Radiator Covers: Common Questions Answered For Consumers

Radiator Covers: Common Questions Answered For Consumers

Homeowners tend to select unique radiator covers as a means to hide their radiators and enhance the aesthetic appeal in their homes. Of course, radiator covers can also serve as additional storage or shelving apart from having the ability to hide unsightly radiators from view. Additionally, for families with young children in the home, these covers can also help enhance the safety of the radiators themselves to prevent young children from getting hurt. The article below will further outline the benefits of selecting modern radiator covers for the home.

• Is It Worth Getting A Cover?

In most instances, purchasing a radiator cover is a matter of personal design preference. Unlike having to purchase a new heating system, covers are completely optional. Of course, it’s best not to overlook the added safety that radiator covers often provide.

If you’re considering upgrading your heating system as well, make sure to gather plenty of pricing estimates in your area to ensure you’re getting a good deal. There are a number of comparison shopping websites that will allow you to compare quotes in order to get the lowest price. During this time, you may also consider alternative methods of heating your home that are more sustainable or environmentally-friendly.

• Do Radiator Covers Decrease Heater Efficiency?

Many homeowners shy away from purchasing radiator covers for fear of diminishing the efficiency of their heating units as a result. This is definitely a fair question as we’ve just discussed that radiator covers do indeed tend to block heat.

Usually, the way central heating systems are designed is that the area behind the radiator is dead space that’s wasted. However, choosing to purchase a radiator cover that includes a reflector can help enhance wall insulation and increase the efficiency of your unit. Fortunately, most radiator covers already come with this added feature, so you need not worry. One thing you will have to consider, however, is the shape of the heating unit.

Usually, the space directly above the radiator system itself is wasted as it typically goes unused for anything. Some homeowners also tend to believe that employing the use of a cover means that the heat is randomly dispersed throughout the home instead of rising straight up as intended. In the off chance that this does happen, the shelving above the radiator will end up absorbing a good percentage of the heat.

In some instances, experts believe that wraps can actually improve the efficiency of radiant heating systems as the dark and tight fitting enclosure helps radiate the heat more effectively. This can, in theory, help lower your energy bills as your system needs to work less to provide adequate heat.

You can further improve the efficiency of your system by adding thermostatic valves to your unit before placing the cover on top. 

• What Types Of Radiator Covers Are Out There?

There are numerous designs to choose from when it comes to radiator covers as they’re manufactured to appeal to a wide target audience. However, most commonly, these covers are manufactured from MDF. It is possible to purchase covers made from solid wood, but they can become costly and also work to block the efficiency of your heating system.

Usually, these MDF covers are sold in panels that will need assembly by the consumer. In either case, wood and MDF covers remain highly popular because it’s easy to paint them in any way to match the existing aesthetics of a home.

Certain designs tend to create a sense of luxury such as those with a crystal curtain that hides the system directly. Of course, this design is one of many and isn’t a neutral aesthetic that appeals to everyone. Furthermore, radiator covers may also be found in galvanized steel for a more industrial look.

Galvanized steel is chemically treated to preventing rusting by chemically bonding zinc to the surface of the steel. This provides stability and longevity to the radiator cover in question. The downside to using a metal cover is that it gets hot and it can also become a safety issue within the home. Since metal attracts heat, families with young children shouldn’t opt for these covers as they can cause third-degree burns.

In the UK, Radwraps are another type of radiator cover option that work to directly wrap the heating system. Not only do these wraps increase system efficiency, but they also come in many great and popular designs that appeal to virtually everyone. Lastly, if none of these options seem to appeal to you, you should consider fabric covers that work very similarly to a sleeve that offer protection for your heater.

Surprisingly, fabric covers can actually lower energy costs by up to 35%. With that being said, it’s worth noting that not all covers are meant to make your heating system efficient, but rather, they work to enhance home aesthetics and design. If you’re interested, take a look here – https://homedetail.co.uk/collections/grey-radiator-covers 

• Is It Safe To Use Radiator Covers?

Radiator covers are safe to use in your home for the most part, however, you need to carefully measure the size of your radiators to ensure you’re purchasing the correct size. Choosing a cover that’s too small will negatively impact the efficiency of your system. As such, you should leave an inch or an inch and a half gap between the system and the radiator cover when measuring.

This is definitely an important step to consider if you opt for a custom designed cover. Knowing how to measure properly and installing the correct sized cover will prolong the life of your heating system, increase the efficiency of the radiators, and also work to lower your monthly energy bills. Choose radiator covers with a rear heat-reflecting panel as it can help disperse the heat evenly while also increasing the temperature in the room.

When selecting radiator covers, safety should come first! As was mentioned, metal covers are modern and stylish, but they’re hardly considered appropriate for families with growing children.

Guest Article.