In particular, there has been significant growth in demand for vertical radiators, rather than the traditional horizontal models and for narrower, taller radiators to fit in corridors, landings and in nooks and crannies in the home in particular.
The arrival of the vertical radiator saw slow but steady take up from installers, but that demand has accelerated significantly over the past two years. So much so that Stelrad has recently added three more vertical radiator ranges to its a selection of vertical models, just to meet the demand.
These additions are part of a wider restructuring of the radiator marketplace that is also seeing demand for radiators that work well with the increasing number of renewable heating systems being installed, particularly in new build developments and self-build projects. Stelrad has been offering its Compact radiators as K3 (suitable for low energy systems) format for several years but from 1 November this year, that range of K3 options expanded into the Elite, Compact with Style and Planar ranges – with 40 additional sizes and shapes in each series available from stock to meet this demand.
Radiators are excellent emitters for these lower temperature systems but as with all heating systems, for the radiators to be as efficient as possible requires the radiators to be sized properly at the outset.
“We are always keen to build the selection of radiator models, sizes and shapes we supply from stock and these latest additions are key to ensure that we can supply the needs of installers and specifiers who are increasingly looking to install ground and air source heat pumps as the drivers of heating systems up and down the country, “ says Stelrad’s head of marketing, Chris Harvey.
“As we head towards 2025 and the Government’s stipulated deadline for installing fossil fuel driven heating systems in new build properties, we will see the numbers of renewable heating systems increase and demand rising for these bigger radiators or in the K3’s case, higher capacity radiators but on a similar sized radiator footprint, and we need to be in a position to meet that demand. This latest introduction starts the process of providing the bigger radiators now so that we are ahead of the game as the demand continues to escalate.”
A K3 radiator is simply a radiator which comes with three panels and three fins to ensure additional heat is emitted from a radiator only a little larger than a K2 verson. The K3 is a suitable choice for low energy systems, providing outstanding heat output from a smaller footprint. As you would expect from a triple convector radiator, the convectors are precision welded directly onto the waterways for greater efficiency and economy, with flexible connection options for the highest of commercial and domestic application specifications.
With the demand for vertical radiators and for K3s growing, it’s clear that the future for radiators is a strong one, with radiators continuing to be a vital part of the décor rather than simply a means of heating a home.