Radiator Buying Guide

The most common material used for radiators is steel, thanks to its strong, anti-corrosive properties. Standard steel radiators are an affordable option that provides reliable and efficient heating, suitable for various heating systems and available in a range of sizes and designs.

Stainless steel radiators are highly durable and resistant to corrosion, with stainless steel towel radiators a popular choice. They offer a sleek and modern appearance, with excellent heat conductivity, providing long-lasting performance.

Aluminium radiators are lightweight, efficient, and offer rapid heat-up times. They have high heat conductivity, allowing for efficient heat distribution. However, they will cool down faster than steel radiator options.

Cast iron radiators feature a classic design and are robust heating options. They have a high heat retention capacity, providing long-lasting warmth even after the heating is turned off, however, they do take longer to heat up and are heavy. Cast iron column radiators provide a traditional and vintage aesthetic appeal.

There are a few signs that indicate a radiator may need replacing, so look at for any of the following:

• If the radiator is not heating up properly or only partially, even after bleeding and balancing, it could be a sign of internal blockages or corrosion.
• Rusty patches or visible leaks on the radiator will also indicate there is potential damage that may require replacement sooner rather than later. It may just require a valve replacement if leaking in this area.
• If your utility bills have increased without increased radiator usage, replacing it with a more efficient model could improve heating performance and energy efficiency, helping you save money.
• Whilst some strange noises are perfectly normal, such as gurgling from trapped air, if this increases even after bleeding the radiator, or you hear other unusual noises, you’ll need to investigate and possibly replace it.

When inspecting radiator pipework, it is essential to look for signs of leaks, such as water stains or dampness around connections and valves. Examine the pipework for any signs of corrosion, such as rust or discoloured patches. Ensure that all valves, including the radiator valve and lockshield valve, are functioning properly and not leaking. If there are any signs of damage, such as cracks or breaks, you’ll need to address this before installing a new radiator.

If there are issues with the pipework, it may require repair or replacement by a qualified plumber or heating engineer to ensure the radiator operates effectively and safely. Depending on the style or size of the radiator, you may not be replacing like-for-like, so the pipework needs to fit. Pipes running along the wall will be easier to adjust compared to pipes under the floor, which will be a bigger job.

Before replacing a radiator, it is essential to do the following:

• Check the type of wall you want to install the radiator on as this will impact how you mount the radiator. For a stud wall, you’ll need to ensure the radiator is mounted to the wooden studs and not just the plasterboard which is weaker.
• Depending on the type of wall, whether brick, stud work or masonry, you’ll want to ensure there are no existing issues and the weight of the radiator can be held.
• Ensure you have calculated the BTU requirement for the room so that you can choose new radiators that are the correct size and have efficient heat output.

This will depend on a number of things, including whether you have experienced replacing a radiator before or not. It may take a few hours to half a day or even longer, and this can be influenced by:

• The complexity of the installation.
• Accessibility of the pipework.
• The need for any additional adjustments or repairs.
• Draining and refilling the heating system.
• Removing the old radiator and installing the new one.
• Ensuring the necessary connections are all in place.

If you are unsure or not confident installing a radiator yourself, it’s recommended to hire a professional plumber or heating engineer for radiator replacement to ensure proper installation and to minimise any potential issues.

Consider the aesthetics and style of the radiator and choose a design that complements the room’s décor and meets your personal preferences. After all, buying radiators is an investment so if you decide to choose a radiator colour or design you’re not 100% happy with, you’ll more than likely have them for several years unless you replace them again, which can be expensive to do.

Also consider that trending styles and designs will come and go, so you may want to choose radiators that are more neutral – there’s a reason why classic white radiators are still so popular!

When it comes to the positioning of your new radiators, you’ll want to assess the available space, including the wall dimensions and floor clearance, to ensure the radiator fits properly. This is important if going for a different orientation, such as a vertical column radiator. Consider installing in the coldest part of the room which traditionally would be by a window. However, the efficiency of modern windows means this isn’t always correct.

You’ll also want to consider if it is an internal or outside wall too, as outer walls will be colder and heat will be absorbed, plus the type of wall it is. Outer walls tend to be brick or masonry which are solid and strong enough to hold a radiator, whereas internal walls may be stud work so will need brackets to be positioned properly by the wooden studs. If the room has lots of furniture, you’ll want to install the radiator where it can work best without being blocked.

Calculate the required heat output for the room. This needs to be based on its size, insulation, and room features so that you choose the correct BTU rating on your new radiators. The easiest way to do this is by using a heat loss calculator that will do the hard work for you. All you have to do is enter the details of the room, and it will recommend the BTU rating best for that room, making it much easier for you to select the best radiators for the job. Choosing a radiator that doesn’t have the right BTU can lead to inefficient performance and higher energy bills.

You can choose to add an electric heating element to a plumbed radiator so that you have the option to turn it on without having to turn on your central heating system. This will turn it into a dual-fuel radiator that gives you both options. This can be a good choice for some types of radiators in rooms you don’t use as much as others, for example, a classic towel radiator.

You can usually choose from 4 different heating elements depending on what you require. These are:

• Fixed temperature – controlled via a wall switch, they stay at a consistent fixed temperature when turned on.
• Thermostatic – a thermostatic element that provides flexible heating that adjusts to the temperature of the room.
• Low surface temperature – if you need the surface of your radiator to not get too hot, a low surface temperature element can be a safer option if you have children, ideal at home or in environments that require safety radiators.
• Smart element – adding a modern twist to heating elements, a smart element can be controlled through your tablet or smartphone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection.

Crucial for optimal heating performance, ensuring the radiators in the system are properly balanced will help to distribute heat evenly throughout the home. Consider the compatibility of the new radiator with the existing heating system and the ease of balancing, so that you can ensure continued, even use. If your radiators were already balanced but you are now adding an additional radiator to the system, such as in an extension, you’ll need to adjust again. You can do this yourself by checking each radiator, but you can arrange for a plumber to do this for you for peace of mind.

How energy efficient your radiator is should always be considered, as you’ll want to ensure you choose a radiator that won’t cause your bills to increase unnecessarily. Look for energy-efficient models that will also match your room’s BTU requirements, and have features that make it simple to adjust the temperature. This can also be helped by choosing TRV valves on all of your new radiators.

Lastly, your budget requirements are important as some radiator styles will be more budget-friendly than others. You don’t necessarily have to buy the most expensive radiator to benefit from efficient heating performance and stunning design. Decide on your budget that also considers how many radiators you need, and stick to this so that you don’t spend more than you are willing to.

It’s a crucial part of the radiator buying process, so knowing the exact measurements you need is one of the first considerations you’ll need to make. If you are simply wanting to replace a radiator like for like that is the same size and orientation, you need to:

• Measure your existing radiator in millimetres (mm).
• Measure the height, from the floor to the top.
• Measure the width, from one end to the other.
• Measure the distance between the left and right pipe, from the centre of each.
• Measure the distance between the wall to the centre of the pipe.

Before removing a radiator from the wall, turn off the central heating system and allow the radiator to cool first. If need be, ask someone to help you as the radiator may be heavier than it looks.

• Place towels or a bucket beneath the valves to catch any water that may drain out.
• Close the radiator valve and lockshield valve.
• Use an adjustable wrench/spanner or radiator key to loosen the connections, starting with the lockshield valve.
• Once disconnected, carefully lift the radiator off the brackets or wall brackets.
• Be prepared for any remaining water in the radiator to spill, so have towels or a bucket ready.

To clean a radiator, start by turning off the central heating system and allowing the radiator to cool completely. Use a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush to remove dust and debris from the radiator’s surface and fins.

For stubborn dirt or grime, mix a mild detergent with warm water and gently wipe the radiator using a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals that can damage the radiator’s finish. Finally, wipe the radiator dry with a clean cloth to prevent watermarks or corrosion.