Sleek Radiators

By STEPHEN TREFFINGER, New York Times, December 22, 2005

Q. Is there a way to replace my bulky radiators with something slimmer - maybe even invisible?

A. I'm actually a fan of the big, beautiful radiator. For something so utilitarian, it provides a wealth of character - but it can indeed take up a lot of space. You're in luck, however. In recent years, the home heating field has come up with sleeker radiators, some in novel shapes. And there are other lower-profile options for warming your home.

Several companies offer slender, wall-mounted variations of the steam or hot water radiator. Runtal North America, a Ward Hill, Mass., company, has a line of hot-water wall panels that project two inches into the room. They are made of powder-coated steel and can be ordered in about 100 colors, so they can blend in or stand out.

They also come in all kinds of sizes, some small enough to slip under a window, right, some large enough to span a wall. You can hang the units vertically or horizontally, singly or in groups. Prices begin at about $360; (800) 526-2621 or runtalnorthamerica.com.

These are hot water only, so if you have steam, your options are fewer. Runtal North America's sibling company, Steam Radiators, makes wall panels that accommodate one- or two-pipe systems, above. The panels come in heights of 16 or 24 inches and lengths of 2 to 6 feet. Prices begin at about $500; steamradiators.com or (800) 966-0587.

If bold and showy is what you're after, Bisque, a British company, makes enameled-steel radiators with a modern, industrial look. "Hot Spring" spirals like a stretched Slinky. Another, "Kitchen Radiator," has vertical rows of tubes and twin rails for hanging towels.

In New York, Bisque's hot water radiators are available through 3-D Laboratory, a renovation company. Prices begin at about $500; 3-dlaboratory.com or (212) 791-7070.

Think of the IQ Glass radiant heating system as a double-pane window with wiring and a few extra tricks. The inner pane has an invisible metal oxide coating, which conducts electricity and warms the glass. The outer pane reflects the heat into the room, and krypton gas is sealed between them for insulation. The company, based in Belgium, does not yet sell its products in the United States but will soon. Information: iqglass.com or (888) 508-6711.

For a steady, invisible source of heat, consider radiant floor systems. Plastic tubing goes under the floor, and as hot water circulates it heats the room. Going barefoot is possible even in winter, and because the tubing spans the room, you don't have pockets of hot and cold.

Hannel Enterprises, in Spokane, Wash., designs and sells systems. It says installation, easiest in new construction, is not hard if there is a crawl space with access. Prices start at about $3 a square foot; radiantdirect.com or (888) 298-6036.