Radiators are key to a comfortable home – and although they’re functional items, that doesn’t mean they can’t look good too. Column radiators are a popular choice both in terms of style and practicality. They’re made up of columns with spaces between them to increase the surface area.
Knowing how to choose the right one means you can get more out of your investment and heat your home more effectively.
Measuring the area and calculating BTU requirements
Like with any DIY project, it’s important to measure the space you’re working with before you begin. This is crucial information to have when making that initial purchase to avoid costly mistakes. You’ll also need to calculate the BTU (British Thermal Unit) requirement. This is based on its cubic volume and is calculated so the space is heated adequately.
The calculation involves multiplying the room’s length, width and height. For a more accurate figure, you’ll need to consider heat loss too. Note down the number of doors and windows, specifying whether the latter is double-glazed. Certain rooms should maintain slightly warmer or cooler temperatures, which adds another dimension to your calculations.
Search for a calculator online, for example the one from UK Radiators, where you can input all of your measurements to generate the final BTU figure. This will help you choose the right size and design for certain areas in your house or apartment.
Understanding different types of column radiators
Column radiators are versatile heating solutions for the home as they come in a range of different designs. The type of material can range from cast iron to modern steel, which come with their own pros and cons. Steel column varieties heat up faster due to being more lightweight, while cast iron versions take longer. However, these are more durable due to their weight.
The more columns you have, the more hot water will be running through the radiator. This means there’s more surface area to heat the space.
You can choose from horizontal or vertical layouts to match the look and feel of each room. Beyond this, you can select matte or glossy finishes.
Installation and maintenance tips
Maintenance is key to radiator longevity. You should check for leaks and wipe them down regularly to remove dirt that could impact efficiency. Bleeding them every year to release trapped air is important too – do this just before winter rolls around so they’re working as well as they possibly can.
Planning to install yours yourself? Although the process will vary slightly depending on the design you’ve picked, the premise remains very similar. Once you’ve drained your existing radiator, remove the nuts and lift it off the wall. Then, you’ll need to remove the old brackets and valves. At this stage, you may want to touch up the paint on the wall before adding the new wall brackets using a spirit level and other measurement tools. Finally, you’ll need to hang it on the wall.
If you aren’t comfortable with installing one yourself, simply arrange for a qualified tradesperson to come and help.
