Colona 4-Column Radiators Products
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does the significant 163mm wall projection of the Colona 4-column horizontal radiator impact spatial planning and valve selection compared to slimline panel radiators?
The Colona 4-column design has a substantial depth (typically 130mm-140mm) which results in a total wall projection of approximately 163mm once mounted. This deep profile means the pipe centers will be positioned much further from the skirting board (approx 94mm) than standard radiators. You must technically account for this intrusion into the walkway space and use angled valves that do not protrude further, or corner valves if your pipes emerge from the wall, to prevent creating a trip hazard.
How does the high thermal mass and water content of the 4-column design affect the "heat-up time" and boiler cycling compared to aluminium alternatives?
Due to the mild steel construction and large water volume (approx 4x that of a single panel), the Colona 4-column radiator has high thermal inertia. This means it has a slower technical response time (lag) to reach operating temperature but offers excellent "heat accretion," continuing to radiate warmth for significantly longer after the boiler cycles off. This dampens temperature fluctuations in large rooms but requires you to program your thermostat to start the heating cycle 20-30 minutes earlier than with low-water content radiators.
Is it technically possible to install a dual-fuel electric element in the Colona 4-column horizontal radiator despite its high BTU output?
While the radiator has standard 1/2" BSP tappings that physically fit an element, the challenge is matching the wattage. The 4-column design often produces very high BTU outputs (e.g., >6000 BTU) which exceeds the capacity of most standard electric heating elements (typically capped at 800W-1000W). Therefore, dual-fuel operation is often only technically viable for the smaller width models (e.g., 605mm or 785mm) where the element can effectively heat the water volume to a useful temperature.
Why is the Colona 4-column radiator specifically recommended for rooms with high ceilings or "period property" insulation levels?
The 4-column arrangement creates a dense "heat exchanger" structure that maximizes the surface area in a compact footprint. This generates a powerful convective chimney effect, drawing cool air from the floor through the four layers of heated steel columns and projecting warm air upwards with high velocity. This technical characteristic effectively mixes the air volume in tall rooms, combating stratification more effectively than single-panel radiators which rely more on radiant heat.
What cleaning maintenance is required for the internal spacing of the 4-column design to maintain convective efficiency?
The tight spacing between the four rows of columns can accumulate dust and pet hair, which acts as an insulator and blocks the convective airflow channels. To maintain technical efficiency, you must use a specialized long flexible radiator brush (or compressed air) to clear the internal voids annually. A vacuum cleaner alone will not reach the central columns, leading to a potential 10-15% drop in heat transfer over time if blocked.