Whether you’re renovating your home or replacing old metal panel radiators, choosing the right new radiators is crucial.
There is a huge range of radiators to choose from in the UK that ensure you get the desired room temperature quickly. Let’s explore why choosing suitable central heating radiators can make a difference to both your warmth and wallet.
The Heating Requirement
When searching for the perfect radiator, you must consider how much energy it consumes and its heat output. Homeowners need modern radiators that are affordable, safe, provide comfortable heating at a reasonable cost, and will fit into the space they have available.
UK radiators come in different shapes and sizes. The dimensions of the room are the biggest factors influencing the radiator size you need. Additionally, your new radiator should have the right heat output and emit enough warmth to keep the room at a comfortable temperature.
Some radiators have a high BTU (British thermal unit) output. This means that they have outstanding heat output, which would be suitable for larger rooms.
The number of interior and exterior walls, windows, open wall space, and usage of the room also affect a radiator’s heat efficiency and potential issues with heat loss. Here, a major consideration would be using energy-efficient radiators to minimise heat loss.
A Different Type For Each Room
Different rooms need different types of radiators:
- Towel radiators in a bathroom will keep your towels warm and dry.
- In your kitchen, using vertical radiators means you can save space. These also work well in cramped hallways.
- Having a horizontal radiator in the bedroom is a good option. If it’s strategically placed under a window it can stop the cold from creeping in.
- Living rooms usually call for more stylish radiators. Here, you could consider using column radiators or even designer radiators to add a touch of elegance and class to the room.
- Smaller rooms benefit from single-panel radiators to ensure no excess heat wastage.
- Larger rooms may need double-panel radiators to provide sufficient heat during the coldest winter months.
Can A Good Radiator Look Good Too?
Radiators were once big, bulky, and an eyesore. Modern ones, on the other hand, can be very stylish. There are many options to choose from, like column, vertical, or horizontal radiators, flat panel radiators, or even curved radiators.
You can also find them in a variety of styles, colours, finishes, and materials to suit any taste and decor. From cast iron and aluminium to matte black and shiny chrome, there’s a radiator to compliment any room, regardless of how it is decorated.
You can even customise your radiator with painted finishes, adding a touch of class to your central heating system. When changing radiator valves, look for ones that are just as stylish as your radiators.
Radiator accessories aren’t just about aesthetics, though! They’re functional, too. For example, bleed valves allow any trapped air to escape automatically from the radiator, so you don’t have to do it manually. This ensures efficient heating. Radiator guards are useful in protecting children and pets from accidentally touching hot surfaces.
Are Designer Radiators Worth It?
If you’re renovating, you may want to splurge on a designer radiator or heated towel rails. While these come with a high price tag, they quickly prove their worth.
Designer radiators can be space-saving (like designer vertical radiators in hallways) or functional (designer towel radiators in bathrooms, for example). A heated towel rail can take that feeling of luxury and warmth up a notch.
Designer radiators have aesthetic appeal. A particularly trendy unit can even become a room’s focal point – the finishing touch to your interior decor. When these radiators offer quality practical heating solutions, they could be worth the additional cost.
Conclusion
Choosing the right radiator for each room can ensure you stay warm and cosy through the coldest winter months. However, it goes beyond warmth. The right radiator ensures you have an efficient central heating system that works well with your lifestyle and home while still being affordable.
Contemporary radiators can look good and can even complement your existing decor. So, choose a radiator that will be functional and stylish while keeping you cosy and saving you money on your utility bills for many years ahead.
