Heating advice

markstev27

Hi

We have recently built a new extension and in the extended bedroom, the original radiator is heating the room but not very well so we are looking to install another one in the extended part of the room.

Do not really want to start pulling up carpets to install a new radiator so wondered what is the most cost effective way to do this? and what low energy use radiators are on the market?

PhilE

I'm in a similar dilemma with an extension.

If you'd only need to heat the extension occasionally, an electric heater. If you need to heat it extensively, its worth fitting the new radiator.

markstev27

PhilE wrote: »

I'm in a similar dilemma with an extension.

If you'd only need to heat the extension occasionally, an electric heater. If you need to heat it extensively, its worth fitting the new radiator.

We were thinking about a panel radiator with a thermostat installed?

spadoosh

Usually the most cost effective way of heating is GCH. So ripping up the carpets and installing a new radiator. They would also be the lowest energy ones.

Im guessing you want an electric radiator in which case theres a few choices. Fan heaters offer immediate temperature gains but more expensive to run the longer they run. Where as oil filled rads and convector heaters generally work better over longer periods.

It depends how and when you will use the additional heat as to the best option.

How big is the current radiator in the room. Can a larger or double radiator not replace it offering a higher heat output more suitable for the room.

pollypenny

You don't have to 'rip up' carpet, surely. Take it up where needed for the job to be done and pay a carpet fitter to relay it.

Won't cost much and the plumber may well be able to do it himself.

sk240

Can you swap out the current radiator with a double (assuming its a single), or maybe a bigger one?

magn8p

Gas central is cheapest way, however needs lifting floor boards etc depending on how you need to route the pipes to the radiator.

Under floor electric heating like http://amzn.to/2iUcMTJ would heat up the room more evenly but once again need redoing your floor.

Finally, you are better off with a oil fired electric heater like http://amzn.to/2iSoePU which is very efficient and cheap to buy and install but is relatively more expensive to heat - but if you are going to use the extension occasionally, you shouldn't be worried about it.

All the best.

Davesnave

It seems odd that you went to the expense of an extension and failed to upgrade the heating to match, so swapping-out the existing radiator for another more appropriate would be the first option, provided your boiler has sufficient capacity left, if you have extended the heating system elsewhere.

That solution might not give the most balanced output in the room, but a second radiator would take up space you might not wish to lose, or the place you want it might now be hard to reach with pipoework. These are matters only you know about.

A small panel heater with a thermostat is the cheaper option in the short term. It will be efficient, but more expensive than gas central heating in the long run. Whether that matters is also a personal choice. For example, if you plan to sell in 5 years it might not matter much at all, although a savvy buyer might question the two methods of heating in one room. It wouldn't be a deal breaker though.