What Size Of Radiator Do I Need?
Our guide to size of radiator will help you to get the most out of your central heating system by identifying what are the most efficient radiators for your home. This involves knowing what is the right size of radiator for your living space.
What Size Of Radiator Do I Need?
It is important to get the sizes of your new radiators right in relation to the size of the rooms you want to heat. The size of radiator directly correlates to the amount of heat that it will give out. A radiator’s heat output is usually measured in kW, which stands for KiloWatts and BTUs.
What is a BTU?
A BTU (British Thermal Unit) is a measurement that represents the amount of energy it takes to heat 1 pound of water up by 1 degree centigrade.
All gas central heating radiators have a kW rating, which tells you how many BTUs they can generate. It’s a good way to compare different radiators.
The way to work out how much heat you’ll need is:
- Measure the room you want to heat
- Use an online calculator to add in your measurements and the other factors that affect heat retention like insulation or double glazing
- The result is the kW requirement for your room
If you’re struggling to meet the precise kW rating you need, choose a radiator that has a slightly higher output. Don’t go overboard though, or the pipework feeding the radiator may also need to be upgraded.
FAQs
Is a radiator 100% efficient?
No gas central heating system is ever 100% efficient because heat is lost from the pipes that pump hot water around your home. Even a brand-new boiler will only be about 92% efficient.
Are old radiators less efficient than new ones?
In general, newer radiators are more efficient. You can lengthen the life of your old radiators by ensuring that there is sufficient inhibitor in the heating system to prevent corrosion.
L&W Heating and Plumbing
If you need to call on a Gas Safe registered plumber call L&W Heating and Plumbing experts on one of our regional numbers:-
Boiler Installation Wigan Specialist 01942 417220
Boiler Installation Runcorn Specialist 01925 394260
Boiler Installation St Helens Specialist 01744 776140
Boiler Installation Warrington Specialist 01925 394260
Boiler Installation Newton Le Willows Specialist 01925 394260
Boiler Installation Widnes Specialist 01925 394260
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