Turn up the heat
Dating back to the Victorian era, radiators have become a vital part of our homes today. Follow our buying advice, and discover the best designs to suit your period property
Whether you are drawn to the classic elegance of column radiators or want to make a design statement, to keep your home toasty you must consider the materials and size of radiators, as well as the performance of the central heating system.
What material is best?
CAST-IRON column radiators are a timeless option. Although they are heavy and take a while to warm up, they are good at retaining heat. Smaller models can achieve the same heat output as larger steel designs. STEEL is the most popular material for radiators due to its light weight, responsiveness and design versatility. It can be crafted into myriad shapes and finished in any colour or different effects. Stainless steel is more premium than mild steel, and will likely last longer. ALUMINIUM is more efficient at conducting heat than steel, and is easily recyclable, making it sustainable. However, it is not as strong or flexible, which limits the design options available for radiators.
Which type of radiator?
COLUMN radiators are ideal for Victorian and Edwardian properties, and can either be simple school style or moulded with ornate designs. They come in a choice of finishes or can be painted in your preferred colour.
SALVAGED cast-iron column radiators add an authentic touch to a period home. They need cleaning, testing and their fittings updated to be compatible with modern heating systems, so purchase from a specialist supplier.
PANEL radiators are the most common type, and are very cost effective. They are usually white and, although not period-appropriate can work well in less-visible areas.
FLAT PANEL radiators, which don’t have grooves, are more minimalist and can blend into a neutral room scheme.
DESIGNER radiators have a contemporary edge, whether designed to fit in awkward spaces or camouflaged as mirrors, blackboards or artwork.
VERTICAL radiators are tall and narrow, which makes them ideal for rooms with limited wall space.
TOWEL radiators, as their name suggests, are designed for use in the bathroom to hang and warm towels.
How big does it need to be?
It’s important to buy the right size radiator to ensure that you aren’t cold or overheating. This is impacted by the size of the room, insulation levels and the heat output of the radiator in BTUS (British Thermal Units). A heating engineer can work this out for you, but you can do a simple calculation yourself using the online heat output calculator at theradiatorcompany.co.uk.
Should I upgrade my boiler?
If your boiler is more than 10 years old, then updating it can make a huge difference to your radiators’ output and efficiency. Ask a heating engineer to help you decide whether a combi or system boiler is best for your home. Ensure that your boiler gets serviced annually and that you have a working carbon monoxide detector.
The right valves will also aid efficiency, allowing you to control each individual radiator. Choose manual or smart valves, which are controlled over Wi-fi. Valves will also impact your radiator’s appearance, so choose in-keeping designs that complement your décor.