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Radiator buying guide
In this guide, we take you through everything you need to know about radiators, from the different types, to fuel sources.
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Single panel radiators
Panel radiators use corrugated panels (convectors) to radiate heat into the room.
Single panel radiators, also known as type 11 radiators, are some of the most popular radiators available. Their slim design makes them ideal for smaller spaces such as hallways or home offices.
Double panel radiators
Double panel radiators, also known as type 22 radiators, have two panels and two sets of convector fins. This allows them to produce higher heat outputs when compared with many single panel radiators of the same size.
Double panel radiators are ideal for larger rooms such as bedrooms and living rooms, but they will protrude more into the room than a single panel radiator.
Vertical radiators
Vertical radiators are available in an array of sizes, which fit conveniently into thin wall spaces and make a creative alternative to more traditional styles. If you have a smaller room, these take up less horizontal space, leaving room for more furnishings.
Towel radiators
Dry your towels and add some extra warmth to your bathroom with a towel radiator.
We have a variety of heights and widths available to suit all layouts.
Column radiators
If you’re looking to add or retain period charm in your home, why not consider a column radiator?
Similar in style to the cast-iron radiators that originated in the Victorian era, modern column radiators keep the look while providing greater heat efficiency than their predecessors.
Designer radiators
Designer radiators can bring a range of benefits to your home – from space-saving technologies to dual-purpose products that can act as mirrors, memo boards and more. They’re an ideal way to lend a modern, contemporary feel to a room and can create stylish, attractive features that you won’t want to disguise.
Cast iron radiators
Cast Iron radiators take longer to heat up and cool down, so they’ll stay warm long after you turn your heating off. These features make cast iron radiators a great choice for rooms with high ceilings.
Cast iron radiators will look great in a period home, or when added as a contrasting feature in a modern space.
Flat panel radiators
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to change your radiators, look no further than our flat panel options. These are designed to be compact and can fit into any home without taking up too much space.
Stainless steel radiators
Stainless steel radiators are designed to be the stunning focal point of any room. Our stainless steel collection includes a great range of beautiful finishes, which are easy to clean and maintain.
Stainless steel radiators won’t corrode or rust like some metals, so will be long-lasting.
Mirror radiators
Our mirror radiators are a great choice for hallways, bedrooms or bathrooms because they give the perception of a bigger space.
They double up as a stylish addition to the room whilst giving you heat and depth.
Radiator fuel sources
If you’re looking to replace or add more radiators, you’ll probably want to use the system you already have. There are 3 main radiator fuel sources:
- Central heating radiators
- Electric radiators
- Dual fuel radiators
Central heating radiators
Central heating radiators are the most common radiator type. They work by circulating hot water from your boiler to each radiator to distribute heat throughout your home. Central heating radiators are efficient and cost-effective when run alongside the rest of your central heating system.
Central heating radiators will take longer to heat up than other radiator types. As they require your whole central heating system to be switched on, they’re also not as flexible as electric radiators, which can be used independently.
Electric radiators
Electric radiators can be fitted independently without needing to be connected to a central heating system, which makes them an ideal choice for loft conversions and other rooms without existing pipework.
The temperature of electric radiators can be controlled accurately using an inbuilt thermostat, which gives you precise control of the temperature of individual rooms. Some models are ‘plug and go’ and can be plugged into a conventional plug socket, while other models will need to be installed by an electrician.
Dual fuel radiators
Dual fuel radiators offer the best of both central heating and electric radiators in one convenient solution. By adding a thermostatic heating element to a standard central heating radiator, you can convert it to dual fuel. The heating element allows your central heating radiator to be powered by electricity, giving you the option to heat it independently from the rest of your system. The key advantage is that you can heat a single radiator, like a bathroom towel rail, without needing to turn on the entire heating system, saving both energy and cost.
Finding the correct radiator size
To find the correct size radiator for a room, you’ll need to calculate the heat output required to keep it warm. All radiators are assigned a BTU rating, telling you how many BTUs they produce. It’s a quick and easy way of letting you know how much heat your radiator will generate. If you’re struggling to match the exact BTU rating you need with a radiator, choose one with a slightly higher output to ensure your room is warm enough.
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, which represents how much energy it takes to heat 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit.
Calculating the correct BTU
Our simple BTU calculator will help you work out what heat output you need. All you need to know is the dimensions of your room and the type of windows you have.
Radiator location considerations
Before you choose a radiator, there are a few things you need to consider to ensure the location where you want to install the radiator is suitable.
Wall type
Solid masonry
If the wall is constructed from solid masonry, brickwork or blockwork you'll have the biggest choice of radiators. With the right fixings, larger radiators can be hung from strong solid walls.
Plasterboard walls
If the wall is constructed from plasterboard with hollow space behind, you’ll need to identify the location of the wood studs with a stud finder. The studs are the strongest part of your wall, so your radiator will need to be hung from these.
Existing pipework
If your pipework runs along the wall, you won’t need to take up your flooring to make any alterations. This makes the process of changing the size of your radiator much simpler than if the pipework runs under the floor.
Location of furniture
Avoid installing your radiator behind big pieces of furniture, as this will prevent heat from travelling around the room.
Radiator valves
Radiator valves control the heat output of radiators, so you’ll need a pair for every central heating radiator in your home. Radiator valves need to be bought separately from radiators.
Before you purchase your radiator valves, check the sizes of the pipes in your home. 15 mm and 22 mm are the most common pipe sizes.
Radiator covers & cabinets
A radiator cabinet will safely and stylishly box in your radiators. These cabinets are ideal if you want to hide a radiator or decorate the cabinet so the radiator blends in with the style of your home.