Which Is the Most Efficient Type of Radiator?

25.02.2020 GREEN LIVING 0.0 0

energy-efficient radiator

When you’re buying a new home, there are a string of features to look at when outfitting the space. Radiators are an essential element for those colder months, and choosing the right one can make a big difference. You want to select radiators that are easy to install, maintain, and look aesthetically pleasing. But above all that, you want to pick the option that is the most efficient for your living space and helps reduce unnecessary energy costs in the process.

Choosing the most efficient type of radiator will vary for each person, room and household as a whole. These are the factors to consider when you are choosing the most energy and money efficient radiators to install in your home.

Size/Surface Area

The size of a radiator, precisely how much surface area it has, will determine how much heat it can give off. The more surface area your radiator has, the more heat it produces. You’ll want to choose a size that is relative to the size of your room. If you have small rooms, then opt for smaller radiators with lower BTU (British Thermal Units). It will reduce the energy that you use to heat the space and save you money.

If you have a larger room, consider getting a double panel radiator. These have double the surface area and thus kick out twice the amount of heat. They will also not take up any additional wall space. Any rooms that have walls larger than 18m in length may benefit from more than one radiator. If you install one on each side of the room, you can cut the output of each radiator in half. You can work out what size radiator you need by using a BTU calculator.

energy-efficient radiator

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Material

The material your radiator is comprised of plays a considerable role in their efficiency and heat output. The three primary materials that you’ll encounter are cast iron radiators, aluminium radiators and stainless steel.

Cast iron – Cast iron radiators take longer to heat up, but hold onto heat the best out of any material. They produce efficient and consistent temperature, making them the best option for large, popular spaces in the home. You’ll want to use cast iron radiators, like the ones from warmrooms.co.uk, in the rooms that you spend the majority of your time in.
Aluminium – Aluminium radiators heat up quickly and also cool down quickly. For this reason, they are the best option for rooms that you only spend short periods in. For example, they can blast your bathroom with heat before you have a shower, and you can turn it off when you leave.
Stainless steel – Though being the least common, stainless steel radiators are a balance between the two. Though they neither heat up the fastest nor retain the most heat, they don’t rust over time.

Placement

Where you place the radiator in each room has a substantial effect on the efficiency. The best place to put your radiators is in the coldest part of your room. Cold air will help to push the hot air out into the rest of your space. It will also help keep your floors from becoming cold near the window area. Also, be sure not to place any large pieces of furniture in front of the radiator as they will absorb a lot of the heat.