Radiators: Some Things It’s Worth Noting
If you’re buying new radiators for your home, it is important that you undertake the correct research. Buying and installing incorrect radiators can cause big problems. For instance, it can interfere with the efficiency of the central heating system, but at worst; it can lead to burst pipes, which can cost thousands of pounds to put right. It’s much better to make good choices before you buy and install your radiators. By reading this article, you will have a much better understanding of the importance of buying the right radiators.
What Size Radiators Should You Buy?
The size of the radiator often determines heat output, with larger radiators generating a greater amount of heat than smaller radiators. It’s the surface area that’s important, so when establishing the size of the radiator you need, calculate it in terms of the amount of surface area you require. For example, when comparing a cast iron radiator of 1mx1m and a panel radiator of 1mx1m, you might assume that they will produce the same amount of heat because they’re the same size. However, they have different surface areas, with the column radiator having a greater surface area. So, when choosing a radiator, size matters, but it is the size of the surface area and not the size of the unit, per se.
Who Should Install the Radiator?
It can be tempting to fit the radiator yourself because it appears to be a straightforward DIY job. All you do is disconnect the old radiator and reconnect the new one. We recommend, that unless you have experience changing a radiator, that you use an experienced plumber.
There are many factors that need to be considered when changing the radiator, including bleeding the old radiators and closing off the water supply, as well as issues with balancing the system once the radiator’s in place. Unless you know how to do this, we strongly recommend using a plumber. If money is a problem, then it definitely makes more sense to buy cheap radiators and then pay for a plumber, than to buy more expensive radiators and be unable to afford a plumber. There are some fantastic cheap radiators on the market, so you might be surprised about what you will find for your money.
Which Radiators Offer the Greatest Efficiency?
This is a difficult thing to answer because there is more than one way to think about efficiency, so we’ll just cover a few basics below:
1. The colour of the radiator makes a difference, with white being the most efficient choice. Chrome and steel radiators are the next best choice. We recommend against choosing any other colours.
2. The material makes a difference in the way the radiator works. Cast iron takes a long time to heat up, but it also retains its heat longer, and so it is considered the most efficient choice of radiator.
3. The valves can make a big difference in terms of controlling the cost of your central heating system. Thermostatic radiator valves are the best because they will control the temperature of the radiator without you having to do anything. This means that they can maintain an optimum heat output.
If you would like to browse a collection of radiators, including cheap radiator, then please visit http://www.designerradiatorsdirect.co.uk
