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Designer Radiator Ideas

How many radiators do I need?

22 January 2024

Our online radiator BTU calculator will provide you with the radiator(s) needed to heat the space, but here’s a 12 Step Practical Guide to help you optimise your central heating - whether you are styling a room or remodelling a whole house.

 

How many radiators you need starts with the space you want to heat

Refurbishing an old property and installing central heating can be a challenging but rewarding project. Planning the number and location of radiators requires careful consideration of several factors.

The number of radiators you need depends on many things:

  • Is the space enclosed or open (i.e. Open plan with stairs).
  • What look are you trying to achieve? (It may influence the heat output options).
  • Existing system or new (You may not have flexibility on where you can position the new radiators).
  • What flooring are you planning on using? (it will impact the heat retention and therefore you’ll need more radiators or higher BTU output).

 

Fortunately, Agadon Designer Radiators have the greatest range of radiators, a massive variety of styles and shapes, plus a huge range of BTU outputs. Which means once you have calculated the basic dimensions of your room(s), then you can use our BTU selector to shortlist the radiators with the appropriate BTU – then choose from a wide selection of designs, colours and styles. You could even have a designer radiator made to your own dimensions and special finish – if you can wait 6-8 weeks!

 

Additional discounts on multiple radiator purchases plus FREE valves

Agadon Designer Radiators offer a new build & home renovation service for those customers who require multiple room quotations. It includes FREE technical support on specifying the right radiator and heat capacity for your space.

 

12 Step Practical Guide to quickly work out how many radiators you need

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you in the planning process, it covers more than the room dimensions, so you can carefully consider the practical requirements of your radiator needs, before getting the more enjoyable aesthetics of choosing on looks:

1. Evaluate the Space:

  • Measure each room's dimensions.
  • Consider the room's use, as this will affect the required heating capacity.

2. Determine Heat Requirements:

  • Our online BTU calculator will provide you with the required heat output or advice from heating professionals can help with this.
  • Once you know how 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 heating experts 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.

3. Select Radiator Types:

  • Different rooms may require different types of radiators (e.g., standard panel radiators, towel radiators for bathrooms, or low-profile radiators for rooms with limited wall space).
  • Consider the aesthetic and functional aspects of each room.

4. Consider Placement:

  • Place radiators on the coldest walls, usually external walls.
  • Avoid placing radiators behind large pieces of furniture that can block heat circulation.
  • Consider the natural flow of air in the room.

5. Determine Sizes:

  • Based on the heat load calculations, choose radiators with the appropriate heat output for each room.
  • Radiator size depends on the room size, insulation, and the desired temperature.

6. Balance Heat Distribution:

  • Ensure an even distribution of heat throughout the property.
  • Consider the location of the thermostat to accurately measure the overall temperature.

7. Account for Zoning:

  • If possible, divide the property into heating zones. This allows you to control the temperature in different areas independently, optimising energy usage.

8. Plan for Future Changes:

  • Anticipate any future changes to the property, such as extensions or changes in room use.
  • Ensure that the heating system can accommodate these changes.

9. Budget Considerations:

  • Balance your heating requirements with your budget. High-efficiency radiators may cost more initially but can result in long-term energy savings.

10. Professional Advice:

  • Consult with heating professionals or engineers to ensure your plans are feasible and comply with local building codes.
  • Seek advice on the type of central heating system that best suits your property.

11. Installation Considerations:

  • Consider the logistics of installing radiators, including plumbing and electrical work.
  • Ensure that the heating system can be easily maintained.

12. Safety Considerations:

  • Ensure that the installation complies with safety regulations.
  • Be aware of any clearances required around radiators and potential fire hazards.

Remember, this is a general guide and specific requirements may vary based on your property and local regulations. Always seek professional advice when in doubt, especially when dealing with heating systems.


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