radiator question

Structuralism

hi guys

I am planning to install electric oil filled radiators in my lounghe. I have done the clacs and I know that 2kW will be required to warm my lounghe in the winter. Now I have got 2 choices:

1- provide 2 oil filled radiators each 1 kW

OR

2-provide 1 oil filled radiator with 2kW input.

I understand that both will add up to 2 kW of heat but want to know in practice will it better to have option 1 or option 2. Thank you in advance for sharing your knowledge.

andyrpsmith

I heat my whole house with oil filled radiators (instead of storage heaters) and use 3KW units with timer and thermostat. The model I use is the Delonge Rapido which can control all heating elements together to provide the most economical running at the set thermostat value. If you choose a too low a power level for the room the unit may not reach the set level on the thermostat. My view is to choose units that enable higher power levels but have options for running at lower levels. The 3KW Rapido has 500W, 1.0w and 1.5KW options. Having a thermostat and timer can significantly help with running costs. Remember that the temp level you like and the heat loss of the room have a massive effect on running costs.

Structuralism

Thanks you for reply andyrpsmith. I am planning to use Dimplex OFX Oil Filled Panel Radiators. Unfortunately the maximum power they can offer is 1.5 kW. From your reply I can understand that using a unit that can give me the full 2kW will be more efficient.

I have also read something about radiant heaters such as Dimplex Radiant Panel Heaters. Comparing to typical oil filled radiators Im not realy sure which one is more cost effective. :think:

andyrpsmith

Radiant heaters work by heating the person like the old two bar electric fires or the newer Halogen heaters. This is OK while you are close by but the heat falls off as you move around the room. The convector type heats the air which rises and circulates. The wall panel will probably be fine albeit at higher purchase cost that stand alone types. Remember that 1.5KW heat output is the same cost in electricity for whatever type of electric heater so don't pay very high prices (£200 - £400) for specialist panel heaters.

Structuralism

Thanks again. Would you say oil filled rads are more cost effective than other types of electric heating though? I'm talking about running cost of course. Furthermore I'm wondering which type of dry electric heating method will provide the same comfort as gas central heating systems? Many thanks again.

andyrpsmith

The cost will depend on the following factors;
The size of the room
The heat loss (insulation, double glazing, cavity wall ect)
The temp you set
Unit cost of electricity
How long you run the heater
The oil filled are probably the closest to wet central heating radiators.

macman

The cost will be exactly the same, as both options will produce the same output, and cost the same in total to run. The only advantage I can see for having two is to spread the initial heat distribution more evenly across your lounge, from two points not one.
But obviously 2x1kW heaters will cost almost twice as much as a 1x 2kW heater to buy.