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How to choose the perfect radiator for your home
Choosing the right radiators plays a big role in keeping your home warm and energy-efficient.
This guide breaks down everything you need to consider, from selecting the perfect size to understanding BTU output.
The right radiator doesn’t just warm your home—it can lower energy bills and even double as a stylish design feature.
Horizontal radiators are wider than they are tall so they're perfect for installing under windows, installing radiators under windows helps to combat heat loss.
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Vertical radiators are taller than they are wide, which makes them perfect for installing in areas where you have limited space. Vertical radiators can also be an attractive centrepiece or striking design feature in your home.
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Single panel radiators are designed to be slimline and make the most of a room's available space.
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A double panel radiator is basically just two single panels stacked together. They offer approximately twice the amount of heat output of a single panel of the same size.
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Classic cast-iron style designs that are a timeless addition to any interior. Available in both horizontal and vertical.
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Modern radiators with flat, oval or square bars. A practical, space-saving style statement available in a variety of colours to match any interior.
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Also known as ladder radiators, they're a practical addition to any bathroom, cloakroom or laundry room. Choose an electric or dual fuel radiator if you want to dry your towels without turning on your central heating.
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Modern radiators with built-in mirrors. Dual purpose and space-saving, they also enhance natural light.
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This is the best place to start. Knowing your room size tells you how much wall space you actually have for a radiator.
Plus, larger rooms naturally need more heating power (often measured in BTUs) to stay comfortably warm, especially in colder months. Smaller rooms need less.
As a rough guide: Big rooms often feel warmest with 2 or 3 well-placed radiators. A small room might only need 1 or 2 smaller radiators.
Once you know the total heating power (BTU) your room needs, you can figure out the specifics for each radiator.
First, work out the total BTUs required for the room (we have a handy BTU calculator for you below). Then, decide how many radiators you want or need based on:
Finally, divide the room's total BTU requirement by the number of radiators you plan to install. This gives you a target BTU power for each radiator, helping you choose the right models. There's no real harm in having over the required BTU, as you can run them at lower temperatures using TRV valves.
Choosing the right radiator size might feel overwhelming, but our BTU calculator makes it a breeze. Simply enter your room’s dimensions and tell us about your insulation.
The calculator will give you the recommended BTU (British Thermal Units) or kW (kilowatt) rating for efficient heating in your space.
You might need choose two or more radiators to provide your total BTU requirements. For larger spaces, you might want to look at models with double or triple panels which have a higher output or consider installing multiple radiators - This ensures your room stays warm and cosy, no matter the season.
These are typically used when the pipework comes from the floor, or from the wall directly behind the radiator. The angled design allows for a neat connection.
Used when the pipework comes up from the floor directly beneath the radiator inlet. They provide a direct vertical connection.
Often used when pipework comes from the wall but needs to turn towards the radiator inlet, or when pipes run along the wall surface. The valve head faces outwards rather than upwards or sideways.
A compact solution designed specifically for radiators with middle connections at the bottom (often 50mm pipe centres). Combines flow and return in one unit.
| Inlet Position: | Pipework Through Wall | Pipework Through Floor | Pipework Along Wall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom | Angled/Corner | Straight | Corner |
| Sides | Angled/Corner | Angled/Corner | Straight |
| Middle | Angled/H-Block | Straight/H-Block | Corner |
Aluminium Radiators |
Steel Radiators |
|
|---|---|---|
| Heat Efficiency | Heats up and cools down quickly, ideal for rooms needing rapid temperature changes. Best for well-insulated homes where rapid response to temperature changes is beneficial. | Retains heat longer, keeping rooms warm even after the heating is turned off. Ideal for poorly insulated homes to maintain warmth for longer periods. |
| Weight | Lightweight and easy to install, ideal for DIY and tight spaces. | Heavier, which may require more support during installation. |
| Corrosion Resistance | Naturally resistant to corrosion, leading to lower maintenance. | Prone to rust if the finish is damaged. |
| Eco-Friendliness | More sustainable, requires less energy to produce and is highly recyclable. | Less eco-friendly compared to aluminium. |
| Water Circulation | Requires less water to operate, improving energy efficiency. | Uses more water, which may lead to higher energy consumption. |
| Cost | Higher initial cost but lower long-term maintenance expenses. | More affordable upfront, but potential for higher maintenance costs due to rust. |
| Design & Aesthetics | Modern and stylish, popular in contemporary home designs. | Available in a wider variety of styles and sizes to match different interiors. |
 Central heating |
 Electric |
|
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Higher Installation costs - Boiler or heat pump required. Requires pipes, vents, and ducts, which can limit building design. | Low Installation Costs - Easy to install, simply plug into a wall socket or hard-wire to a spur. |
| Cost | Cost effective and cheaper to run in the long-term with gas prices often lower than electricity. | Built-in thermostat for precise temperature control in individual rooms. Save money by heating single rooms and not the whole house. |
| Efficiency | Gas boilers are less efficient than electric radiators, and typically operate at around 90% efficiency. | Convert almost all of the energy they use into heat. |
| Compatible with heat pumps - For future-proof, environmentally friendly and cost-effective heating. | Potential for higher energy bills if not used efficiently, this can be avoided by creating different heating zones throughout the property. | |
| Maintenance | Central heating systems require servicing and repairs. | Very little maintenance aside from the occasional dusting or wipe down. |
