Choosing the Right Radiator for Your Home: A Practical Guide

Most people only think about radiators when theirs stops working. But if you are planning a replacement or considering upgrading your heating, here's what you need to know to choose the right radiator for your home.

Types of Radiator

There are four main types of radiator you are likely to encounter. Each has different characteristics in terms of heat output, style, and cost.

Panel Radiators

Panel radiators are the most common type you will see in modern homes. They are flat, compact, and available in dozens of colours and finishes. A panel radiator produces good heat output for its size and is the most affordable option for most homeowners. Most new boiler systems are sized around panel radiators.

Column Radiators

Column radiators have a traditional look with visible vertical tubes. They are popular in period homes and Victorian properties. They produce excellent heat output but take up more wall space than a panel radiator of equivalent power. Column radiators cost more than panels but less than designer styles.

Designer or Vertical Radiators

Modern designer radiators come in all shapes and sizes. Vertical styles are good for narrow wall spaces. Many designer radiators double as towel rails, which is practical in bathrooms and en-suites. They produce less heat than panels of the same physical size, which is important to account for when sizing.

Towel Rails

Towel rails are heated rails, usually chrome or stainless steel, designed primarily to warm and dry towels. They produce some heat for the room but are not a replacement for a proper radiator. Towel rails are most common in bathrooms and en-suites.

How to Choose the Right Size

Room size matters more than style when choosing a radiator. A radiator that is too small will not heat the room properly. One that is vastly oversized will heat the room but waste energy.

BTU Output Explained

Radiators are rated in BTUs (British Thermal Units). This is a measure of heat output. A typical bedroom might need 3,000-4,000 BTU, while a large living room might need 7,000-10,000 BTU.

The exact size depends on room dimensions, insulation, window size, and exposure to cold walls. Rather than trying to work this out yourself, we always calculate the right size for your room before fitting. We will take measurements and ask questions about your room to ensure we specify the correct radiator.

What Does a Radiator Installation Involve?

A radiator installation is straightforward but does require draining your heating system. Here is what we do:

1. Drain the system: We drain your central heating system using a small pump. This takes 15-30 minutes depending on system size.
2. Remove the old radiator: We disconnect the pipes and remove the old radiator. We cap the pipework to prevent debris entering the system.
3. Fit the new radiator: We connect the new radiator to your existing pipework. If the new radiator is larger or in a different position, we may need to extend the pipework.
4. Refill and bleed: We refill the system, bleed air from the radiators, and check all connections for leaks.
5. Balance the system: For multi-radiator systems, we balance the system so heat is distributed evenly.

Typical Timeframe: Half a day to two days depending on how many radiators are being replaced and how accessible the pipework is.

How Much Does It Cost?

A single radiator installation typically costs between £200 and £800. This includes supply of the radiator, fitting, and system balancing.

What affects the price:

• Type of radiator: Panel radiators are the cheapest. Column radiators cost more. Designer styles cost significantly more.
• Size of radiator: A large radiator costs more than a small one.
• Pipework needed: If we need to extend or modify pipework to fit the new radiator, this adds to the cost.
• Access: If the pipework is difficult to access or in an awkward location, installation takes longer and costs more.

We supply and fit, or we are happy to install radiators you have already bought. Either way, we will make sure everything fits properly and is installed to a high standard. We will give you a clear quote before we start.

Ready to Fit a New Radiator?

Whether you need a single radiator replaced or a full heating system upgrade, call us on 07949 099363 for a free quote across Leicester and Leicestershire.