Vertical radiators – 5 key points to consider

Over the last 20 years, feature radiators have become an increasingly important consideration for those renovating a property. One popular way to maximise wall space and comfort, whilst adding an extra design element is to go for a vertical radiator. Here are 5 key points to consider when looking at a tall, modern heating solution.

Heat output

Heat output is the most important factor when buying a radiator, to ensure a comfort and efficiency. Key to maximising the heat output and efficiency of a tall radiator is down to the amount of surface area so look for ways in which the surface area can be maximised. For example:    

·         Does the radiator include as many tubes as possible? – see our Cirque design, where tubes are tightly packed together;

·         Does the radiator include as many internal fins as possible? – see our Alchemy design, which you can see is full of vertical surfaces; or

·         Does the radiator include as much “radiator” behind a front panel as possible? – for example, it may be difficult to see but, our Outline range has a tightly packed aluminium radiator body behind a sleek front panel.

Feature Radiators’ team can help you with your heat output calculations and make recommendations for the Watts or BTUs you require then make a range of radiator suggestions.

Measuring up

Tall radiators are often chosen for use where width space is restricted. Therefore measuring up the space accurately is essential to ensure you select something that maximises the heat output, whilst fitting comfortably into a tight space. As a retailer, we recommend measuring the full gap, allowing us to consider all radiator options with a range of valve positions when combined with a range of valves.

Alternatively, if your pipes are already in place, then measure the distance from the centre of one pipe to the centre of the other and we can recommend products that will fit neatly onto the existing pipework, minimising your potential plumber’s bill.

Valve connections

When width space is restricted and you need to maximise the heat output in a narrow space then you may want to consider a vertical model with “underside” rather than side connections. This is often the case in kitchens where wall space is limited due to units and appliances. As standard, radiator valve connections go at the bottom of a radiator on either side (BBOE), however an increasing amount of designs come with valve connection positions on the underneath, freeing up space either side and giving a neater finish. Examples of such models are our Classic and Svelte ranges.

Designs

Vertical radiators now nearly outsell horizontal radiators, so consequently manufacturers have been proactive in bringing a huge choice of designs to market. 

The most popular designs consist of vertical columns or tubes with various profile shapes in a range of sizes, such as:

·         Round – see our modern Pentola radiator

·         Oval – see our best-selling Ellipse

·         Square – see our Cube-Tube, high output design

·         C shaped as hollow tubes help to maximise surface area – see our high output Cirque design.

Flat panel radiators such as our Dansk Odin are popular in white for their minimalism, but, alternatively, these flat designs are now available in a huge range of colours and finishes such as our Arteplano in copper and Cliff with a stone veneer face.

 

Tall “feature radiators” come in a myriad of shapes. For example,

• Spirals – see our Spiro 2 and Hot Spring designs
• Twists – see the stainless steel Twister
• Surfboards – see the iconic Blade
• X-factor – see our Papillon hand-made design  

Materials

The most popular material to make tall radiators is mild steel; this is relatively low cost yet hard-wearing and can be made into a huge range of designs.

However, the radiator market is increasingly moving towards aluminium which offers a practical alternative; aluminium is easy to recycle meaning and aluminium radiators are often made of recycled material. It also heats up quickly and is very light weight making it easier to transport and hang. It can be extruded into long finned pieces, offering good value and a high output. One of the top quality options on the market is our Swell range, which comes in a huge range of sizes and finishes.

Many customers request cast iron radiators in vertical versions, but these can only be made to a maximum of 1m high. A suitable alternative would be a steel column radiator such as our Bordo or Classic models to get the period style.

For more information on vertical radiators, contact an expert such as Feature Radiators.

www.featureradiators.co.uk Tel: 01274 567789

The Old Post Office, 134-140 Main Street, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 2HL