Main Pages

Product Sections

How to go about buying radiators

Radiators – Getting the right results

There are some important factors to consider when making a decision upon heating units. Ideally one wants optimal performance: including both efficiency and heat output, whilst having something that suits the room it is placed in. Therefore, it’s important to do some initial research either online or look through interior design magazines, to gain a clearer idea on what kinds of styles work for different rooms. You will find that traditional styles such as cast iron units are still favoured in certain homes, as they tend to suit older rooms with a bit of character and high ceilings. However, one of the most important factors is the heating output of the unit. To maximize this with most radiators you need to do some calculations beforehand. However, there are many conversion charts online, which will tell you roughly what the dimensions of the heating unit need to be in order to sustain a sufficient warm temperature for the room. One should also note that with older styles such as cast iron ones, that not many manufacturers are still making these radiators anymore. So you may be hard pressed in finding them, but usually the internet provides a cost effective solution. Also with these kinds of heating units they do take their time in heating up and cooling down. But, they do however emit a nice warm radiating constant heat and cast iron radiators are relatively quiet units. But, ideally you want to select a unit with a large surface area, as it will obviously radiate more heat.


Cast-iron brick heating electric radiators

Cast-iron brick heating electric radiators

Installing your new units

There are various ways to go about the installation process. One obvious way is to get the help of a trained professional plumber who will be able to remove any old redundant units, install new ones, and give advice on maintenance as well as getting the most out of your heating system. However, if you want to save money and know what you are doing then it might be an idea to do the refitting yourself. It can be tricky doing this on your own, so it’s always a better idea to enlist the help of someone else. But on the other hand electric radiators can offer a hassle free alternative to other types of units. The installation is quick and easy, as you just plug it in and you’ve got a comfortable warm room to be in within minutes. However, if your electricity rates are extortionate then the use of such radiators could be a very expensive heating solution. Nonetheless, they are still worth considering as a back-up option in case your boiler decides one day to cease working. Once installation of the heating units is completed in all the rooms you want, then it’s essential that you maintain your heating system efficiently and effectively, radiators will have greater longevity if this is done. One way of doing this is bleeding your units regularly, and perhaps getting a plumber to conduct spot checks occasionally. Naturally with electric heating solutions you don’t have to be so attentive with them, unless an internal component stops working.


Diamond stainless steel designer radiators

Diamond stainless steel designer radiators

Ultra sleek, ultra modern

Previously mentioned have been more traditional styles of heating solutions, but the majority of products out there in today’s modern market have more of a contemporary edge to the style of design. This is perfectly illustrated in designer heating units which range from Italian chic to German robustness. Some people prefer to go for the minimalist look when it comes to such units, with simple clean lines as exhibited by many contemporary radiators from the likes of Carat. These kinds of units combine very well with a modern urban living space and post-modern interior decors. Although such heating solutions may be priced at the higher end of the spectrum, by investing in such modern radiators you will certainly be adding to the intrinsic value of the room, and thus the value of your property. However, there are plenty of other solutions that won’t break the bank and can look just as good as designer units. You may want to consider radiators of the deco-therm variety. They look just as sleek and stylish as modern, but with the added bonus of being very versatile in terms of colours. They come pre-primed so that different colours and viscosities of paint can be applied to their surfaces; this enables the units to tie in with the interior décor of your room. If the right type of heating unit is selected for the room, it can certainly add character and value to it. This is why it’s so important to get the right colours, designs and styles and also make sure the heating solution your choose is efficient and economical.


Electric radiators with ceramic heating

Electric radiators with ceramic heating

Where to buy your heating solutions

It can sometimes be difficult to find something that matches your exact expectations, but with a little perseverance and looking in the right places you will be sure to find something that does fit your requirements. The first places most people will look when the time comes for upgrading their old outdated radiators is on the internet. Many reputable online retailers have a wealth of knowledge about different styles and products of heating units, and will usually promptly reply to any questions you may have via email or telephone. They can also give advice on the best kind of fixtures and fittings to use for heating units. However, there is nothing like going to a DIY store and seeing for yourself the latest products and some more traditional ones, so that you’ve got a better idea on shapes and sizes. A sales representative at the store will show you their radiators on offer, and will no doubt be more than happy to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Some stores may even offer an installation service, which if you took it would be one less thing to worry about. In terms of prices there are some great bargains to be had nowadays; attractive discounts on products from Bisque, MHS, Biasi and Acova exist both online and in the stores. So it’s definitely worth doing a price comparison. It can be trickier buying brand new radiators for the bathroom, but easier to find things like towel rails that can be heated. The internet usually has more on offer in this department.


Free-standing quattro radiators

Free-standing quattro radiators

Safety Equipment Supplies