Is it time for a new radiator? Here’s how to go about choosing one if you’re shopping online.
Things To Consider
Today’s radiators have become incredibly inventive in color, form, and style, but it’s important to stay focused on their purpose: to sufficiently heat your home.
One thing to consider when shopping for Quinn Radiators for sale online is where you’re going to put the radiator. Ideally, you should place it in the coldest part of the room, which is normally just next to or below a window, or even just on an outside wall, since cold air pushes heat around the room.
Size is another consideration. Radiators typically measure around 500 – 3000mm in length and 300-700mm high. The general rule of thumb is the larger the size, the greater the heat output will be.
Thinking About Materials
The cheapest choice for radiators is usually steel. But often, one of the biggest mistakes homeowners tend to make when selecting a radiator is thinking the options are limited to just a few mundane choices on traditional steel panel designs. With all the sizes, shapes, and colors on the market, it’s worth looking through radiatorfactory.net to see exactly what might work with your interior design selection. You may prefer aluminium that can be moulded into rather sleek vertical panels, or even sculptured features. What’s more, aluminium only requires a low water volume and is lightweight. They can also be mounted on most types of walls.
Cast iron is also a traditional choice, especially for column radiators. Contrary to aluminium, cast iron takes some time to warm up, however it tends to hold the heat for a lot longer, once it has been turned off. This is certainly a more heavyweight option, so it’s important to make sure that the wall or floor is structurally sound.
Stone and glass are some of the more unusual and emerging options for radiators. These tend to be highly energy-efficient and also give a wonderful scope for decorative artwork.
Don’t forget to consider the type of finish you would like – glossy surfaces tend to be a favourite, but while they look good, they really don’t emit as much heat as a matt finish.
Older Radiators
Period radiators tend to be a great asset, but they will require attention if they are to remain in good working order. Older radiators do sometimes suffer from cold spots which are caused when sludge builds up inside.
Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRV’s)
TRV’s will not only allow you to manually set the temperature of each individual radiator, but they also regulate heat output which helps to automatically reduce flow to the unit when the surrounding air temperature becomes too high. Having TRV’s fitted and combined with thermostatic control and a central timer in an average four-bedroom house with oil heating can shave a considerable amount off an annual utilities bill, while also cutting CO2 output significantly. Certain TRV’s will also improve a houses’ rating on the Energy Performance Certificate.
In order to get the very best out of TRV’s, homeowners should never use them together with a radiator cover or with radiators that are hidden behind place lamps or long curtains.
If you’re looking to get a radiator or upgrade your current system, these points should help with picking out quality Quinn Radiators online.
