| Just 20 years ago, choosing a central heating | | | | to be warmed up. With modern double glazing and |
| radiator was a no brainer. You chose a white, | | | | insulation methods, this tends to be less |
| rectangular radiator made of steel or cast iron | | | | important, however. When determining the |
| because that's all they had. Nowadays radiators | | | | location of your radiators, try to optimize your |
| have become home decoration items in | | | | use of existing pipework as much as possible. |
| themselves and you have a huge choice of styles, | | | | Installing new pipes can be expensive and |
| colours and materials. But appearance aside, you | | | | disruptive. |
| must take many factors into account before | | | | You should also note that a double radiator has |
| ordering. With Radiators being one of the most | | | | less heat output thatn two single units thought the |
| important elements of central heating installation, | | | | overall size may be the same. In other words, |
| you need to get this procedure right. Here are | | | | two single radiators are more efficient than one |
| some factors you should bear in mind when | | | | double. You should bear this in mind if installing in a |
| shopping for radiators for your central heating | | | | large room. |
| system | | | | One good thing about modern designs is that you |
| Firstly, before you choose your radiators, confirm | | | | have much more flexibility in locating your |
| whether you have a direct or indirect heating | | | | radiators. For example, if the existing position of |
| system. Then, you need to work out how much | | | | furniture is limiting your options, you can choose a |
| heat each room requires. Your plumber or heating | | | | tall, narrow unit that takes up minimal floor space. |
| engineer will determine this from such factors as | | | | So after measuring up for your needs and |
| the sizes of your rooms. There are also | | | | deciding on location, you're ready to order your |
| calculators that allow you to work it out for | | | | new radiators. Now you can decide whether you |
| yourself. Radiator heat outputs are measured in | | | | want a designer or traditional radiator and decide |
| British Thermal Units (BTUs) or in Watts. | | | | on factors such as colour and material. Selecting |
| Next you have to determine the optimum location | | | | online is a smart move as it allows you to see the |
| of the radiators in your rooms. Heating engineers | | | | whole range of designs in one place. But after |
| agree that the best location for a radiator is in the | | | | choosing your radiator, it's good to talk to an |
| coldest part of the room. In addition, they | | | | expert before placing your order. Installing new |
| traditionally specify that radiators should be | | | | radiators is an important project and the human |
| installed on the external wall beneath the window. | | | | tough is vital for your satisfaction. |
| This allows the cold air coming in via the window | | | | |