Radiators feature in all of our homes and are integral to helping us create a warm and cosy atmosphere for our family and friends to enjoy – especially in the colder months! Like all appliances, radiators have a life span and may need to be replaced to maintain an efficient heating system. But before you can replace them, there are a few things that you should keep in mind like whether you need a replacement or if the issue can be fixed, and if you go ahead with a replacement, what size, design and style should you choose? Read on to find out more.
Pages of Contents
Can your radiator be fixed?
Before you can decide whether you should replace your old radiator, there are a few things that you’ll have to think about. Knowing how to identify an issue can help you to decide whether your radiator has come to the end of its life, or if it simply needs to be repaired. Radiators can last for up to 15 to 20 years before they need to be replaced, or even longer! Knowing how to identify small issues within your radiator and heating system can be helpful so that you can rectify them. There are a few things that you can do to check if your radiator is on its way out:
- Air in the system: If your radiator is heating at the bottom and not the top, you likely have air within your system, which means your radiator will be struggling to heat all the way through. You can rectify this yourself by bleeding your radiator.
- Blockage in the system: If your radiator is cold at the bottom, you may have sludge in the radiator or pipes. You’ll need to have this flushed by a plumber to get your radiator back to heating normally.
- Not heating up: If your radiator is simply not heating at all, stuck or frozen valves may be to blame, or it may be an issue with your boiler. You’ll need a plumber to help you with this.
If you have identified an issue with your radiator, you can take the steps to get it fixed – you can do it yourself or ask a plumber for help. Of course, if they don’t have the solution, you’ll need a new radiator! If this is the case, the next few points will help you to choose which is best.
Size of your room
When replacing your old radiator, you’re going to have to think about the size of the room you’re heating. If your radiator was old, or it was already in the house when you moved in, it may not be as efficient or effective as some of the most modern models are. You should use a BTU calculator to help you work out how much heat output you need to heat your room – you can find one of these online, they use calculations like the size and width of the room, as well as where it is situated in your home. Generally, if you need to make a choice, it is better to choose a larger radiator, as it is easier to heat a room than it would be with a radiator that is too small.
Style
Once you’ve decided on the size of your new radiator, you’ll have to think about the style. Modern radiators come in all designs, for example, vertical radiators to fit into small, narrow spaces and designer radiators that can become the centrepiece of your room. If you prefer a more traditional style, you could choose a column radiator that fits into both a modern and traditional home – the choice is yours, and you can choose a radiator to suit your aesthetic.
Finish and colour
Have you ever thought about adding a radiator to your home in a standout colour? Designer radiators give you the chance to add a modern feature to your home – radiators don’t have to be plain and white anymore! You can choose a colour to suit your home, something bright to reflect your personality in your favourite style or a chrome radiator that gives off a chic and modern feel. The choice is yours! You can create a space that is perfect for you.
How do you know when to buy a new radiator?
So, how can you tell when your radiator is on its way out? As we mentioned previously, if you are experiencing regular issues with your radiators, this could be a sign that it is at the end of its life. If you find that your radiators are needing to be bled more often than usual, they are leaking or becoming expensive to maintain, it might be worth reflecting on how long you’ve had them and whether it would be more economical to replace them for a more effective solution when you need it most.
Read more This Is What Happens To Your Body Because Of Radiation
