Chris Harvey from Stelrad Radiators, outlines five radiator options available to installers when considering which to select.
When it comes to radiators, over time the landscape has changed hugely. Today there is a wide choice when it comes to design, colours and styles for both homes and commercial premises. Additionally, radiators have changed from simply heating appliances to becoming a part of the décor – and in some cases they can form the focal point of rooms.
Here, we take a closer look at five of the radiator options available – K3s, verticals, designer radiators, electric radiators and cast iron radiators.
K3s
K3s have become increasingly popular with the rise of renewable heating systems. Low temperature heat pump systems will need larger radiators than traditional boiler driven systems – or radiators with a higher heat output. K3s feature three panels and three sets of fins – so 50% more heat sharing metal surfaces than the same size K2 radiator – ensuring the right level of heat sharing to provide comfort heating in the home – without enlarging the radiator footprint.
K3s are also suited to providing that additional heat often required in that cold room in the home that you can never seem to get warm. Perhaps in the conservatory so you can sit out there right through the winter – the additional oomph that K3s offer can transform the comfort levels and bring areas of the home back into use in the colder months of the year.
Verticals
No longer just the traditional horizontal radiators around the home, you can select different width and size vertical radiators to fit nooks and crannies around particularly older homes. Also in hallways, landings and spaces in smaller rooms where you are limited with the size of horizontal radiator you can use.
Vertical radiators in a wide number of colours can be the perfect match or contrast in kitchens and bathrooms and as feature radiators in any room in the home. Increasingly, homeowners are wanting a say in the radiators in their homes and are going for mix and match selections around the house.
Designer radiators
The best-selling radiators today are still the Compact panel radiators – because today modern Compacts are exceptionally good looking and highly effective at heating around the home, with attractive top grills and side panels.
The Compacts from Stelrad also feature as the ‘hidden’ heating source on a number of their designer radiator options for their popular Vita range – that feature different style casings. Flat casings for the Plan style, and vertical or horizontal striped casings for Deco and Silhouette designs of ‘designer look’ premium panel radiators.
Electric radiators
The newest range of radiators available from Stelrad is the electric range – suited to off-grid homes where gas isn’t an option and for people who simply prefer an electric home. The range is currently made up of 13 steel and aluminium radiators and towel radiators.
There is clearly a significant marketplace for ‘all electric’ heating in homes, despite the domination of gas boiler fired heating systems, and we’ve seen major interest from people adding extensions or conservatories to their homes, where they see the advantages of an electric radiator, rather than extending their existing heating system.
Cast iron radiators
Traditionally Stelrad has supplied steel radiators and continues to do so with more than two and a half million radiators manufactured each year. But in the past few years, Cast Iron Column radiators – which were first around in Victorian times – have come into vogue again and so it has added a selection of Cast Iron Column radiators to its range.
The new Stelrad Cast Iron Column radiator is available now and adds undoubted charisma to any modern or period home with its distinctive, ageless look and its Natural Cast finish.
With the added options of either Antique Brass or Brushed Nickel TRVs to provide modern heating control, the classic, contemporary design suggests a genuine piece from yesteryear.
These radiators are floor standing with in-built feet for extra stability as they are significantly heavier than their steel counterparts. They are available in two heights and a wide variety of widths – a total of 96 sizes currently available.
Image: Stelrad
