Radiators

Buying a radiator involves more than choosing a size or colour. These FAQs explain how to work out the heat you need, choose the right setup and material, find the best position and know what to check before you replace or fit one.

Shopping for a new bathroom radiator? Check out our bathroom radiator buying guide for help choosing the best solution for your home.

 

What types of radiator are there?

 

• Panel radiators and electric heaters are a practical, versatile choice, featuring a slim, flat design that works well in a wide range of rooms and interior styles.
• Column radiators feature a distinctive vertical column design and come in both traditional and modern options.
• Vertical radiators are ideal for smaller rooms with less wall space, using their height rather than width to provide effective heating without taking up too much wall area.
• Horizontal radiators are great for wider, lower spaces beneath windows or along wider walls.
• Designer radiators combine practical heating with elevated design, making them a great option if you want your radiator to complement or enhance your interior design.
• Traditional radiators feature timeless designs inspired by classic interiors, making them ideal for adding period-style character to your home.
• Towel radiators are a practical addition to your bathroom, providing warmth while also giving you a convenient place to hang and warm your towels.
• Mirrored radiators are ideal for smaller rooms with limited wall space as they save space by combining heating with a practical mirror and adding a sleek, contemporary touch to bathrooms.
  
  

Check out our complete guide to radiator types, helping you to choose the right one for your home.

 

What size radiator do I need?

The right size of radiator depends on how much heat the room needs, which is usually measured in BTUs. Work this out using the room's dimensions and factors that affect how quickly it loses heat, such as windows, external walls and insulation. Then choose a radiator that provides enough heat while fitting the height, width and depth you have available.

Use our BTU calculator to work out what your room needs, or watch the video below for a quick guide to calculating BTU.

This video explains how to measure your room and which factors to consider when working out the heat output you need.

 

How many radiators do I need in a room?

There isn't a set number. What matters is the total amount of heat the room needs. You can provide that with one radiator or split the required BTU between two or more new radiators if that works better with the size and layout of the room.

 

What's the difference between central heating and electric radiators?

Central heating radiators connect to a wet heating system, with hot water flowing through the radiator and back through the pipework. Electric radiators use electricity to produce heat independently, so they don't need to connect to central heating pipework.

Central heating models are a great choice when you're replacing or adding to an existing system, while electric radiators can be useful where extending pipework isn't practical or you want to heat a room independently.

 

Are vertical radiators as effective as horizontal radiators?

Yes, vertical radiators can be just as effective as horizontal radiators, given they have the right heat output for the room.

The main difference is their shape: vertical radiators use height rather than width, making them a practical choice when you have less wall space.

When choosing between the two, check the radiator's BTU output against the amount of heat your room needs, as well as the space available for installation.

 

Which radiator material is best?

A radiator’s material can affect how quickly it warms up and cools down, as well as its weight.

Aluminium radiators tend to heat up and cool down quickly, while cast iron radiators take longer to warm up but also cool more slowly. Steel is widely used across panel, column and designer radiators.

Whatever the material, check the individual radiator's heat output to make sure it can provide enough warmth for the room.

 

Where is the best place to put a radiator?

Choose a position where furniture, long curtains and other fittings won't block the radiator or restrict how heat moves into the room. Beneath a window is a common position for horizontal radiators, but it isn't the only option.

Consider the available wall space, pipework and room layout, and leave the clearances recommended by the radiator manufacturer.

 

Can I mix different types of radiator in the same home?

Yes! Different rooms can use different radiator sizes, styles and orientations as long as each one works with the heating setup and provides enough heat for that space. 

If a central heating system contains radiators made from different metals, such as aluminium and steel, make sure the system uses a suitable inhibitor and follow the manufacturer's guidance. The system will also need balancing so each radiator heats properly.