designerradiators

The common sense understanding of radiators says that you should not buy vertical radiators, as they are less efficient than their horizontal counterparts are. Fortunately, this information is outdated – that’s great news because vertical radiators are the most stylish type and it would be a shame to stick to horizontal radiators all the time.

However, whilst vertical radiators do have their place, the conditions for buying them are relatively slim. If you want a radiator that is efficient and that heats the space, then a vertical radiator can sometimes fit the bill, but not necessarily in every scenario.

You need to know when it’s ok to buy tall radiators and when you should opt instead for horizontal radiators. This is the topic of the rest of the blog. Below, we are going to explore the circumstances when it’s OK to buy vertical radiators.

OK, so when it is OK to buy vertical radiators? The following list will help you to understand whether a vertical radiator is right for you, or not.

1. Vertical Radiators Work Well in Small Spaces That Require a Lot of Heat

In small spaces that require a lot of heat, a horizontal radiator just won’t cut it. It will not be able to provide enough heat for the space. This is because you will be limited in the size of horizontal radiator that you can buy.

For example, if you only have a 50cm horizontal gap, then at best, you will be able to install a 50cm x 40cm horizontal radiator. This may produce 1000btu at most. On the other hand, in the same space, you can usually install a vertical radiator that has a surface area of at least 50xm x 80cm, and can therefore produce more btu, at least 2000btu, which is double that of the horizontal radiator.

Small spaces that require a lot of heat include rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms. Vertical radiators work wonderfully well in such spaces. Small spaces may also include large rooms that have very little wall space, such as a busy living room or bedroom.

1. Rooms On the Ground Floor (Or First Floor in Taller Homes)

The problem with tall radiators isn’t so much that they don’t produce enough heat (they will produce an equal amount of heat to a horizontal radiator all things being equal and the two being the same size), but that they distribute it in a less efficient way.

Heat rises, so naturally, the taller the radiator, the more you will lose heat through the ceiling. This is a problem if the roof is above the room, because you are effectively just heating your loft space. However, in downstairs rooms, or rooms that have another floor above them, they can actually work well because that “lost” heat simply warms the room above. It will also warm the same room, but not to the same degree as a horizontal radiator.