Everything You Need to Know About Radiator Installation

New radiator installation might not be the first thing you think of when considering home improvements, but choosing the right radiator and ensuring it’s installed correctly can make a world of difference to your heating system and sometimes even the value of your house. At Wells Spa Plumbing & Heating, we know how to maximise the efficiency of your home’s heating system, and in this blog, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about radiator installation.

Whether you’re replacing an old radiator or adding a new one to your system, we’ll cover the basics to help you make the best choice. From picking the right style and material to understanding the installation process, here’s your complete guide to installing radiators.

Choosing the Right Radiator for Your Home

When it comes to selecting a radiator, you’re faced with plenty of options. But before getting swept away by styles and finishes, the first thing to consider is whether your radiator is sized correctly for the room it’s heating.

Heat Loss and Radiator Size

To ensure your room stays cosy, it’s essential that your radiator is sized appropriately for the space. This involves checking the heat loss of the room, which depends on factors like insulation, window size, and room dimensions. Radiators that are too small won’t heat the room effectively, while those that are too large could waste energy. A heating engineer can help you calculate the required heat output for each room to get the perfect match.

If you’re replacing an existing radiator and already know the size and heat output you need, a straight swap is relatively simple. But if you’re adding new radiators or upgrading to modern, energy-efficient models, it’s worth doing the calculations to get it just right.

Choosing the Style

Radiators come in a wide variety of styles, from sleek panel designs to traditional column radiators. The style you choose can affect not just the look of your space but also the radiator’s heat output.

• Panel Radiators: These are among the most common and efficient options, providing high heat output in a compact size. They’re a good choice if you need maximum warmth without taking up too much wall space.

• Column and Cast-Iron Radiators: While these add a touch of classic charm, they tend to be heavier and take up more space. They also give out a nice, even warmth but may require extra support when installed.

The material matters, too. Steel panel radiators are popular for their efficiency, while aluminium radiators are ideal for homes with heat pumps because they can deliver higher heat output at lower flow temperatures. Choosing the right material ensures your radiator works seamlessly with your heating system.

Matching Your Radiator to Your Heat Source

Not all heat sources are the same, and this can influence your choice of radiator.

Boilers vs. Heat Pumps

If your home uses a traditional gas boiler, your radiators will need to handle higher flow temperatures, typically between 70-80 degrees celsius. Steel radiators are a reliable option in this scenario, providing efficient heat for the size.

If you’ve gone the eco-friendly route with a heat pump, which operates more efficiently at lower temperatures (around 45-50 degrees), you’ll need radiators that can still deliver enough warmth at these lower temps. Aluminium radiators are an excellent choice for heat pumps, as they can provide the necessary heat output even at lower flow temperatures. 

However, keep in mind that for the same heat output, aluminium radiators may need to be larger than their steel counterparts.

Where to Install Your Radiator

Traditionally, radiators have been placed under windows. This is because heat rises, and cold air from the window can create a more effective circulation of warm air. But these days, radiators can be installed on nearly any wall, as long as the position doesn’t interfere with furniture placement or the layout of the room.

Wall Structure Considerations

Before deciding on placement, make sure the wall you choose is strong enough to support the radiator. Some walls, such as those made of lath and plaster, may not be able to bear the weight of heavier cast-iron radiators without extra support. If that’s the case, floor-mounted supports can be used to take the strain off the wall brackets.

For lighter, more compact radiators, you should be fine mounting them on most walls, but it’s always a good idea to have a heating engineer assess the structure before drilling into your wall!

The Radiator Installation Process

Now that you’ve chosen your radiator, let’s walk through the installation process. If it’s a straight swap - replacing an old radiator with a new one of similar size - it’s a relatively quick job. Here’s a basic outline of what’s involved:

Draining and Removing the Old Radiator

Before installing a new radiator, the system needs to be drained to remove water from the pipes and prevent any spills. Once the system is drained, the old radiator is carefully disconnected and removed.

Installing the New Radiator and Valves

After positioning the new radiator, your installer will connect the valves. These valves control the flow of water and the temperature of your radiator. Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) are a great option because they allow you to control the heat output of each radiator individually, making your heating system more efficient. If you want a stylish finish, there are plenty of decorative valves available to match your radiator.

Filling the System and Adding Inhibitor

Once the radiator is installed, the heating system is filled with water, and an inhibitor is added. Inhibitors are chemicals that prevent corrosion in your system, helping to extend the life of your radiators and maintain efficiency.

Balancing the Radiators

Finally, the installer will “balance” the radiators. This involves adjusting the flow of water through each radiator to ensure they heat up evenly and consistently. This step is crucial, as unbalanced radiators can result in some rooms being too hot while others remain cold.

How Long Does It Take?

A typical radiator replacement takes about 2-4 hours, depending on the size of your heating system and the number of radiators being replaced. More extensive jobs, such as adding new radiators or reconfiguring the system, can take longer.

If you’re considering upgrading your radiators or need advice from an expert heating system installer, our team at Wells Spa Plumbing & Heating is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our expert radiator installation services and how we can tailor your system to your needs.