Replacement radiator

jem16

My living room was originally a bedroom and the radiator does not really heat up the room on really cold days.

Room is approximately 4yds by 6yds and 10ft high celings. radiator is a single radiator just less than 600mm and approximately 1760mm long.

I suspect that I really need at least a double radiator. However I looked at some online and noticed that there are double radiators with single convector and double radiators with double convectors. What exactly does this difference mean and what do I really need?

My other question was around whether to fit a programmable thermostat. I currently do not have a thermostat in use and instead use TRVs on radiators along with a timer. Just wondered if there was any benefit to a programmable thermostat?

gas4you

I will assume for now that you have 2 outside walls and no cavity insulation in the walls.

If this is correct you will need 3.1 Kw of heat from a radiator.

A 600 x 1800 K2 (double convector) is near enough spot on.

Convector radiators these days are the ones that have either one or two sets of fins on the back of the panels.

You should really invest in a room thermostat. It will help save on your heating bill.

A programmable room thermostat lets you select different temperatures for each on period and off period.

They do not actually ever turn the heating off , but will keep the room temp to that set in an off period.

I usually leave all mine set at 6c for the off period, which in reality means it will always be off when off.

jem16

gas4you wrote: »

I will assume for now that you have 2 outside walls and no cavity insulation in the walls.

One outside wall with cavity wall insulation and a double galzed window in it, approx two thirds the total size of the wall.

If this is correct you will need 3.1 Kw of heat from a radiator.

A 600 x 1800 K2 (double convector is near enough spot on.

Convector radiators these days are the ones that have either one or two sets of fins on the back of the panels.

What's the main benefit of two sets of fins as opposed to one set?

You should really invest in a room thermostat. It will help save on your heating bill.

If each room is controlled by a radiator with its own TRV what's the benefit of the room thermostat? Would that not override the TRVs?

KeithP

jem16 wrote: »

What's the main benefit of two sets of fins as opposed to one set?

Bigger surface area = more heat output.

gas4you

This brings it down to about 2.3 Kw.

This now makes a 600 x 1800 P+ radiator the correct size.

A room thermostat (also known as a boiler interlock), will prevent the boiler dry cycling (firing to just keep itself hot) when the trv's are closed.

jem16

gas4you wrote: »

A room thermostat (also known as a boiler interlock), will prevent the boiler dry cycling (firing to just keep itself hot) when the trv's are closed.

My previous, non digital, non-programmable thermostat was in the hall which can be rather cold as it's quite large and open.

Where is the best place for a programmable thermostat to be placed?

jem16

gas4you wrote: »

This brings it down to about 2.3 Kw.

This now makes a 600 x 1800 P+ radiator the correct size.

I have been quoted £350 to supply and fit a 600 x 1200 double radiator - is this good or bad?

Also quoted £170 for a Danfoss wireless programmable thermostat supplied and fitted.

gas4you

See my reply in the other section.

jem16

gas4you wrote: »

This brings it down to about 2.3 Kw.

This now makes a 600 x 1800 P+ radiator the correct size.

Just reading back through this and noticed that you said 600 x 1800 P+ being correct.

The quote I have is for a 600 x 1200. What is the difference between K2 and P+? I'm also concerned that you felt 1800 and I'm being quoted 1200. To be totally accurate room measurements are 4.5m by 3.5m and 2.9m high.

Is Stelrad a good make or not?

designermatt_2

A 600 X 1200 stelrad normal not fancy rad should cost around £70 so you are paying £280, which is a bit pricey in my book but depends where the pipework feeding it is. If its a replacement Rad and the pipework is already there then it shouldnt really take more than 2 hours to fit and recharge the system and bleed ready for use..

jem16

designermatt wrote: »

A 600 X 1200 stelrad normal not fancy rad should cost around £70 so you are paying £280, which is a bit pricey in my book but depends where the pipework feeding it is. If its a replacement Rad and the pipework is already there then it shouldnt really take more than 2 hours to fit and recharge the system and bleed ready for use..

It is a replacement radiator but existing radiator is 1760mm and the new one only 1200mm plus it's replacing a single. Pipework will therefore have to be altered by lifting floorboard - he can get access under floor but it's crawling around at that point which he doesn't want to do.

I spoke to another firm yesterday who told me the price of a 600 by 1200 double panel double convector would be approx £197 for the radiator alone ( and that was with a 50% discount) - where exaclty do these firms buy their radiators????

Problem is that I can't fit it and very few will fit without supplying.