Trench heaters sit flush in the floor directly below glazed facades, creating a thermal barrier between the cold glass surface and the occupied space. Because the unit is recessed into the floor, walls and furniture positions remain completely free.
The heater becomes part of the floor finish rather than something to design around.
CEG supply trench heating and radiators to M&E contractors, building services consultants, and main contractors across Scotland and the UK.
If your project includes significant glazed areas, our team can advise on the right system for the application alongside our wider range of heating, ventilation, and air distribution products.
Call us today on 0141 212 3388 or fill in our online enquiry form to speak to our trusted team.
What Is Trench Heating?
A trench heater consists of a heat exchanger coil installed in a channel cut into the floor, covered by a grille sitting flush with the finished floor level.
Hot water from the building’s heating system passes through the coil, warming the air above it.
That warm air rises naturally, or in fan-assisted units, a low-voltage fan draws air through the coil and directs it upward more forcefully.
The result is an even vertical distribution of temperature across the height of the space.
Airflow from the unit creates a thermal barrier directly in front of the glazing, which also prevents condensation forming on cold glass surfaces during winter.
Trench heating is an ideal perimeter heating solution for glazing lines, curtain walling, and high-end architectural spaces where floor-level heat delivery suits both the performance requirement and the design intent.
With a wide range of trench heating and radiator systems available, our experienced team will guide you through the correct product for your building and application.
Whether the project is a straightforward commercial fit-out or a more complex specification, we make sure the system matches your requirement.
Trench Heating Systems
Our trench heating range covers natural convection and fan-assisted LPHW units, heating and cooling systems, and bespoke configurations for projects where standard dimensions do not fit the brief.
Here are some of the systems and features that we offer our clients:
Natural Convection Trench Heaters
Natural convection units operate without fans or moving parts.
Hot water passes through the coil, and warm air rises passively through the grille.
They are well suited to spaces where acoustic performance is a priority, including hotel rooms, residential apartments, and quiet office environments.
Fan-Assisted Trench Heaters
Fan-assisted units use low-voltage EC fans to draw air through the heat exchanger, delivering significantly higher output from the same floor footprint as a natural convection unit.
Variable speed control allows the unit to match output precisely to demand, reducing energy use during part-load conditions.
Heating and Cooling Trench Systems
When connected to a chilled water system, fan-assisted trench heaters provide cooling as well as heating.
A single floor-level unit covers both functions, removing the need for separate ceiling-mounted cooling equipment in perimeter zones.
Bespoke Trench Heaters
Where standard lengths, angles, or dimensions do not suit the project, bespoke configurations are available.
Curved units for circular atriums, angled units for non-standard floor plans, and custom lengths for specific perimeter runs can all be sourced through our manufacturing partners.
Our team takes the time to understand the full details of your site before anything goes to order, so the solution that arrives is the one that fits.
Grille Options and Finishes
The grille is the visible face of every trench heater installation.
Standard options include anodised aluminium, timber, and stainless steel, covering everything from understated commercial finishes through to high-end architectural interiors.
If you or your designer has a specific look in mind, we will always do our best to assist.
Designer Radiator Products
Designer radiators bring together heating performance and interior finish in a single product.
CEG supply vertical, horizontal, and feature radiators across a wide choice of colours and finishes, from anthracite grey and metallic coatings through to deep sapphire and pastel finishes.
That breadth of choice gives architects and interior designers the flexibility to select a product that works with the space rather than against it.
The range is particularly strong for residential and commercial fit-outs where the finish quality of every element matters.
Vertical Radiators
Vertical radiators suit spaces where wall width is limited but height is available.
They deliver the same output as a standard panel radiator in a narrower footprint, and their upright format makes them a strong design choice for hallways, corridors, and open-plan living areas.
Horizontal Radiators
Horizontal radiators follow the traditional format but with a more refined aesthetic.
Available across a wide range of sizes, outputs, and finishes, they suit both residential and commercial projects where a clean look is important.
Feature Radiators
Feature radiators are specified as statement pieces where the heating element is intended to be seen.
Column radiators, sculptural profiles, and bold finishes make them a common choice for high-end residential developments, reception areas, and hospitality interiors.
Standard Radiators
Steel panel radiators remain the most widely specified heating product across commercial and residential construction.
Our full range of standard panel radiators, compact radiators, and high output options are ideal for projects where reliable, cost-effective performance is the priority.
Panel radiators are available in single and double configurations across a wide range of heights and lengths to suit any room layout.
High output models deliver greater heat from the same wall space. These are suited to rooms with higher heat loss or projects where the specification calls for more from each unit.
Low Temperature and Specialist Heating
Low Temperature and Specialist Heating
Low temperature heating systems operate at the reduced flow temperatures heat pumps and ground source systems run at comfortably, without the performance drop standard radiators experience.
Fan-assisted models boost output further. They are well suited to retrofit projects where existing pipework limits flow rates.
The range covers low temperature radiators and fan-assisted options suited to modern low energy buildings and projects targeting current building regulations or net zero commitments.
Our team advises on the correct product from first enquiry through to delivery.
Trench Heating Applications Across the UK
Trench heating and radiators from our range are specified across a wide variety of building types, from large commercial developments through to high-end residential projects.
The right product depends on the building’s heat source, glazing layout, and interior finish requirements.
Glazed Commercial Buildings and Atriums
Offices, entrance halls, atriums, and commercial centres with floor-to-ceiling glazing or curtain walling are the primary application for trench heating.
The floor-level installation keeps the perimeter zone clear while delivering warmth directly where the cold downdraught effect is strongest.
With condensation kept clear by the unit’s airflow, the glazing stays clean and unobstructed year-round.
Hospitality and High-End Residential
Hotels, serviced apartments, and luxury residential developments specify both trench heaters and designer radiators from this range.
Trench heaters suit perimeter glazing in public areas and bedrooms, while designer radiators bring a considered finish to corridors, living areas, and communal spaces.
Commercial and Residential Fit-Outs
Standard and low temperature radiators cover the majority of commercial and residential fit-out requirements.
For projects incorporating heat pump systems, our low temperature range ensures the heating product matches the heat source without compromising output.
Why M&E Contractors Trust Our Company
Trench heaters and designer radiators involve more than one discipline in the selection process.
The M&E consultant specifies the output and heat source compatibility, while the architect or interior designer has a view on the grille finish, profile, and colour.
Our team has experience working across disciplines.
We can support the technical specification and the aesthetic requirements from the same conversation.
A Range from Everyday to Bespoke
A standard panel radiator for a simple residential refurbishment and a curved bespoke trench heater for a glazed commercial atrium are both within what we handle.
The same team manages both, and neither gets treated as a secondary enquiry.
Upfront on Lead Times
Bespoke products take longer, and we are clear about that before anything is ordered.
If the supply chain shifts, you hear from us with alternatives ready, not after the programme has already moved on.
Ready for Low Temperature Systems
Our low temperature range is matched to the flow temperatures heat pump systems operate at.
Selecting the correct product at specification stage avoids performance issues and delays when the commissioning engineer is on site.
Constructionline Certified
CEG are Constructionline Certified, supporting procurement compliance for public sector frameworks and main contractor supply chains across Scotland and the UK.
If you would like to work with CEG, please get in touch by filling out our contact form or giving us a call.
Discuss Your Project with CEG Today
Whether the project calls for a natural convection trench heater below a glazed facade, a designer radiator for a high-end residential scheme, or a low temperature panel radiator suited to a heat pump system, our team can guide you through the right product for the application.
We supply across Scotland, the UK, and overseas, working closely with contractors, building services consultants, architects, and main contractors from early specification through to delivery.
Every enquiry gets a considered response from someone who knows the range.
Contact our reliable team today online or by calling 0141 212 3388 to discuss your project and get a quote.