Are double panel double convector radiators worth it?

ravravrav

We have a through-lounge and currently 2 single panel radiators. Someone has recommended we look at getting double panel convector radiators as they warm the room up quicker. Are they worth it as the price on Amazon / eBay is something like £150 each (for a 1600mm one)

Doozergirl

Yes, I think they're worth it, but you're looking in the wrong places at that price.

Try here:
http://www.mrcentralheating.co.uk/double-de-luxe-radiators?zenid=n098u33n55pad2t32s73gd9l44

adandem

We've just had a new boiler and changed some of ou single panel rads and added one. The difference is amazing!! I know the new boiler helps but no cold spots now and it heats up in minutes.

ravravrav

Great - thanks both!

Do you know if they are more economical to run than single panels?

adandem

I don't know about economy because obv the boiler needs to work a bit harder but we find it's on much less. Waiting to see our next few bills.

Doozergirl

In theory, bills would be the same or actually less if the house is running at the same temperature - that's where your thermostat comes in handy.

If you're sitting in your pants with the windows open because it's too hot, however...

Chunks

A double radiator has a large surface area so should have a higher output (measured in BTUs/watts) than a similarly sized single rad. However, you need to check that your boiler can 'cope' with the extra demand. There are calculators on the internet to check the suitability of what you are proposing. My house has double rads throughout the ground floor incidentally. Obviously, they take up less wall space by virtue of the configuration than an equiv. output from single rads.

worried_jim

I swapped a single panel for a double and the difference is staggering! Do it!

malc_b

In theory the radiator surface area is sized for the calculated room loss. Unless you have extended then room then there should be no need to change it. If you increase the surface area then that room will get more the boiler power so it will warm up quicker and get hotter (or if the house thermostat is in that room then the rest of the house will be colder).

The other possibility is that the system is not balanced which is the process of ensuring all the radiators get their fair share of the boiler power. When starting from cold does one or more radiators get hot before the others or do they all heat up equally at the same time? The former is not balanced the later is balanced. Google balancing radiators to see how to do balancing which would be a no cost fix.

Mr_Ted

:eek: A lot of misinformation in replies here :eek:

Radiators for individual rooms need to be sized in accordance with the requirements of that particular room

Doubling the size, by replacing single with double panels, will double the heat input into the room, that is not efficient :eek:
There are several types of radiator also, each has a given output according to size and type, and each has to be determined in accordance with the room requirements

http://www.homesupply.co.uk/radiator_output_calculator.php is required 1ST, and then http://www.myson.co.uk/PremHE-Imperial_tech_-_0413.pdf to find a size of radiator to match the output required for the room

This is just an example, there are many different calculators and radiator manufacturers and models available on the net

ravravrav

Mr_Ted wrote: »

:eek: A lot of misinformation in replies here :eek:

Radiators for individual rooms need to be sized in accordance with the requirements of that particular room

Doubling the size, by replacing single with double panels, will double the heat input into the room, that is not efficient :eek:
There are several types of radiator also, each has a given output according to size and type, and each has to be determined in accordance with the room requirements

http://www.homesupply.co.uk/radiator_output_calculator.php is required 1ST, and then http://www.myson.co.uk/PremHE-Imperial_tech_-_0413.pdf to find a size of radiator to match the output required for the room

This is just an example, there are many different calculators and radiator manufacturers and models available on the net

Thanks for that, I've seen a few of these calculators so I'll take time to see what output they come with.

We have a single panel 1600mm radiator, would replacing it with a double panel 800mm one be just as effective?