Guide to Choosing Home Radiators

There are many radiator types and sizes out there to choose from, which is why we have created this guide to choosing home radiators. This article will only be talking about hot water system radiators. Ones that receive hot water from a boiler or tank, that is pumped around your home using plastic or copper pipes.

Guide to Choosing Home Radiators

Before you select a radiator for your home, it is important you are aware of the different types. Below are details about each type, along with their advantages and disadvantages.

Convector Radiators

This type of radiator heats a room by convection. Without getting too scientific, convection is a natural process where a heated fluid (air in this case) travels away from its source (such as a radiator). The heated air is able to move because its density changes, due to the molecules expanding. The hot air therefore becomes less dense, and moves above the cooler denser air.

Convector radiators are typically constructed from pressed steel, which is then painted (usually white). A boiler system supplies hot water to convector radiators via plastic or copper pipes. There are two main designs of convector radiator being type 21 and 22. They differ in the layer of internal fins they have. Type 21 radiators have 2 panels, encased in a single layers of fins. And type 22 radiators have 2 panels, encased in two layers of fins.

Aluminium Radiators

Aluminium radiators typically need less water than radiators made from other materials. This means they require less energy to heat the water needed to heat the room, making them efficient to run. Aluminium radiators come in many stylish designs. They also do not rust. Aluminium is much lighter than steel, so it’s also good for applications where lighter radiators are required

Designer and Artistic Radiators

There are many designer radiators out there, which look distinctively different from normal ones. Designer radiators can be a main focal point of any room, and is likely to impress your guests. They come in many shapes and sizes.

Flat Panel Radiator

Flat panels are exactly what you probably think they are, flat.

They are simple and sleek.

Low Level Radiators

These types of radiator are great if you need to save space. For example, you might want a low level radiator under a bench.

Cast Iron Radiators

Most people think cast iron radiators are old fashioned. In some ways they are correct as most of us remember them from our school days, or old churches. However, the cast iron radiators could look great if you are going for an industrial look for your home.

Cast iron radiators take a long time to heat up. However, they do stay warmer for longer once your heating is turned off.

Bathroom Towel Rails

When choosing home radiators, it is important to consider their environment and application. Bathroom radiators are usually in the form of a towel rail. Be aware that these radiators are usually steel ones, coated in a chrome finish. It is common for bathroom towel rails (such as the one in the picture below) to end up rusting, due to the humid bathroom environment. You may want to consider powder coated, aluminium or stainless steel ones instead.

Stainless Steel Radiators

There are some exquisite looking stainless steel radiator designs out there. Such radiators come in different finishes such as polished, brushed and satin.