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You will most likely agree that there are more to column covers than simply acting as a camouflage to hide old unpicturesque cast-iron pipes, which are after all the traditional make and model of building and housing radiators. Whilst it performs that task rather effectively – and in fact many makers of column covers peddle their wares as a sub-category of fine furniture by themselves – they also play a number of other important roles that are integral to the effectiveness of column radiators in keeping our respective abodes warm and liveable.
Let us now look beyond the aesthetics of stylised covers and understand the functions behind the form. The following are key purposes of column covers that underline their importance in today’s heating systems.
Damage control
Column radiators are usually constructed from cast-iron or pressed-steel. These materials are relied upon for their sturdiness and ability to transfer heat into the air. Nevertheless, they are still prone to damage over long periods of time. With column covers, your radiators are definitely protected from wear and tear more significantly than without.
Exposure to the elements tends to corrode radiators faster. By installing covers, your radiators will be better guarded against untimely rusting. These covers will also shield your radiators from a damaging force, for example an accidentally dropped large object.
The protection also works the other way. Covers not only protect the radiator from undue damage, they also protect the spaces near the radiator from heat marks and soot.
Keeping Warm
Hot air rises, there are no doubts there. Now, column radiators uncovered will simply dissipate the heat straight up to the ceiling. This results in a substantial waste of energy since there will be less warm air circulating in the room once the heat touches the ceiling and is absorbed.
With column covers however, the air is forced to move inwards to the direction of the target space of the room. This keeps the temperature of the air at a comfortably warm level for a longer timeframe because it will move around the room more efficiently instead of instantly drifting towards the top. Thus, using column covers actually saves energy as warm air is circulated more effectively.
Safety First
It is rather unfortunate that column radiators are infamous for a considerable number of domestic burn emergencies especially with small children around. This is because the logical spot for installing radiators are under or near windows which are almost always within the reach of children.
This is where column covers serve its most desirable purpose. They safeguard people, moreover children, from accidentally getting in direct contact with the hot radiator columns and thereby suffering a serious burn injury.
Therefore, as a safety measure, column covers are a definite must-have.
In ending, ensure that your column covers serve their key purposes over and above the air of sophistication their design lends to your interior. Your column covers should provide adequate protection, assist in keeping your environment efficiently warm, and safeguard people from radiator burns.