Radiators present one of the most efficient and oldest ways of heating a home. They are still used significantly because of their simplicity and high effectiveness to heat a place evenly. Radiators use heat from water or steam to warm up the surrounding air. They are made of metal and are thus excellent conductors of heat. The fins of the radiators have hot water and steam following through them. As the fins heat up, the air surrounding the radiator heats up too. Gradually, the heat travels through the room, all around the space, providing a uniform warmth.
To avail of the benefits of this magnificent device, it is necessary to invest in the right one! Many companies are offering a wide variety of radiators, but how would you pick the best one? To ease your confusion, we are here with some impeccable tips and considerations that can help you to choose the best radiator for your place. So, let’s begin!
Calculate the heat output first
Heat output or energy requirement of the space must be the first consideration while choosing a radiator. Once you know much heat your room or place needs, you can easily decide on what device is the best for you. For this purpose, calculate the British Thermal Unit (BTU) energy requirement. It will help you to specify the type, size, and style of the radiator suitable for your space.
BTU calculators are available online. You’ll be required to enter the dimensions of the room and the size of window openings to calculate the heat output.
Know the size and material of the radiator
Radiators come in a variety of sizes. It is generally observed that the size of the radiator and its heat output go hand-in-hand. The greater the size, the more the output. So, when choosing a radiator, make sure that its size is an ideal fit for your space.
Secondly, the material of the radiator is crucial for its proper functioning. Radiators are made of a variety of materials including steel, aluminum, cast iron, and sometimes stone and glass. Among all of them, steel radiators have the highest strength, flexibility, and efficacy. They are extremely durable, impervious to water, and reasonably priced for domestic uses.
Don’t miss out on the valve
Valves are an important consideration when buying radiators in 2021. They impact the functionality, outer look, and heat output of the radiator. Radiators come with both manual and digital programmable valves. It is up to you to choose what you want.
Manual valves have to be adjusted by hand to maintain a constant flow of water. Also, we have thermostatic radiator valves (TVRs) enabling the users to manually set the temperature of individual radiators. TVRs also regulate heat output and automatically reduce the water flow through the radiator when the surroundings are reasonably warm.
Heating systems
Modern radiators come with closed circuit, open circuit, fuel-type, and dual fuel-type heating systems. Each has its own significance. Closed-circuit systems are sealed and cannot be changed. Thus, you need to take extra care while using the radiator. An open circuit system uses borehole water which cannot be chemically treated. In this case, we recommend you to use radiators made of stainless steel, brass, and aluminum. Avoid ferrous materials. Fuel type heating systems use either gas, electricity, or oil for operating while the dual type allows to switch them according to the seasons.
Genuine radiators can be hard to find. Many companies offer high-quality products but end delivering disappointments. However, some genuine vendors are there like Feature Radiators UK. They have a wide radiators’ range available in a variety of colors, sizes, styles, etc. You can check out their products and services on featureradiators.co.uk.
