With so many radiator types available to heat your home, we understand it can be a difficult choice when buying radiators. With this guide, we hope to make this a bit easier for you by explaining all you need to know, guiding you through the different types to choose from and how to decide on the best radiators for each room of your home.
There are 4 different types of radiators to consider for your home. Whilst you may be familiar with electric and plumbed-in radiators, there are also dual fuel and oil-filled options to choose from. Below, you’ll find more information on each type.
You may have heard of convector radiators, which are available in many types, for example Type 11, Type 21, and Type 22. These are radiators that use convection to distribute heat, with metal panels and a set of convector fins which help to increase the surface area. As the radiator heats up, the air around it rises to help it circulate warm air throughout the room.
Deciding on a radiator will mean choosing between the different styles available. Some of the best radiators you can buy come in various shapes, designs and sizes. Perhaps you want a designer radiator to provide a wow factor or a specific room radiator such as a classic towel radiator that is practical and stylish? Below, you’ll discover more about some of the most popular available.
Ever considered what the best radiators are made from? There are 4 types of metal used:
The most common material used for radiators is steel, thanks to its strong, anti-corrosive properties. Standard steel radiators are an affordable option that provides reliable and efficient heating, suitable for various heating systems and available in a range of sizes and designs.
Stainless steel radiators are highly durable and resistant to corrosion, with stainless steel towel radiators a popular choice. They offer a sleek and modern appearance, with excellent heat conductivity, providing long-lasting performance.
Aluminium radiators are lightweight, efficient, and offer rapid heat-up times. They have high heat conductivity, allowing for efficient heat distribution. However, they will cool down faster than steel radiator options.
Cast iron radiators feature a classic design and are robust heating options. They have a high heat retention capacity, providing long-lasting warmth even after the heating is turned off, however, they do take longer to heat up and are heavy. Cast iron column radiators provide a traditional and vintage aesthetic appeal.
If you have decided on the style of radiator, what size will you need? This is an important consideration for the room along with the BTU rating.
The British Thermal Unit (BTU) will help you decide which is the right size radiator for your room. You can use a radiator size calculator to determine the correct dimensions but will also need to know the BTU rating, telling you how much heat it will produce. Each radiator will have this rating, with 1 watt of energy equivalent to 3.41 BTUs, but to make this easier, you can use a BTU heat loss calculator to help.
If you want to work out the best radiators to heat a certain room in your home, the BTU rating will guide you. There are a few features of your room that will determine what the rating will be:
As a guide, a small room without any windows will require a radiator with a lower BTU when compared to a large, spacious room with windows, such as a living room. Considering heat loss from a room is crucial so that you can choose the right radiator every time, something our BTU calculator will help determine.
It’s a good question and an important one to answer to ensure you have the correct number of radiators per room. The best way to decide this is to find out the BTU requirement the room needs, so if you are looking for the perfect bathroom radiator or hallway radiator, you’ll know which to consider and which to avoid.
If you can’t find the exact radiator with the BTU rating you need, it’s recommended to choose one with a higher rating rather than a lower one. This way, you’ll still be able to efficiently heat the room and be able to turn it down if required. If you are seeking radiators for large rooms, depending on the layout, you may want more than one to help heat the room effectively. Having one radiator with a high BTU rating may not be enough for bigger rooms, so once you know the BTU rating you need for the room, you can have multiple radiators if you need to that meet this requirement. With so many designs to choose from, you can then match your favourite radiator styles and have more than one if you want to.
Replacing a radiator isn’t as daunting as you might think, with a radiator replacement easy to install with its included brackets and instructions. You can fit most Stelrad radiators yourself if you’re confident to do so, but by all means, contact your local plumber if you are unsure or need some help.
Here are a few helpful tips when looking at how to replace a radiator:
There are a few signs that indicate a radiator may need replacing, so look at for any of the following:
When inspecting radiator pipework, it is essential to look for signs of leaks, such as water stains or dampness around connections and valves. Examine the pipework for any signs of corrosion, such as rust or discoloured patches. Ensure that all valves, including the radiator valve and lockshield valve, are functioning properly and not leaking. If there are any signs of damage, such as cracks or breaks, you’ll need to address this before installing a new radiator.
If there are issues with the pipework, it may require repair or replacement by a qualified plumber or heating engineer to ensure the radiator operates effectively and safely. Depending on the style or size of the radiator, you may not be replacing like-for-like, so the pipework needs to fit. Pipes running along the wall will be easier to adjust compared to pipes under the floor, which will be a bigger job.
Before replacing a radiator, it is essential to do the following:
This will depend on a number of things, including whether you have experienced replacing a radiator before or not. It may take a few hours to half a day or even longer, and this can be influenced by:
If you are unsure or not confident installing a radiator yourself, it’s recommended to hire a professional plumber or heating engineer for radiator replacement to ensure proper installation and to minimise any potential issues.
You can choose both angled and straight radiator valves depending on the types of radiators you want to install. Knowing how the valve will be connected, whether wanting to install a TRV valve or a standard valve, is crucial. This will be determined by where the valve inlet is positioned on the radiator.
Side Connection – if your radiator has a side connection, the valves will enter it on both sides, usually close to the bottom.
Underside Connection – if it has an underside connection, you’ll find the valves will either enter from underneath, in the middle, or even at each end depending on its design.
Once you’ve established if your new radiators will have a side or underside connection, you can then easily work out whether you require straight or angled radiator valves to attach to your existing pipework. The difference between these is that angled radiator valves have a 90-degree angled design compared to straight valves, which can be more useful when installing.
If you are unsure at all which is best to choose, check the radiator type you want to install and contact us for more advice. If you hire a plumber to install your radiator, they will know which valves are best to use for your particular installation.
Regular radiator maintenance will ensure your home heating will remain efficient. Although most of the time you can let them work without issue, sometimes you’ll need to check a few things and arrange a service to keep their smooth running consistent, just like with a car or boiler.
Bleed Radiators Periodically
It’s a good idea to check whether your radiators need bleeding to free any trapped air that can naturally occur. Doing so at least once a year should keep all of your radiators working normally, as the trapped air can stop them from heating efficiently. It’s simple to bleed a radiator too, meaning minimal effort if you notice any cold parts of the radiator or gurgling noises.
Arrange a Heating Service
Getting a professional to check your central heating system is always advisable as they can ensure your boiler is working properly and the system is working as it should. They can identify any problems before they get worse too. A Gas Safe Registered engineer visiting once a year is recommended.
Consider Power Flushing
This can be carried out less frequently than bleeding the radiators but is extremely effective at removing any sludge that builds up in your radiators and pipes over time. Power flushing can be done by a qualified plumber, and it’s recommended at intervals of 5 to 6 years.
Buying radiators isn’t something you’ll do every day, so choosing wisely is important. Considering the different features and radiator styles is one thing, but choosing the best radiators for the room you need is just as crucial for ensuring you make a smart purchase.
Here are some of the key things to consider:
Consider the aesthetics and style of the radiator and choose a design that complements the room’s décor and meets your personal preferences. After all, buying radiators is an investment so if you decide to choose a radiator colour or design you’re not 100% happy with, you’ll more than likely have them for several years unless you replace them again, which can be expensive to do.
Also consider that trending styles and designs will come and go, so you may want to choose radiators that are more neutral – there’s a reason why classic white radiators are still so popular!
When it comes to the positioning of your new radiators, you’ll want to assess the available space, including the wall dimensions and floor clearance, to ensure the radiator fits properly. This is important if going for a different orientation, such as a vertical column radiator. Consider installing in the coldest part of the room which traditionally would be by a window. However, the efficiency of modern windows means this isn’t always correct.
You’ll also want to consider if it is an internal or outside wall too, as outer walls will be colder and heat will be absorbed, plus the type of wall it is. Outer walls tend to be brick or masonry which are solid and strong enough to hold a radiator, whereas internal walls may be stud work so will need brackets to be positioned properly by the wooden studs. If the room has lots of furniture, you’ll want to install the radiator where it can work best without being blocked.
Calculate the required heat output for the room. This needs to be based on its size, insulation, and room features so that you choose the correct BTU rating on your new radiators. The easiest way to do this is by using a heat loss calculator that will do the hard work for you. All you have to do is enter the details of the room, and it will recommend the BTU rating best for that room, making it much easier for you to select the best radiators for the job. Choosing a radiator that doesn’t have the right BTU can lead to inefficient performance and higher energy bills.
You can choose to add an electric heating element to a plumbed radiator so that you have the option to turn it on without having to turn on your central heating system. This will turn it into a dual-fuel radiator that gives you both options. This can be a good choice for some types of radiators in rooms you don’t use as much as others, for example, a classic towel radiator.
You can usually choose from 4 different heating elements depending on what you require. These are:
Crucial for optimal heating performance, ensuring the radiators in the system are properly balanced will help to distribute heat evenly throughout the home. Consider the compatibility of the new radiator with the existing heating system and the ease of balancing, so that you can ensure continued, even use. If your radiators were already balanced but you are now adding an additional radiator to the system, such as in an extension, you’ll need to adjust again. You can do this yourself by checking each radiator, but you can arrange for a plumber to do this for you for peace of mind.
How energy efficient your radiator is should always be considered, as you’ll want to ensure you choose a radiator that won’t cause your bills to increase unnecessarily. Look for energy-efficient models that will also match your room’s BTU requirements, and have features that make it simple to adjust the temperature. This can also be helped by choosing TRV valves on all of your new radiators.
Lastly, your budget requirements are important as some radiator styles will be more budget-friendly than others. You don’t necessarily have to buy the most expensive radiator to benefit from efficient heating performance and stunning design. Decide on your budget that also considers how many radiators you need, and stick to this so that you don’t spend more than you are willing to.
Now that you have your new radiators, is there anything else you might need?
Fortunately, there are many useful radiator accessories that can help improve both their function and aesthetics.
It’s a crucial part of the radiator buying process, so knowing the exact measurements you need is one of the first considerations you’ll need to make. If you are simply wanting to replace a radiator like for like that is the same size and orientation, you need to:
Before removing a radiator from the wall, turn off the central heating system and allow the radiator to cool first. If need be, ask someone to help you as the radiator may be heavier than it looks.
To clean a radiator, start by turning off the central heating system and allowing the radiator to cool completely. Use a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush to remove dust and debris from the radiator’s surface and fins.
For stubborn dirt or grime, mix a mild detergent with warm water and gently wipe the radiator using a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals that can damage the radiator’s finish. Finally, wipe the radiator dry with a clean cloth to prevent watermarks or corrosion.
The type of radiator that gives out the most heat is a triple panel, triple convector radiator, commonly known as a type 33 radiator. It has three panels and three sets of fins or convectors, allowing for increased heat output when compared to single-panel radiators.
The safest type of radiator is typically a low-temperature radiator, often referred to as a low surface temperature (LST) radiator. These radiators are designed with a safe to touch cover which doesn’t exceed 43 degrees whilst  providing sufficient heat output. We have a whole range of energy-efficient radiators you can browse as well as LST radiators.
There are differences between type 21 and type 22 radiators, and this relates to their construction and heat output capabilities. A type 21 radiator consists of a single panel and a single set of fins or convectors, whilst a type 22 radiator has two panels and two sets of fins or convectors. This means you’ll find type 22 radiators have a higher heat output than type 21 radiators, making them more beneficial for larger rooms.
Your new radiators will come complete with an installation guide making them simple to fit without the need to hire a plumber. This includes the brackets to attach to your wall. We also have some helpful video guides showing you how to install on our YouTube channel. Of course, if you do not feel confident with installation, you can arrange for a plumber to help you do this.
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