Replacement Radiators

missile

Hi, 
I would like to replace my white flat panel radiators with more stylish units.
Please advise, where would you suggest I source stylish radiators from?

Please advise, how would I calculate the BTU of my existing radiators. For example, I have a double radiator measuring 110 x 60cm

Jeepers_Creepers

First of all, working out the BTU output, or kW if you prefer (I do, 'cos it's something you can relate to; 1kW is like one bar of a normal electric heater, that sort of thing):

That white rad is (a) 1100mm x 600mm, (b) double panel and (c) double convector (two sets of fins - yours has two?). ('b' and 'c' together makes it a 'Type 22' rad).

Single panel rad with set of fins = Type 11

Double panel rad with one set of fins = Type 21

Double panel with two sets of fins = 22 

So I'm guessing a single panel rad with no fins = '10'!

You then either enter this info into an online calculator such as https://www.castrads.com/uk/resources/calculators/panel-radiator-outputs/ (dims in cm) which gives 1554 Watts (5302 BTUs) in this case, or else you look up that type of rad on a site like Screwfix: https://www.screwfix.com/p/kudox-premium-type-22-double-panel-double-convector-radiator-600-x-1000mm-white-6104btu/65888 which says it's 1760 watts!

I think Kudox rads are meant to be pretty good, so my guess is it's closer to Screwfix's rating. I'm sure others on here will give a better guide on the most accurate output.

As to where to buy the rads, I bought a couple in that style - but tall column - recently for a very good price, and they are superb quality; https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Anthracite-Designer-Radiator-Vertical-Horizontal-Flat-Panel-Oval-Column-Rads/232659775622?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

SameOldRoundabout

We generally buy Kudox from screwfix (although actually the big beasty 9500btu one we needed for our bedroom was cheaper in B&Q!) and they’re great radiators. We were tempted by more stylish versions but you often sacrifice BTUs for looks and we have a cold house, although we will get cast iron lookalikes for the living room I think. Screwfix and Toolstation are my go to for radiators, they often have offers on where you get a free TRV too. 

If you go for radiators like pictured bear in mind the plumbing implications and repair to walls from any chasing/cutting required to hide the feeds in the wall. Personally I’d prefer exposed feeds in case of any leaks but that is just personal choice. 

missile

Hi,
Many thanks for your help.
My intention is to calculate BTU and select radiators with same or higher heat output. Two of my existing radiators are undersized for the size of the room. It is my intention to use the same through floor pipework and I shall increase the height in those two locations.

tacpot12

Can I suggest that you get some advice from a heating engineer about oversizing all the radiators. Condensing boilers and heatpumps work more efficiently at lower water temperatures, which need larger radiators. You won't be able to buy a new gas boiler after 2025, so you need to be sizing your radiators with having a heatpump as the source in mind.

nofoollikeold

1. Don't assume the new radiators will have the same distance between the pipe centres and the wall as the existing ones, particularly if you go for different types or designer ones.  You may have to make some pipework modifications, and the less distance has to be altered, the more difficult it is (generally).
2. If you have a condensing boiler your like-for-like heat output scheme should work, providing the existing radiators are adequate.
3. If your existing boiler is not a condensing one, and you plan to change it, the new one will be condensing.  To maximise fuel usage efficiency these require a lower temperature of radiator water, so require larger radiators to provide the same amount of heat.  
4. It is my understanding that replacement gas boilers will continue to be available after 2025 - but new builds will not be allowed to use gas boilers. 

Elmer_BeFuddled

tacpot12 said:

...... You won't be able to buy a new gas boiler after 2025, so you need to be sizing your radiators with having a heatpump as the source in mind.

Is that for real? So if a boiler packs up and need to have a heatpump as its replacement, does that mean major disruptions to all the pipework(s) in my kitchen? Do I get to keep all the (now) unused copper piping for the scrappie? 

Grenage

tacpot12 said:

Can I suggest that you get some advice from a heating engineer about oversizing all the radiators. Condensing boilers and heatpumps work more efficiently at lower water temperatures, which need larger radiators. You won't be able to buy a new gas boiler after 2025, so you need to be sizing your radiators with having a heatpump as the source in mind.

Isn't that only for new builds?

FreeBear

tacpot12 said:  You won't be able to buy a new gas boiler after 2025

Unless you can provide a verifiable source for this, I'm going to call this out as FUD.

From 2025, new homes should not be connected to the mains gas and alternative low carbon heating should be provided - https://www.theccc.org.uk/2019/02/21/uk-homes-unfit-for-the-challenges-of-climate-change-ccc-says/ - Hammond (the chancellor in charge at the time) back peddled from the above report and limited the undertaking to just heating. It is not an outright ban, only a woolly government undertaking.

missile

Hi, 
I have been able to source same width radiators for all but this one which is 1100mm wide. The nearest I can source is 1020mm wide. Can you suggest easiest way to make it fit existing pipework? >

Many Thanks

Jeepers_Creepers

You have 80mm to fill? That's 40mm each side. Does that include the valve?

Measure how much a Yorkie elbow coupled with a straight rad valve is - it can't be far off.

One of these fitted to the top of the pipes coming up from the floor to bend the supply round from vertical to horizontal:

or

along with them:

If you are lucky :-)

(If this is for the sitting room - the room where the room stat will be located - you won't need TRV valves, just these.)