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Radiator covers are just as important as the radiator installations themselves especially within the home setting. It has long been a construction standard to include such heating enclosures in housing structures. Moreover, for certain public buildings like hospitals and care homes, radiator covers are recommended and may in fact be required to meet health and safety regulations.
The main argument of those who negate the need for radiator covers is the perceived increase in energy cost. They say that the casing acts as a barrier, which supposedly cause the air not to be heated properly thus, requiring more energy for heating. Whilst this may somewhat be accurate for faulty and ill-designed installations, it remains that radiator covers provide an invaluable service as the following points will illustrate.
SAFETY FIRST
The old adage “prevention is better than cure” is indisputable. Putting up radiator covers at a price range of £100 to £400, is a far cry less costly than having to put up with hospital and doctor’s fees should anyone suffer a burn injury due to an exposed radiator. Studies show that radiator surfaces can go up to 80°C – only several degrees shy of the temperature of boiling water. It is known that the regenerative capacity of human skin is lost at temperatures higher than 45°C. Sadly, there have been even deaths that are directly attributed to unguarded radiators and pipes.
Radiator burn injuries are not as uncommon as we would like to believe. Radiator related accidents in the home account for a significant number of burn trauma patients at many hospitals nationwide. Whilst it is commonly believed that radiator burns are more prevalent amongst the more vulnerable elderly and the young, there have been reports that radiator burn accidents happen across all age groups.
Thus, the use of radiator covers as a safety requirement should be of primary consideration especially amongst homeowners. This should be more than enough reason to fit your radiators with appropriate guards. Be sure to look into radiator covers that use Low Surface Temperature (LST) materials for maximum protection.
REDUCE RISK OF DAMAGE
Keeping radiators under guard tend to protect them from harm. With a fitting of proper covers your radiator will withstand most impact damages like those from accidentally dropped tools and other heavy objects.
Radiator covers also shield your heating system from exposure to corrosive elements. Exposed radiators are more prone to rust. You can enjoy a longer optimum service from your radiators by installing the proper coverings.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
As said previously, it has been presupposed that radiator covers limit the heat output of domestic radiators thus increasing one’s energy expenditure in order to compensate. However, an uncovered radiator will result in more heat loss as the heated air will push directly upward affecting more of the ceiling and less of the target room space.
On the other hand, properly installed radiator covers will direct the heat towards the interior of the room where it can flow more efficiently rather than be absorbed instantly by the ceiling or the adjacent wall. Thus, radiator covers will allow for a more efficient heating for your respective living and work spaces.