Gone are the days when the sole purpose of a radiator is to simply provide heat. With a huge variety of radiator styles and sizes now available, radiators provide much more than just functionality.
Modern-day radiators are often a home-owner or designer’s dream, being used as an aesthetically pleasing addition to a room, or even as a bold statement piece.
With endless colours, styles, and specifications available, purchasing a new radiator can feel overwhelming. The time to buy a new radiator often comes along when it’s baltic outside too. So, we’ve put together this ultimate guide to radiators to help you navigate the inferno that is in the radiator market. With our advice, you can purchase a radiator that will suit your needs, both in terms of purpose and aesthetics.
Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Purchase A Radiator
Why Am I Look For A New Radiator?
Considering why you need a new radiator is the perfect place to start the buying process. Depending on the reason you need a new radiator, you will have slightly different priorities.
Replacing A Broken Radiator
If you have to replace a broken radiator, there’s a high chance that you need the replacement quickly. So, the easiest thing to do is swap your existing radiator for a new one that’s the same size. Doing so will avoid the added time and cost of removing pipework.
Purchasing A New Radiator That Better Suits Your Style
If you’re purchasing a new radiator for aesthetics, think about the atmosphere and ambiance you want to create. Think about the size and style of the radiator that will suit the interiors you desire. But, of course, make sure to also consider the heat output requirements in order to efficiently heat the room in question.
Improving The Energy Efficiency Of Your Heating
With the cost of living on the rise, saving money in your home is at the forefront of everyone’s minds. Replacing an old radiator with a new, efficient radiator is likely to save you money in the long run.
Check out our handy Bathroom Energy Saving guide for more energy efficiency tips!
How Often Will I Use My Radiator And Can I Afford To Replace It?
Radiators come in a variety of styles and materials and have different lifespans depending on the choices you make. On top of the aesthetic and budget requirements you have for your new radiator, it’s important to consider its durability.
Additionally, you should also consider how a poorly manufactured radiator could affect your home as a whole. Radiators generally connect onto the central heating system controlled by a boiler and can impact how efficiently they can run.
What Radiator Installation Limitations Do I Need To Consider?
Theoretically, replacing a radiator should be fairly straightforward for any qualified plumber or gas engineer. However, that’s not to say there aren’t considerations that need to be thought of first.
When replacing a radiator like-for-like, you can be sure that there will be little variations to think of. But, if you opt for a designer radiator in place of a compact radiator, then things become a bit more complex.
Adjusting Pipework
Firstly, you need to ensure that your pipework and pipe centres are correct for your new radiator. If the pipework is narrower or wider than your original radiator, it may need to be adjusted. Similarly, if you want a brand new radiator in a new position, pipes will have to be adjusted before radiator installation.
Power Of Your Boiler
Consider if your boiler is powerful enough to support the new radiator, particularly if you add more radiators to your home.
Radiator Weight And The Strength Of Your Walls
Finally, if you plan to install a large designer radiator, you may need to consider its weight. Is the wall strong enough to support your new choice of radiator? Will you need additional support to maintain the structure of your wall?
If the strength of your wall poses an issue, it doesn’t mean your designer radiator dreams are over. There are options to provide additional support to large radiators such as using radiator feet for extra reinforcement.
How Do I Choose A Radiator For A Room?
Radiators have always been available in different sizes, but now, there’s more colours and styles available than ever before.
1. Calculate The Heat Output Required For The Space
Before you decide on the style or colour of the radiator, calculate what size radiator you need to produce adequate heat. Heat output is calculated in British Thermal Unit (BTU). The size of a room dictates what heat output is required to provide sufficient heat for that size of room.
Simply enter the measurement of your room, then our BTU Calculator will determine the BTU requirement for your space. If you have any questions,our expert team will be happy to help!
2. Consider The Style And Colour
Once you’ve confirmed the BTU required from your new radiator, you can choose the style and colour.
Perhaps your home is bright and airy, so a white radiator would compliment it perfectly. Or, if your home is super sleek and modern, anthracite grey is bang on trend in terms of décor colours.
We also have various other colours of radiator available, including black radiators and even chrome radiators . Our selection has something for everyone, no matter your style and personal taste.
What Are The Different Types Of Radiators?
Oval Column Radiators
Oval Column Radiators are the perfect example of a modern designer radiator without being too much of a statement. They’re great if you want a stylish radiator, that isn’t the focal point of your room.
Browse our selection of Oval Column single and double panel radiators, available in anthracite, black and white.
Flat Column Radiators
Flat Panel Radiators are the ultimate statement for the super sleek modern home or business. The minimalist design lends itself to chic decor and fits perfectly with scandi-style homes. The flat panel style really is the feature of any room. So, if you’re not afraid to shout about your design choice, then a flat panel radiator is the way forward.
Discover a wide range of single and double-paneled Flat Panel Radiators, available in anthracite, black, white and chrome.
Traditional Cast-Iron Style Radiators
Inspired by the Victorian era, the Traditional Cast-Iron Style Radiators are essential to any home with a classic look. Our Victorian-style traditional radiators can add a dramatic effect to your space. They provide instant eye-catching features and a genuine sense of cosiness, not always achieved with contemporary style.
Explore our Traditional Cast-Iron Style Radiator selection. Choose your style from anthracite, black and white options available in double, triple and even quadruple columns (coming soon)!
Rectangular Panel Radiators
Our Rectangular Panel Radiators are along the same modern lines as the Flat Panel Radiators. With a slightly more contemporary vibe, the modernity of rectangular panel radiators doesn’t lend themselves to just super chic decor. They will compliment a variety of different room designs.
Available in white and anthracite, shop our versatile Rectangular Panel Radiator collection.
Round Tube Radiators
The Round Tube Radiators we stock are a statement piece for any room in your home. This radiator style will take centre stage in your bathroom, whilst providing high heat output. Round Tube Radiators are adaptable to any home, and any style.
Browse our range of Round Tube Radiators and choose your favourite from single and double panels in white or anthracite.
Compact Radiators
Small but mighty, our Compact Radiators are the ideal choice for smaller rooms and if you want to save money. Smaller radiators are energy efficient as they use less water but produce more heat. This style of radiator comes in three different ‘Types':
Type 11 radiators are the slightest of the three sizes of compact radiator with one panel and fins behind.
Type 21 radiators have a single set of fins but with double panels at the front and back. So, they provide a higher heat output in comparison to Type 11s.
Type 22 radiators are the largest of the three sizes. Type 22 radiators have a double set of fins and double panels (front and back). So, they provide the highest heat output of the three sizes of compact radiators.
Shop our versatile collection of Compact Radiators.
Oil Filled Radiators
Oil Filled Radiators are becoming more popular. These radiators are an environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient alternative to wet-system radiators connected to your central heating system. Oil-filled radiators are electric and therefore money-saving on your gas bills.
Choose from wall or floor-mounted oil-filled radiators or opt for a portable freestanding oil-filled radiator instead. Designer finishes aren’t as readily available in oil-filled radiators. However, it’s difficult to ignore the money-saving benefits they can offer.
Discover our Oil Filled Radiators collection.
Aluminium Radiators
Compared to our radiators made from mild steel, our aluminium range is the latest addition to our designer radiator offerings.
Aluminium Radiators are a firm competitor for other styles due to their durability and flexibility. They also offer money-saving assets, as aluminum heats much more quickly than mild steel.
Available in a huge range of sizes, colours and styles, browse our Aluminium Radiator collection.
Additional Radiator Buying FAQs
Do I Need To Consider Radiator Accessories With My Purchase?
There are many different types of radiator accessories you can purchase to go with your new radiator, including:
If you want to achieve a polished look within your home, without purchasing a designer radiator, consider a radiator cover. Also, a radiator cover may be a cheaper alternative to replacing a radiator whilst considering your decor at the same time. As an added bonus, a radiator cover can double as a mantlepiece for displaying all your favourite candles and ornaments.
Do I Need To Consider What Guarantee A Radiator Comes With?
Purchasing a radiator and installing it isn’t a small amount of money to fork out. So, you need to make sure that your purchases have a guarantee in case there’s a fault.
All of our radiators come with a 10 Year Fit & Forget Guarantee. So you can be rest assured that your radiator is covered for years to come.
