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Radiator Advice | Forum

Topic location: Forum home » Support » General Questions
idayrare corded
idayrare corded Nov 28 '23
Just bled our radiators. Bathroom towel rail radiator was always cold. Did the whole house then turned the heating on to way above the temperature setting we normally have it at. Thought I'd give it some because the towel radiator didn't initially heat up like the others. Now it's hot so that's one issue sorted.

My other issue is that the radiators are old. My last house I put the central heating in with a high efficiency boiler and high efficiency radiators. I believe several As in efficiency ratings. That system heated a solid stone walled, poorly insulated, mid terrace house in less than 10 minutes. Basically away without heating on for a week with a very cold house, it heated in 10 minutes. This house doesn't, it takes over half an hour despite being a more modern house that's well insulated for a 70s house. Loads of loft insulation, cavity insulation, bungalow over a garage/undercroft with insulation there too.

The existing radiators get hot quick enough just isn't sending the heat out as efficiently I think. They get the house hot and we turn the heating right down and the radiators hold heat longer. They're not the classic cast iron looking ones but 70s style heavy ones with one or two panels and no metal fins. We're wondering if it's worth looking at replacing the radiators? Are modern ones noticeably better? Could we swap wide radiators that are not very high with smaller ones?

Anyone got recommendations?
William Hopster
William Hopster Nov 28 '23
A radiator with more surface area will give out more heat - be that having fins, extra layers or simply bigger. It's probably worth noting that it won't strictly be "more efficient" as you will be using more gas for it to be able to warm your house faster. Given they are all made of thin mild steel of much the same thickness a "modern" one isn't per se better unless it was more surface area.
Rajesh Rajpo
Rajesh Rajpo Nov 28 '23
I had a similar situation with older radiators. Upgrading to more modern, efficient ones (like those from Radiator Village) made a noticeable difference. Look for models with better heat exchange and fins for improved heat distribution. It's worth considering, especially if your current radiators aren't doing the job efficiently. Good luck with the upgrade!
The Forum post is edited by Rajesh Rajpo Nov 28 '23
elizabeth
elizabeth Nov 10
In UK bathrooms, radiators are essential for creating a warm and pleasant atmosphere, especially given the often damp and cool climate. From compact radiators for small bathrooms to large, high-output models for spacious ones, there are options to suit every space and heating need. Heated towel radiators are particularly popular in the UK, providing a practical solution that keeps towels dry and ready to use, while also warming the room. Many UK households appreciate the convenience of dual-fuel radiators, which operate independently of the central heating system, making them ideal for year-round comfort. With a range of designs and finishes, bathroom radiators uk enhance both functionality and aesthetic, making them a practical luxury in any home.