SPECIFICATION CONSIDERATIONS FOR DESIGNER RADIATORS
When determining how to keep a building warm, radiators are one of the most popular options. And when it comes to specification considerations, appearance is often high on the list. That’s why designer radiators have become the go-to option for many architects and home designers.
But, are designer radiators really the best option?
There is no doubt that they look amazing. Sculptural shapes, shining steel, wide varieties of colours, unusual textures and even stone and timber are often used to ensure designer radiators look like anything but your standard radiator. However, depending on the product in question, many designer radiators may be more style than substance – and they may let you down when it comes to other (and many would argue, more important) specification considerations.
Things to consider when choosing designer radiators
If you’re looking for a designer radiator, the right product will depend on the following criteria:
Appearance – This is where most designer radiators excel, and products are available in a vast array of styles, materials, shapes, sizes, colours and textures to suit any interior.
Dimensions – The shape of a conventional radiator is a short, wide rectangle. However, many designer radiators also come in shallow, tall shapes. The best option will generally be determined by the layout of the room, as well as aesthetic preferences.
Size and heat output – Is the radiator capable of adequately heating the room in question? This should be the most important consideration; do you need more than one radiator to keep the space at a comfortable temperature?
Heating system – In most cases, a radiator will run off the central heating system using hot water. But electric and dual-fuel radiators are also available.
Efficiency – Heating the building in the most efficient way possible is important for environmental reasons, as well as keeping running costs down.
Here at Jaga, we offer a wide range of heating solutions including designer radiators. Our products are designed to provide style and aesthetic interest, while also delivering excellent heat capacity.
In addition, we have spent more than four decades researching and developing more energy-efficient products. Our Low-H₂O technology allows radiators to generate heat faster warming spaces more effectively, as well as using up to 15% less energy compared to standard steel-panel radiators due to low water content.
Of course, if you’re looking for the ultimate in performance and design, why not consider a heating option that takes up no wall space at all. Trench heating could be the perfect choice.
Trench heating – an alternative to designer radiators
The beauty of trench heating is that it’s practically invisible – and it completely removes the need for radiators to take up any wall space at all. No more awkward under-the-window panels, or wall space being taken up with a designer radiator that commands attention.
With trench heating, the heating elements are placed in a casing within a cavity in the floor, covered by discreet grilles around the perimeter of the room that allows the warm air to rise and circulate.
This is an ideal solution when designing buildings with large glass facades and residential properties with ever popular bi-fold doors or picture windows. This is because trench heating is unobtrusive, allowing for views of the outside and allowing more natural light in. The ever popular glass façade has one main drawback, that of thermal inefficiency. Trench heating in essence creates a curtain effect keeping draughts and condensation off glass, preventing the cooler air making its way into the room and offering a comfortable heated environment.
To find the right Jaga trench heating system for your project, please download our Product Selection Matrix. Alternatively, if you’d like to discuss your project in more detail, please contact our technical support team.