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

Feature radiators - stylish and efficient

Feature Radiators by name Feature radiators by nature! Our contemporary, traditional, electric or towel rail ranges include radiators that double up as works of art to give the ultimate wow factor to your home, whilst providing function as well as form. Style and substance are no longer mutually exclusive when it comes to designer radiators

Radiators for kitchens

The kitchen is increasingly becoming the heart of the home, so it’s no surprise that radiator experts are often asked: “Which radiator is best for a kitchen?” The answer will depend on the specifics of your kitchen, but there are some common factors that apply to all kitchens when considering heating.

Heat output
This is always the first and most important factor. Speak to a radiator specialist or heating engineer to find out how much heat your kitchen needs from radiators to ensure a comfortable environment.

Space
As kitchen cabinets often take up the majority of wall space, finding a suitable place on the wall for a radiator can be a challenge. However, with so many different shapes and sizes of radiators available, there is likely to be a simple solution, such as a vertical radiator that can be positioned behind a door or on a pillar taking up otherwise unused space.

Hanging tea towels
You may wish to dry tea towels on a kitchen radiator so options could include a heated towel rail in ladder style with towel hanging space or, for more heat output, go for a radiator with a towel-hanging rail attached.

Valves
Due to the fluctuating temperature of a kitchen, from the hob, oven and other appliances, experts recommend the installation of thermostatic valves. Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) have an in-built temperature sensor. The thermostatic valve maintains room temperature, by automatically adjusting the heat output from the radiator.
This means that you can make the most of any “free” heat the room receives, such as that from the sun, gas cookers or electrical appliances. As the valve is controlled automatically, it turns itself up and down, ensuring the radiators perform as efficiently as possible, reducing energy waste. For this reason, TRVs are the environmentally friendly valve choice.

Hygiene
It’s always worth considering hygiene when choosing appliances and materials for use in the kitchen. Radiators with a smooth finish are generally easier to wipe clean than radiators with a textured finish. Where possible, it is a good idea for the radiator’s pipework to come out of the wall instead of up from the floor. This will make mopping the floor easier and will limit areas where dirt could build up.

Matching
In order to really finish off a room and ensure a high quality finish, clever matching of finishes is essential. This can be done in all manner of ways as considered below.
Is there an Aga or Rayburn in your kitchen? If so, look for a matching paint finish on your radiator.
Going for granite worktops? Then consider a granite radiator; choose from a variety of stones such as Nero Assoluto. You can now even get radiators made of Silestone, a natural quartz material that is popular for use on kitchen work surfaces.
If you have a cooker hood in a brushed finish, then why not consider a radiator in brushed stainless steel to match.
And for those finishing touches, don’t forget your valves; a high quality valve in a matching finish can link key features together. Why not match your radiator valves to your light switches, cabinet handles and/or plug sockets for a high-end look.

Don't rush into a decision when considering the radiator(s) in your kitchen design. Think carefully about the position, design, practicality and finish of your radiator. Speak to an expert who will be able to guide you in the right direction, helping you avoid common pitfalls and enabling you to make the best choice for the heart of your home.

To speak to a real radiator specialist, contact Feature Radiators. Their expert team are available Monday to Saturday, so call them on 01274 567789 (10 lines), contact them via their website http://www.featureradiators.co.uk/ or visit them in their West Yorkshire showroom where they have over 250 radiators on display.

This week, Feature Radiators presented the charity, Crohn’s and Colitis UK, with a cheque for £337.03 raised from their “Red Hot” radiator promotion.

Annually Crohn’s and Colitis UK (formerly known as the National Association of Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s or the NACC) organises Red Hot Day, a fund-raising day for those affected by Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), the most common forms being Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. These diseases affect about 250,000 people in the UK and the charity aims to help its members by providing support for sufferers and their families, through its publications, helplines and a website.

Feature Radiators’ General Manager, Helena Gerwitz, a Crohn’s sufferer, was inspired to help as she has personally found Crohn’s and Colitis UK essential for support and advice.

“As a member, I have been sent useful information that has helped me with the ongoing management of my condition as well as preparing me for surgery. My consultant is fantastic but when you have a quick question that needs answering, then http://www.nacc.org.uk/ is my first point of call. The charity also provides regular newsletters, keeping me up-to-date on research into these currently incurable diseases.”

In appreciation for the advice and guidance she has received from the charity, Helena was keen to give something back and help to maintain these services for years to come. So the Feature Radiators’ team thought about how they could help and Helena approached her directors with a proposition. “I thought its Red Hot Day, so why not have a Red Hot radiator! I sourced a fantastic contemporary radiator, in stock in both red and chrome, at a competitive price that would really appeal to our customers but also tied in with the “Red Hot” theme. And our directors kindly agreed to donate a percentage of the sale price. I couldn’t believe it!”

So Feature Radiators decided that they would donate 20% of the price of their brand new Red Hot radiator along with a contribution from the manufacturer, Pitacs, to Crohn’s and Colitis UK resulting in a total of £337.03 raised for the charity.

The cheque was gratefully accepted by Dr. Conrad Beckett, consultant gastroenterologist at Bradford’s Royal Infirmary, on behalf of Crohn’s and Colitis UK at Feature Radiators’ showroom in Bingley, West Yorkshire.

The Feature Radiators team and the Red Hot radiator’s manufacturer, Pitacs, are overjoyed at the success of their fund-raising, and hope they have helped the charity in achieving their aims and that the Red Hot radiator has enabled them to better support those suffering with IBD.


Feature Radiators based in Bingley, West Yorkshire is the UK’s leading retailer of contemporary, designer, traditional cast iron and electric radiators and heated towel rails, providing quality and design as well as value for money.

With over 250 styles on display in their West Yorkshire showroom, expert advice, unrivalled customer service and nationwide delivery, they are widely recognized as the UK's leading radiator specialist.

For more information on the Red Hot radiator or other radiators call 01274 567789, contact Helena@featureradiators.co.uk or visit http://www.featureradiators.co.uk/

For more information on the charity Crohn’s and Colitis UK (formerly known as National Association for Colitis and Crohn’s Diseases), visit http://www.nacc.org.uk/

Charity registered in England Number: 1117148
Charity registered in Scotland Number: SC038632
A company limited by guarantee in England. Company number: 5973370

Looking for a vertical chrome radiator that is surprisingly affordable?

Then look no further than Feature Radiators’ Red Hot, the latest addition to their contemporary range. A modern, vertical radiator, in stock in both chrome and matt red for quick delivery, that is stunning but also offers fantastic value for money, starting at only £230 + VAT.

The Red Hot is also available with a towel rail, making it a perfect addition to any stylish bathroom.

The Red Hot radiator has been launched to raise awareness and funds for the charity Crohn’s and Colitis UK, in conjunction with their annual Red Hot Day. 20% of the sale price of the Red Hot radiator will go to the charity to help continue their work supporting those suffering with these chronic diseases.

Feature Radiators, based in Bingley, West Yorkshire, has a comprehensive range that includes contemporary, designer, traditional cast iron and electric radiators and heated towel rails, providing quality and design as well as value for money.

With over 150 styles on display in their showroom, expert advice, unrivalled customer service and nationwide delivery, they are widely recognized as the UK’s leading radiator specialist.

For more information on the Red Hot radiator or other radiators call 01274 515734, contact Helena@featureradiators.co.uk or visit www.featureradiators.co.uk

For more information on the charity Crohn’s and Colitis UK (formerly known as National Association for Colitis and Crohn’s Diseases), visit www.nacc.org.uk

Charity registered in England Number: 1117148
Charity registered in Scotland Number: SC038632
A company limited by guarantee in England. Company number: 5973370

Feature Radiators raise money for Crohn’s and Colitis UK’s Red Hot Day

The 15th October is Red Hot Day, a fund-raising day organised by Crohn’s and Colitis UK (formerly known as the National Association of Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s) and this year the team at Feature Radiators, West Yorkshire have decided to get involved.

Crohn’s and Colitis UK aims to improve life for everyone affected by Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), the most common forms being Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, which affect about 250,000 people in the UK.

The charity helps its members by providing support for sufferers of these diseases and their families, through newsletters, booklets, helplines and a website.

Feature Radiators’ General Manager, Helena Gerwitz, a Crohn’s sufferer, has been inspired to help as she has personally found Crohn’s and Colitis UK essential for support and advice.

“As a member, I am sent useful information that helped me prepare for my surgery and for the ongoing management of my condition. My consultant is fantastic but when you have a quick question that needs answering, then www.nacc.org.uk is my first point of call. They also provide regular newsletters, keeping me up-to-date on research into these currently incurable diseases.”

In appreciation for the advice and guidance she has received from the charity, Helena was keen to give something back and help to maintain these services for years to come. Could Feature Radiators help the charity reach their target of £20,000?

So Helena approached her directors with a proposition. “I thought it’s Red Hot Day, so why not have a Red Hot radiator! I sourced a fantastic contemporary radiator, in stock in both red and chrome, at a competitive price that would really appeal to our customers but also tied in with the “Red Hot” theme. And our directors kindly agreed to donate a percentage of the sale price! I couldn’t believe it!”

So Feature Radiators have agreed that for a month, from 15th October till 15th November 2010, 20% of the price of their brand new Red Hot radiator will go to Crohn’s and Colitis UK! Helena is confident that this could be a real fund-raiser, as well as being a fantastic addition to people’s homes.

Feature Radiators based in Bingley, West Yorkshire is the UK’s leading retailer of contemporary, designer, traditional cast iron and electric radiators and heated towel rails, providing quality and design as well as value for money.

With over 150 styles on display in their West Yorkshire showroom, expert advice, unrivalled customer service and nationwide delivery, they are widely recognized as the UK's leading radiator specialist.

For more information on the Red Hot radiator or other radiators call 01274 515734, contact Helena@featureradiators.co.uk or visit www.featureradiators.co.uk

For more information on the charity Crohn’s and Colitis UK (formerly known as National Association for Colitis and Crohn’s Diseases), visit www.nacc.org.uk

Charity registered in England Number: 1117148
Charity registered in Scotland Number: SC038632
A company limited by guarantee in England. Company number: 5973370