When you think of radiators, you probably have a certain image in your mind. You’ll most likely picture a white radiator that runs across a wall, as this is the most common configuration you are likely to see. These days, radiators are available in all colours, shapes, and sizes, and the vertical radiators Ireland residents choose can come as a bit of a surprise.
Vertical radiators are the ideal solution for any home, especially those with limited horizontal space. They provide a unique, eye-catching focal point in your room that is both practical and stylish. Vertical radiators, just like any other radiators, come in many different shapes and styles, which makes them perfect for every interior design style, from modern to traditional.
But there’s one thing you need to remember – vertical radiators Ireland homes use are designed for the job and do have some differences to regular horizontal radiators.
Can you mount a radiator vertically?
In short, yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Radiators of all kinds are most commonly built with input and output connectors at the bottom of the radiator. The hot water comes in from one side, flows around the radiator, and exits on the opposite side.
Vertical radiators also commonly work like this. A vertical radiator tends to be narrow and tall but with the connectors in the same place as a horizontal radiator – at the bottom left and right.
As with horizontal radiators, all of the hot water comes from the hot water cylinder and in from one side, circulates throughout the radiator before being passed to a pipe to feedback into your heating system.
In theory, you could mount a horizontal radiator in a vertical orientation, but that’s far from ideal. The pipework would be all over the place as the in/out connectors would be at the top and bottom of the radiator. While some radiators are designed this way, it doesn’t look great on a radiator that’s just been rotated 90 degrees!
Perhaps more importantly than the aesthetics, a radiator is often mounted onto a wall by hanging it from hooks that are attached to the wall that fit into holes on the rear of the radiator. Gravity holds the radiator in place.
If the radiator has been rotated, this is no longer possible, and some other method of attaching the radiator to the wall would need to be created – it’s much easier to use a vertical radiator in Ireland that has been designed for the job.
Are upright radiators any good?
Vertical radiators are just as good as horizontal radiators and function in precisely the same way. The added benefit of the vertical orientation is that the radiator can be installed in locations where horizontal radiators wouldn’t fit.
Vertical radiators are also excellent for smaller rooms or rooms with many obstacles already in place. If you’ve ever tried to fit furniture in a room with multiple windows, two doors, a built-in cupboard, and a radiator, you’ll understand how difficult it can be without blocking any heat.
There’s more wall space for you to use with a vertical radiator.
Do upright radiators give out enough heat?
The heat given out from New Central Heating Radiators or any radiator for that matter is dependent on several factors. First, a working boiler and properly heated water is a requirement – but assuming that is already in place, the next factor to consider is the design of the radiator.
Flat panels give out some heat; double panels give more, and radiators with fins can provide even more. Essentially, the greater the surface area, the more heat can be outputted.
Vertical radiators can have the same surface area as horizontal radiators, so heat output is never a problem. In fact, taller vertical radiators can have a greater surface area than horizontal radiators that might be used in the same room, potentially generating more heat.
Which are the best vertical radiators?
The vertical radiators Ireland homes use are available in many shapes and sizes. The way to find the best vertical radiators isn’t just looking for a manufacturer name you recognise.
A more critical factor is to choose the correct vertical radiator for each room individually. Every room in your home will have different qualities – the size of the room, the intended use of the room, the layout of fixtures such as windows and doors.
Experienced plumbers Dublin , will be able to identify the best vertical radiator for your home in Ireland by taking all these factors into account. Modern radiators are far more efficient than older radiators, so you may be surprised by the size of the radiator required.
The most crucial decision you might need to make is when choosing the design of the radiator – modern and sleek, Victorian-style, or something else?
If you’re in any doubt about the type of radiator you’ll need in your home, please get in touch with us today.
Do upright radiators have a flow direction?
Yes, vertical radiators do indeed have a flow direction, just like any other radiator. The water will enter on one specific side and exit on the other. The vertical orientation does not affect the flow direction of a vertical radiator, and so a vertical radiator can be installed to replace a horizontal radiator without too many changes required to the pipework.
Of course, a vertical radiator will be narrower than a horizontal radiator, which means pre-existing pipes may need to be extended. Still, as long as the radiator is oriented correctly, this shouldn’t pose a significant problem.
Do vertical radiators need more maintenance than regular radiators?
Any radiator needs regular checks and maintenance to ensure it is properly performing. The basic principles of this are the same for vertical and horizontal radiators.
The biggest difference is that the valve for bleeding air from the system can be higher up than you may be used to. It’s a minor inconvenience, but one to be aware of!
How long do vertical radiators last?
Vertical radiators are typically made from the same materials as other radiators, and therefore there is no significant difference in the lifespan of horizontal and vertical radiators.
If you’d like to know more about vertical radiators or you’re considering installing them in your home, please get in touch. We’re here to install the vertical radiators Ireland homeowners need to keep warm.
If you’re looking for the plumbers Tallaght – Plumber Near Me residents choose, look no further. We offer a comprehensive plumbing and heating service.