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Radiator covers have two main purposes; to make a radiator space look more appealing and to create efficient use of the radiator. If you are looking to purchase radiator covers, you have probably already realized this; if you were not aware of the use of radiator covers pertaining to efficiency, read on.
The number one reason people look to get radiator covers is to improve the visual appeal of the radiator space. Radiators, no matter what brand or size, are not pleasant to look at. They often times ruin a beautifully decorated room.
Another reason, even more importantly, the use of radiator covers provides a more efficient way of heating a room with a radiator. There are a few reasons why this is true. First, you would have to look at the way radiator covers are built.
How can you distinguish poorly built radiator covers from quality ones? Look for these main attributes to make sure you are looking at a quality radiator cover.
Make sure the radiator covers extend fully around the radiator. This means that no part of the radiator is showing. It should be big enough where it is not touching the radiator directly.
The piece should look good and not be an eye sore in the room in which it is located.
The front area should have gaps and holes in the front that are not big enough for a child to stick their hand or any fingers in.
Look for a radiator that has a reflective back area. This allows for the heat to go into the room instead of into the walls.
Safety is another key component when purchasing radiator covers. Burns happen when people, usually children, animals and seniors, touch the radiator while it is hot. Radiators put out an extreme amount of heat and can cause some serious burns. Radiator covers help with this by shielding people from an exposed and hot radiator. This is especially important when there is a glitch in the radiator. Sometimes, the radiator will create large waves of very hot heat in one burst. If the radiator did not have a cover, and someone was in front of it, they could get injured. At least with a radiator cover, the heat is disbursed as evenly as possible and at a slower rate.
It is also known that radiator covers make more efficient use of radiators. This is because the reflective back on radiators bounces the heat off and into the center of the room. This saves it from being absorbed into the walls and ceiling. This process also saves certain things such as drapes and other furniture or fixtures that may be located behind or above the radiator. Radiators can make these items damp, leave black markings and soil them in general.
In general, you want to look for radiator covers that are sturdy and heavier duty. Many companies sell steel and wooden radiator covers alike. They are both sufficient and mainly depend on the look you are trying to achieve.