A Guide To Calculate Radiator Size
Working out what size radiator you need is an early and essential part of the process of buying a radiator.
Knowing how to calculate radiator size to suit the heat output and spatial requirements of a room can help make sure you achieve the perfect level of warmth and comfort in your home. Plus, being aware what size radiator is needed can make sure you aren’t paying more than necessary on heating costs.
This article explains how to size a radiator for a specific room, then you can get on with choosing the ideal option for your budget and layout.
What Size Radiator Do I Need For My Room?
The size of the room in question factors significantly into what size radiator is required.
Generally speaking, smaller radiators or heated towel rails will find it challenging to provide an adequate heat output for particularly big rooms because of the large quantity of surrounding air. The heat that is produced could therefore be wasted and lead to an inconsistent and uncomfortable overall room temperature.
Conversely, larger radiators can usually heat a smaller space in rapid style, but will expend more energy in use and therefore have higher running costs.
How To Work Out Radiator Size
It is vital to record exact measurements of the chosen room for radiator installation and multiply the floor length by width to give the accurate surface area of the space.
For instance, a room that spans 5 metres in length and 4 metres in width would have a 20-metre surface area, and require a radiator with a 2000 wattage output to deliver a comfortable temperature, provided it has at least average insulation.
You can input the surface area of your chosen room into the Bathroom Takeaway BTU Calculator to work out the right radiator size for your room. It will indicate what sort of BTU output is needed to create and retain a comfortable and sustainable ambient room temperature.
How Insulation Affects How To Size A Radiator
Other factors in how to size a radiator include the level of insulation in the property or specific room. If the insulation is under par, the room will struggle to retain heat and might need a bigger radiator to foster a comfortable ambient temperature.
The location of the room and amount of windows present could be influencing elements in the quality of insulation, so bear that in mind when undertaking your what-size radiator calculations.
Building materials are another factor at play, as concrete, brick and wood all have their own unique insulation attributes that might adjust what size radiator you need for a room. Typically, modern new-build houses will have better insulation than older homes.
How Room Layout Affects How To Size A Radiator
The layout of a room can affect what radiator size is required – large windows might allow a great amount of sunlight into the space to provide natural warmth, and offset the prospect of a large radiator being necessary, for example.
Plus, the quality of the windows or even bi-folding doors could be an influencing factor as well; double-glazed glass encasing the room will nearly always result in better heat retention, so smaller designer radiators could suffice.
Where the radiator will be positioned could be influential too, as could the actual height and makeup of the space, as heat can circulate at different rates in line with alternating ceiling levels.
How Location Affects How To Size A Radiator
Whereabouts in the country you reside is a lesser thought of element in how to size a radiator. The UK is host to bizarre climate sequences from month to month and year to year, and depending on the style of your household, the outside weather can impact on how to work out an appropriate radiator size.
Also, the nature of your neighbourhood could slightly modify what radiator size you need, with urban communities more facilitative for heat production and retention when compared to rural setups.
Shop Radiators Online From Bathroom Takeaway
Once you know what size radiator you need for your chosen room, you can shop a top range of vertical radiators and horizontal radiators online from Bathroom Takeaway.
If you need any further help identifying the perfect style, there’s lots of stylish entries in our Essential Radiator Buying Guide.
