in primary schools or classrooms with flexible layouts where space for displays, teaching aids and student movement is essential.
Fan convectors use integrated fans to circulate warm air evenly throughout the space, creating a consistent and comfortable temperature wherever students sit.
Paired with modern control options and low-temperature water systems such as heat pumps, fan convectors reduce energy consumption without sacrificing performance.
Future-Proofed for Low-Temperature Systems
The Forceflow CB range is specially engineered for use with low water temperature systems, making it the ideal choice for schools transitioning to modern, sustainable heating technologies such as heat pumps. One of the key features of this system is its oversized heat exchanger. By increasing the surface area through which heat is transferred, the Forceflow CB ensures that – even at lower water temperatures – classrooms are heated quickly and efficiently. This design maximises energy use, helping schools reduce running costs and meet their carbon reduction targets without compromising on comfort.
Safety is also a major consideration for heating in schools. For this reason, the Forceflow CB is available in a Low Surface Temperature (LST) configuration. This design ensures that the unit’s external surfaces remain cool to the touch, even when operating at higher water temperatures, eliminating the risk of burns or injuries. By incorporating this feature, schools can prioritise both safety and performance in their heating strategy.
In addition to its advanced technical design, the Forceflow CB range offers flexible installation options, making it suitable for almost any school building. Whether for a newly built modern classroom with clean architectural lines or a heritage school building with space restrictions and unique structural considerations, these units can be wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, recessed, or exposed to suit the layout and design of each space. This versatility means schools do not need to compromise on performance or safety when choosing the best heating solution.
Ease of Installation and Maintenance
Schools need heating solutions that are straightforward to manage and maintain so that teaching and learning are not disrupted.
Biddle fan convectors offer a variety of control options, creating flexibility in how they manage classroom climates. Tamperproof thermostats can be installed in individual rooms to prevent accidental or unauthorised adjustments, and larger sites or multi-building campuses can incorporate group control systems to enable the monitoring and/or adjusting of climates centrally to maintain efficiency and consistency across the entire school estate.
Maintenance has also been made simple and efficient, as fan convectors from Biddle are built with quick-access panels that allow engineers to carry out routine checks without lengthy disassembly. Moreover, filters can be removed and replaced quickly without specialist knowledge.
Safety Considerations
Traditional radiators, while historically popular, pose several safety risks in school environments. Their exposed metal surfaces can reach high temperatures, potentially causing burns if accidentally touched.
They also protrude from walls, creating a hazard in busy classrooms where students are moving around. By contrast, fan convectors – including Low Surface Temperature (LST) variants – are specifically designed to keep external surfaces cool and safe while providing powerful, consistent heating.
Building a Better Learning Environment
From primary schools to universities, heating plays a key role in creating spaces that support learning. Biddle fan convectors combine safety, energy efficiency and flexibility, making them an ideal when choosing heating for schools.
Whether the facility is a new build, or upgrades need making to older buildings, Biddle expertise in school heating – and proven product performance – means we confidently deliver safe, sustainable and future-proof climate control.
Ready to Upgrade Your School’s Heating?
Talk to our team today to learn how Biddle fan convectors can support your education projects – from design and specification through to installation and long-term support.