WaterGuys install countless radiators in homes across central London. Many clients love the look of designer radiators and are tempted by the huge range of stylish and contemporary available. So why should you choose designer over standard radiators? They will definitely cost more, but are they worth it? Before making the decision to purchase designer radiators, there are some considerations to bear in mind.
How Important are Looks?
We need to keep warm and cosy in our homes, so unless you’ve got under floor heating, radiators are going to be an important component of your central heating. The good news is that radiators don’t have to be the ugly, strictly functional objects we were used to in the past. It’s easy to see why customers consider the extra expense of a designer radiator to be a good investment in style. They just look better and can become an integral part of your interior design while adding value to your property.
Designer Radiators come in all Shapes, Sizes and Colours
Designer radiators come in a virtually unlimited range of shapes, sizes and colours to suit every possible interior decor choice, from ultra modern and chic to country-style. They can be installed vertically or horizontally, depending on your space and preference.
Are Designer Radiators as Efficient as Standard Radiators?
Modern designer radiators are generally fairly efficient. They are available in a great variety of designs, and many different factors will affect their efficiency. Most designer radiators don’t feature convection fins which are found in most standard radiators and this will certainly impact their efficiency, as can:
- Shape – the greater the surface area of the radiator, the more heat it can radiate. A panel radiator, for instance, with a greater surface area than a runged towel radiator will kick out more heat. Horizontal designer radiators are slightly more efficient than vertical radiators as they have a wider area to draw up cold air (cold air sinks down) for convection.
- Colour – Designer radiators are available in practically every colour. There is a healthy demand for radiators to match or enhance a home’s interior design. This can however, make a small difference to the efficiency of the radiator. Radiators were traditionally white with good reason – white simply is the best reflector of light and heat.
- Material – Mild steel is widely used in the manufacture of designer radiators and is a popular, efficient and affordable option. Aluminium radiators on the other hand are a more efficient choice as they conduct heat very quickly, which gives you the energy saving from using less gas and water to heat up the radiator. There is of course the downside of upfront cost usually being greater for aluminium designer radiators.
Will Designer Radiators Fit into My Existing Pipework?
Usually, yes. The WaterGuys will be happy to assess this for you. If you’re adding extra radiators, we’ll need to check that your boiler output is sufficient for any extra load.
Conclusion
Whether you choose standard or designer radiators will always come down to personal choice. The most important consideration is whether the radiator you choose will produce enough heat for the room. A BTU calculator will help you with this decision. It certainly is possible to install designer radiators that are also high performing. Just decide on a radiator style and aesthetic to best suit your home and pocket. However, if energy saving is your main concern, we would recommend standard double panel radiators to give maximum heat output and greater fuel efficiency.
Remember, adding Smart Controls is a great way to improve the overall energy efficiency of every radiator in your home and to bring your heating bills down.
If you would like a quote for new radiator installation, or a friendly chat about which radiators would best suit your home, why not call WaterGuys on 020 313 77749