Buying a radiator online can be daunting.
There are a lot of things to consider before purchasing a new radiator for your home.
The size, shape and heat output are all important factors in selecting the best radiator to purchase.
And, on top of that, there’s the style, material and finish to think about too.
So, buying a new radiator isn’t something to take lightly.
To help, we’ve created this updated guide on how to buy a radiator to help you make the BestHeating choice for your home.
How to buy your new radiatorIn this guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision when buying a radiator online.
Follow the steps below to help you on your way to purchasing a new radiator.
Step 1 – Determine the size of radiator you needThe first step on your journey to a new radiator, is to understand the size of radiator you need.
Your radiator’s size depends on the size and type of room you will be heating.
A larger room will obviously need a larger radiator (or perhaps more than one), while a smaller room is going to require a smaller radiator.
The process of determining your radiator size involves measuring the height, width and length of your chosen room.
Those figures, alongside other factors like the type of walls you have, and what is above and below the room, can all impact the size of the radiator you need.
When you have all the information, make use of our online BTU Calculator to help you find the required heat output for that space.
Step 2 – Choose the type of radiatorFor extra help on understanding the required BTUs for your new radiator or towel rail –
check out our ultimate guide to calculating heat output for your home
There are several types of radiator to choose from to heat the different rooms of your home.
The type of radiator you choose will depend on your heating needs and your personal preference.
To help you to buy the perfect radiator, check out the different radiator types below.
Panel radiators are probably the most common type of domestic radiator.
They are available in single, double and double-panel-plus varieties – each of which offer a little more in terms of heat output than the next.
The numbers on the graphics above indicate the number of panels and the number of convector fins that the radiators feature.
Though they may look very similar, the radiators below are very different.
The first – a Type 11 convector – offers around 3,000 BTUs, while the third – a Type 22 – offers almost twice the heat output, at 5,500.
Milano Compact – Type 11 Single Panel Radiator – 400mm x 1000mmMilano Compact – Type 21 Double Panel Plus Radiator – 400mm x 1000mmMilano Compact – Type 22 Double Panel Radiator – 400mm x 1000mmPanel radiators are relatively inexpensive, reliable and consistent in their heat output.
If you’re looking for a functional, affordable radiator, you won’t go far wrong with one of these.
For more insight into the different types of panel radiators –
pay a visit to our convector radiator guide.
Column radiators are usually more traditional in their design.
They consist of a series of vertical tubes instead of a panel.
You can find both traditional and contemporary column radiators at BestHeating.
For more modern column radiators, you should browse our designer radiators category.
These modern radiators are great for contemporary living spaces, like loft apartments.
Conversely, period-style traditional column radiators are ideal for restoration projects and more vintage look properties.
Learn all about column radiator efficiency in our column radiator guide
Towel radiators are typically used in bathrooms and contain rails to hang towels on.
Not entirely the same as a heated towel rail – which is specifically designed to hold towels – towel radiators look just like other radiators in your home, but come equipped with a rail for your towel to sit on.
Step 3 – Select the perfect radiator material“They’re made of metal!” I hear you say.
Well, yes, radiators are usually made of metal.
But, there are different types of metals that a radiator can be made from – each with varying advantages and disadvantages.
Here are some common radiator materials and their key benefits.
Steel is the most common radiator material in the UK and definitely the most affordable.
At BestHeating, unless otherwise stated on the product pages, all our standard radiator designs are made from mild steel.
Steel is durable, easy to maintain, and great at emitting heat, making it one of the best all round materials for radiators and towel rails.
Aluminium radiators are lightweight and offer excellent heat conductivity.
They heat up quickly and are very energy efficient, but they are also more expensive than steel radiator designs.
You can learn more about the heating properties of aluminium radiators in our aluminium radiator guide.
Probably the most durable and enduring radiator material, cast iron radiator will last for many years.
The heaviest of the radiator materials you can choose from, cast iron takes a while to reach its top temperature, but will retain heat much longer than steel and aluminium.
Discover how cast iron radiator designs can make an impression in your home, by visiting our guide to modern cast iron radiators.
Step 4 – Consider the style of your radiatorRadiators come in many different styles, from modern to traditional.
Choosing a radiator that fits the style of your home can help to enhance its overall appearance.
Modern radiators are often sleek and minimalist in design, while traditional radiators can be more ornate and decorative.
Which style radiator you choose to buy is down to your own tastes and needs.
If you have a modern home, there is nothing stopping you from opting for a more traditional design should you want it.
While adding a modern radiator to a period property can also help to enhance the space in ways you may not have previously thought.
Step 5 – Choose your radiator’s colourYou may already have a colour in mind for your new radiator, and that’s great!
But, have you considered changing things up a bit and making your heating “cooler”?
At BestHeating, we have a broad collection of coloured designer radiators that can help you to add a touch of glamour to any space.
From white to black and everything in between, you are no longer tied to basic radiator colours.
You can mix and match, contrast with wall colours and get really creative in whatever way you like.
But, if you do want a white radiator for a classic style, we have plenty of white radiators to choose from too!
Step 6 – Remember energy-efficient featuresNot sure if a coloured radiator is for you?
Take our colour personality test to find out which radiator colour suits you best!
When choosing a radiator, it is important to look for energy-efficient features, such as thermostatic radiator valves and heat output controls.
These features can help to reduce your energy bills and ensure that your radiator is operating at peak efficiency.
For more info on how to optimise your home’s heating, check out our guide on radiator efficiency and performance.
Step 7 – Be sure to buy from a reputable supplierWe are not the only online radiator supplier.
However, you will benefit from expert advice, industry-leading product guarantees and award-winning customer service.
So, although you may have heard about other radiator outlets, why go anywhere else for your radiator fix, when we have it all at BestHeating?
A quick recap about how to buy a radiatorSo let’s have a quick recap on how to buy a radiator –
Now you know how to buy a radiator, all that’s left to do is go and choose the one you want!
We call it – “heating made cooler” – and so should you!
Frequently Asked Questions Additional radiator buying resourcesFor extra help in buying your new radiator, click on the links below.
The BestHeating radiator buying guide – our super in-depth guide on every radiator type and how to buy them at BestHeating (think of it as an extension to this guide you’re reading now!).
The top 5 vertical central heating radiators – an article exploring our favourite five vertical central heating radiators from the BestHeating collection.
Why purchase a bench radiator – join us as we explore this practical and stylish, alternative heating solution.
Vertical or horizontal radiators – Which is right for you? – our take on whether you should choose a vertical or a horizontal radiator for your chosen room.
John trained in journalism before finding his way to the BestHeating Advice Centre team. He uses his journalism skills to meticulously research heating topics and bring you the latest news and views on all things home heating related. He’ll also beat you at any sport that involves a cue!
If you have radiators in your home, it can be difficult to tell if you have steam heating or hot water heating. Both heating systems are common in vintage homes, and both provide clean, dust-free heat. How can you tell them apart? Here are a few tips to help you determine which type of radiator heating system you have.
Whether it’s hot water radiators, steam radiators, or any other type of heating system, American Vintage Home can help you today. Call us now at (847) 999-4595 to get started.
A steam heating system uses a boiler to turn water into steam. The steam then circulates through pipes to radiators and warms the home. As the steam cools, it condenses back into water and returns to the boiler to be heated again. Indicators of steam heating systems:
Number of pipes
High-pitched whistle
If you sometimes hear a high-pitched whistle coming from your radiator, you most likely have a steam heating system. The whistling can also be an indicator that your steam heating system needs maintenance.
Sight glass
You will have to go to the basement and look at the boiler for this part. Steam heating systems should always have a sight glass attached vertically to the outside of the boiler. A sight glass is a transparent glass cylinder that is about 12 inches tall, filled partly with water to indicate the level of liquid contained within the system.
In a water heating system, the hot water travels from the boiler through a circulating pump to the radiator, which diffuses the heat and warms the room. The water continues to circulate through the system when the heat is on. Indicators of hot water heating systems:
Two pipes
Hot water systems will always have two pipes coming from the radiator — not necessarily from different corners. However, some steam heating systems also use two pipes, so more investigation is needed
Circulating pump
If a circulating pump is attached to your boiler heating system, it usually means you have a hot water system. Circulating pumps come in all sorts of vibrant colors.
Expansion tank
If you have hot water heating, you should also have an expansion tank near the boiler. The expansion tank protects the hot water system from building up excessive pressure.
Both steam and hot water systems should be serviced annually to ensure trouble-free operation. Steam systems particularly require special care that should be performed regularly. Whoever you choose to maintain your heating system, make sure they have a lot of experience and are knowledgeable about the needs of older homes.
We hope this guide helps you learn more about your heating system. No matter what type of heating system you have, we can help maintain it.
Need radiator repair or replacement services in the North Shore area of Chicago? If you would like our expert help, call American Vintage Home at (847) 999-4595 or fill out our online form today.
The Ultimate Guide to Radiators