The use of European-style panel radiators continues to grow in North America.
By my count there are at least eight companies now offering panel radiators to hydronic heating professionals in the United States. They range from compact towel warmers to customized units that can be built to follow curved or angled walls. Most manufacturers offer dozens of sizes, shapes and colors. Some models protrude less than 2 inches from the wall they mount to. Others can squeeze into the narrow wall spaces often present in kitchens and bathrooms - places where baseboard is out of the question. Some panels can be "accessorized" with towel bars, mirrors, garment knobs and boot racks. Some European vendors will even scan your favorite photograph or artwork and transfer the enlarged image to a panel. Considering all the options available, they truly deserve to be called "designer" radiators.
Premium heat emitters deserve efficient and effective piping systems. This month we'll look at several options. Creating distribution systems that allow precise individual room temperature control may be easier and less expensive than you think.