Your home’s style and decor will dictate the radiator you purchase. Radiators are still a popular choice, and the retro look is coming back in popularity, too. The use of radiators allows for old-fashioned heating in your home.
The right size is very important when restoring older homes, too.
If you’re planning to install a new radiator in a modern home, you’ll find that there are several options available to you.
Types of Radiators
There are two main types of radiators available:
- Vertical – The vertical radiator is less traditional. They’re thin and very tall. This is a great option when space is at a premium. The vertical radiator will keep the room sufficiently warm, yet it saves space and provides a sleek, modern look that many high-end homes desire.
- Horizontal – The horizontal radiator is wide and reaches further into a room. There are endless size options available. These radiators are what you would find in old Victorian homes. While they’re wide, they do allow for more wall space and provide more than ample heating for the room.
Cast iron radiators are available, and these heavy models are what would be found in high-end homes in the early 1900s. There are also aluminum models that offer a much lighter weight and heat up much faster than cast iron.
The downside of aluminum is that it will also cool much faster.
Cast iron units will hold onto the heat for much longer, allowing them to be turned off. If placed on the second floor, the home will need to be assessed to ensure it can withstand the weight of the cast iron unit.
Calculate the Right Sized Radiator
Radiators will come with a BTU rating that allows the owner to calculate the right size for their space. A basic calculation to determine the right size radiator for your home is to:
- Multiply the room’s length, width and height together.
- Multiply the sum by 4.
So, a 10 x 10 x 10 room would require 4,000 BTU to heat. This is a general number, so you’ll want to account for other heat-wasting conditions, like doors or windows, for example. An old building that lacks insulation in a room will need a higher BTU to properly heat.
There are several online calculators that will allow you to measure your BTU needs properly.
Note: Don’t forget to properly measure the space to ensure that the heating unit will fit appropriately.
Also, make sure that you measure all connections appropriately. If old valves are in place, you’ll want to replace them with new ones that are more efficient. If you would like to have a new radiator fitted in your property then feel free to contact us today.
