What types of radiators are commonly used in UK homes?
- Conventional Radiators: Often made from steel or cast iron, these circulate hot water or steam to heat rooms.
- Panel Radiators: Slim, flat panels available in single, double, or triple configurations for space-saving installations.
- Towel Radiators: Designed for bathrooms, warming towels while heating the space; available in electric, dual fuel, and central heating variants.
- Column Radiators: Classic design cast iron radiators that retain heat longer, ideal for large rooms and period properties.
- Electric Radiators: Standalone units that heat without a central heating system, available in modern smart and slimline designs.
- Dual Fuel Radiators: Can run on central heating or electricity independently, providing year-round heating flexibility.
Which radiator materials are most energy efficient?
Aluminium radiators are highly efficient due to their fast heat-up capability and lightweight construction, often using up to 15% less energy than steel models. Cast iron radiators retain heat longer, reducing boiler cycling and saving energy in large rooms. Steel radiators offer good performance at affordable prices.
What radiator should I use in my bathroom?
Bathroom radiators, especially heated towel rails, come as electric, central heating, or dual fuel options. Electric towel rails provide heat independently and are easy to install, while dual fuel rails offer heated towels year-round by switching between central heating in winter and electric heat in summer. Use radiators with appropriate moisture-resistant finishes and IP ratings for safety.
How do I choose the right radiator size?
Calculate your room's heat loss and volume to determine the required British Thermal Units (BTU). Radiators with insufficient output will cause poor heating and higher energy consumption. Use online BTU calculators or contact your installer for advice. Panel radiators come in various sizes and configurations for flexible sizing.
What are the benefits of dual fuel radiators?
Dual fuel radiators provide heating flexibility, allowing you to use central heating in cold months and electric heating independently in warmer periods. This saves energy by heating only when needed and is ideal for bathrooms or rooms that don’t require constant heating.
Can I install a radiator myself?
Radiator installation involves plumbing and sometimes electrical work if installing dual fuel or electric models. While skilled DIYers can fit some radiators, especially panel types, engaging a qualified heating engineer or plumber is recommended to ensure correct fitting, balancing, and compliance with UK standards.
What maintenance does a radiator require?
Regular bleeding of radiators removes trapped air, ensuring efficient heating. Occasional cleaning and an annual system check by a professional heating engineer help maintain performance. This can also extend the lifespan of your radiator system.
Are electric radiators a good alternative to central heating?
Electric radiators are ideal for homes without central heating or as supplementary heat sources. Modern electric radiators are slim, stylish, and often smart-enabled, offering precise control and energy efficiency. They provide 100% energy conversion and can be powered from renewable sources.
Why is zone control important in radiator heating?
Zone control enables independent temperature settings for different rooms or areas, increasing comfort and reducing wasted energy by heating only occupied rooms. Many modern thermostats support zone control when used with compatible radiators and wiring centres.
Heat Retention Radiators – Frequently Asked Questions
What are heat retention radiators?
Heat retention radiators, like the EHC Standard Heat Retention Radiators, use patented ceramic or Magmatic® stone tablets embedded within the heating element to store and slowly release warmth over extended periods. This technology allows the radiators to continue emitting heat for up to 45 minutes after the power is switched off, reducing electricity consumption and improving comfort.
What are the benefits of heat retention radiators?
- They provide a consistent and even heat distribution, reducing cold spots and improving room comfort.
- By retaining heat, they require less electrical energy overall compared to traditional convector or panel heaters.
- The deep rib design increases surface area (up to 6 times that of flat radiators), enhancing radiant heat output.
- They blend radiant and convective heating, giving a warmer feel without drying the air excessively.
- Patented heat retention materials contribute to energy savings and environmental benefits.
What wattages are available for heat retention radiators, and how do I calculate what size I need?
At Quality Heating, the EHC Standard Heat Retention Radiators come in outputs from 800 watts up to 2400 watts. When selecting the right radiator size, consider the room wattage required based on room volume and insulation levels. An 800W radiator produces roughly 2730 BTU/hr, suitable for smaller rooms (~7-10 m²), while a 2400W model outputs around 8200 BTU/hr for larger rooms (~20-25 m²), depending on insulation. For more precise calculation, use BTU calculators or consult a heating engineer to assess heat loss and requirements based on room characteristics.
What brands of heat retention radiators are offered on Quality Heating?
Quality Heating currently offers premium heat retention radiators from EHC. The EHC range includes the Standard Heat Retention Radiator line with options from 800W to 2400W outputs and advanced features such as integrated DSR smart controls and smart app compatibility.
Can you explain the technology behind EHC heat retention radiators?
The EHC radiators utilise patented Magmatic® heat retention tablets made from bio-degradable ceramic material. These tablets absorb and store heat efficiently when the electric element is powered. Once the set temperature is reached, the thermostat cuts power, but the ceramic tablets continue radiating heat for up to 45 minutes, reducing electricity usage while maintaining room temperature.
Are these radiators energy efficient, and what features help reduce energy bills?
Yes, the combination of partial heat storage and intelligent temperature controls (including the DSR digital time & temperature thermostat and optional wireless Smart App Gateway) allows the radiator to operate efficiently. The radiators use on average only 20-30 minutes of electricity per hour, adapting output to provide comfortable heat levels while minimising energy waste.
How does the smart control system work on these radiators?
The integrated DSR thermostat can be programmed manually or controlled wirelessly via the optional EHC Smart App Gateway. Features include time and temperature scheduling, open window detection (automatically switching off during a rapid temp drop), and temperature hold. This technology helps optimise heating schedules and save on running costs.
Where can I find and browse heat retention radiators on Quality Heating?
Explore the full range including the Quality Heating Radiators Collection
What are the top radiator brands available in the UK?
Popular UK radiator brands include:
- Reina design
- Eurom
- Electrorad
Quality Heating offers a wide range of radiators from these and other trusted manufacturers.
Where can I browse and buy different types of radiators?
Explore a wide selection of UK radiators on our site, including panel, column, towel, electric, and dual fuel radiators at Aizo Quality Heating Radiators Collection.
