7-Step Guide to Calculating Your Heating Needs

Selecting the perfect designer radiator isn’t just about choosing a style that complements your space—it’s also about ensuring it delivers the warmth you need.

 

Agadon Designer Radiators are crafted to be super heat-efficient, offering a combination of stunning aesthetics and functionality. However, the most crucial factor—getting the right heat output for your space—is often overlooked until it's too late. To help you plan effectively, we’ve created this 12-step guide as a quick checklist to give an insight into the key factors you need to consider. From calculating the BTU requirements to factoring in insulation and layout, this guide will ensure your new designer radiator not only looks great but keeps your space comfortable year-round.

Following these steps will help you achieve a perfectly warm and energy-efficient home while taking full advantage of Agadon’s designer radiators and expert support.

 

1. Evaluate Your Space

Start by measuring the dimensions of each room you want to heat. Consider how the space is used—a snug bedroom will need less heat than a lively open-plan kitchen. If your layout includes open stairways or vaulted ceilings, extra heat might be necessary. Remember, larger spaces and open plans often demand higher BTU outputs to maintain comfortable warmth.

Measure the room width, length, and ceiling height – these are the dimensions you’ll need to enter into the BTU Calculator.

 

2. Use the BTU Calculator

A BTU (British Thermal Unit) calculator is your best friend for determining the exact heat output needed. Input room dimensions, insulation levels, and window sizes for a clear result. Agadon’s calculator is simple to use and available here.

 

3. Understand Room Dynamics

Not all rooms are created equal, the BTU Calculator specifies three room types that differ:

• Living room - you’re likely to spend more time here, but often the radiators are supported by a fire as an additional heat source. It’s a room to entertain, so you may want your designer radiator to be a statement piece.
• Kitchen – Kitchens are notoriously difficult to heat, as when in use the appliances generate heat. But the kitchen is also the heart of the home, and the modern trend is to have an open plan kitchen diner.
• Bedroom – Bedrooms are a personal thing, and some people love a cold bedroom, whilst others enjoy entering a warm and cosy bedroom to retire for the night.

 

Controlling the heat room by room

This is why having the ability to adjust heat room by room, radiator by radiator is essential, and where a Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TVR’s) or element control on electric radiators are a must. You can even have control of a designer radiator via WiFi, which means if it’s particularly cold you can turn up the heat in a room from a smart phone App – so it’s nice and toasty, for when you get home (or get out of bed!).

Other factors like insulation, window size and flooring material can influence heat retention. For example, uninsulated walls might require higher BTU outputs, while foam-filled cavity walls reduce the need. Also, solid flooring holds less heat than carpeted areas, impacting your radiator choices.

Once you know what the required BTU output is, there are a number of other factors to consider which can either increase or decrease the output rating of the designer radiators you require. While it’s not an exhaustive list, the following factors should be considered:

Solid floor – decrease total BTU by 10%

Uninsulated cavity walls – increase by 10%

Foam-filled cavity walls – decrease by 20%

Upstairs bedrooms – decrease by 25%

Double glazing – decrease by 5%

Two outside walls (i.e. rooms on a corner of your house) – increase by 15%

Three outside walls – increase by 40%

Northern-facing outside wall(s) – increase by 10%

No loft insulation – increase by 15%

High ceiling (3m+) – increase by 20%

Call one of our support team on 01530 564122 to get professional advice and you can also find out about our new build & home renovation service for those customers who require multiple room quotations.

 

4. Think About Radiator Placement

Positioning matters! Radiators work best on external walls or near windows where they combat cold air. Avoid placing them behind furniture or curtains, which can block heat circulation.

This is where electric designer radiators come into their own, if a room is cold because the traditional central heating can’t provide enough heat in the depths of winter – adding a stylish electric radiator is a quick and easy option. It can even be a picture or piece of art, so it doesn’t look like a radiator.

 

5. Choose the Right Radiator Type

Different spaces call for different solutions. Bathrooms benefit from heated towel rails, while low-profile radiators are ideal for rooms with limited wall space.

Again, if all you need is a quick and flexible boost in heating, an electric radiator might be perfect—it requires no plumbing and is hassle-free to install.

 

6. Match BTU Output to Your Needs

Once you've calculated your BTU requirements, select radiators that align with those needs. Underpowered radiators won't warm the room effectively, while oversized ones may waste energy.

With energy bills on the rise and a focus on sustainability, homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to make their homes more energy-efficient.

 

7. Budget Wisely

High-quality, efficient radiators may cost more upfront but save money in the long run with lower energy bills. Take advantage of Agadon’s multi-room discounts and seasonal sales to stretch your budget further.

Agadon’s support team can guide you through every step, from choosing the right radiators to understanding BTU outputs. Don’t hesitate to reach out for free expert advice.