Choosing a New Radiator Installation

Many modern home designs include a consideration of how the radiator will fit into the over all decor and chosen style of a room. Although you can choose from a wide variety of radiator colours and styles, one of the most important factors that you should engage in when replacing your radiators or considering the best type of radiator for your home or business, is the way in which it performs.

Sometimes, it is easy to forget that the purpose of a radiator is to heat your home in the most cost effective and reliable way.

Which Radiators are right for my Home or Business?

The amount of heat that is produced by a radiator is calculated using a measurement of British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/h). The BTU/h offers a calculation of the required amount of heat for each individual room. Many radiator manufacturers or suppliers will offer a BTU calculator to work out this number but it is advised that a Gas Safe Registered engineer work this out for a more accurate result.

To get a general idea of the heat output required to heat your room you can measure the dimensions of the space and calculate the room size (in feet) by the sum of width x length x height. You will then need to multiply this number by four to get your BTU power rating requirement.

A larger radiator is generally able to produce more heat, but in rooms which are stuck for space another option is to heat the room by fitting skirting heating as a space saving alternative.

Where should a new radiator installation be fitted?

When installing a radiator into your home you should fit it in the coldest area of the room. Since cold air will push the heat around the room more effectively, radiators are commonly installed adjacent to or below a window. If no window is available or inappropriate, fit your radiator to an outside wall.

Allow enough space for your radiator to fit into. A typical radiator is between 500-300mm length and 300-700mm high. For bathroom heating, an alternative, space saving option is to install a heated towel rail that also heats the room or a mirror radiator.

Can I use an old reconditioned radiator?

Before installing an old style radiator, ensure that the radiator has been completely cleared of sludge or silt build up. The most efficient method of clearing a radiator is by power flushing.

If an old radiator is installed without first power flushing it, you may experience cold patches. Old radiators bought from a reclamation yard or salvage company may look robust but sometimes wear hidden cracks and can easily be damaged. One area to check carefully for damage is the gasket that seals the joints between sections.

Radiator Installations in Lancashire

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