Radiators & towel rails by heat output

Q: What is a good heat output for a radiator?

A good heat output for a radiator depends on a number of factors, including the size and insulation levels of the room. See 'How do I determine the right heat output for my room?' for more information about finding the right heat output for your room.

Q: What radiators have the best heat output?

Double and triple column/panel radiators tend to have the best heat output. Those made from aluminium also have excellent heat output.

Q: How can I improve the heat output of my radiator?

You can improve the heat output of your radiator in a number of ways. Bleeding the radiator is the most common, as that removes air pockets in the radiator. You should also clean them regularly as dust can affect the heat output. Finally, ensuring nothing is blocking the radiator can massively improve a heating situation.

Q: How much do radiator covers reduce heat output?

Radiator covers will reduce heat output because wood is an insulator. The extent of this reduction will depend on the construction and vent placement within each radiator cover.

Q: What is radiator heat output, and why is it important?

Radiator heat output is just what it sounds like: how much heat a radiator puts out into a room. It is measured in BTUs, or British Thermal Units. One BTU is the amount of energy required to heat one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

Q: How do I determine the right heat output for my room?

To work out the heat output needed for your room, we'd recommend using a heat loss calculator. Our own RADSIZER® is a best-in-market heat loss calculator that goes beyond the simplicity of many BTU calculators (it calculates heat loss and the ideal temperature of your room, and uses an innovative algorithm to find the right heat output for your room by asking you specific questions about your needs). Or you can try manual calculation guides from sources like Heat Geek or the Energy Saving Trust.

Q: Do radiator materials affect heat output (e.g., steel vs. aluminum vs. cast iron)?

Yes, the material a radiator is made from affects the heat output of the radiator. Aluminium is the most efficient, with steel a close second. Cast iron is also a good option, but is no longer that common a material due to its weight.

Q: What is a good heat output for a towel radiator?

The ideal heat output for a towel radiator depends on the size and insulation level of the room. Towel radiators typically have lower heat outputs than standard radiators, and many range between 1000–2000 BTUs. For well-insulated, smaller rooms, a lower output may be sufficient, while larger or poorly insulated spaces may need a towel rail towards the higher end of that scale.

Q: Does a towel rail give out as much heat as a radiator?

No, towel rails do not normally give out as much heat as a radiator. This is because of their design. Standard radiators are designed to ensure maximum efficiency, whereas towel rails are made to heat items that are directly on them, rather than the air around them.

Q: Do heated towel rails use a lot of electricity?

Most heated towel rails use the central heating system. However, electric is an option and so is dual fuel (when a towel rail can be operated by both central heating and electricity). Typical electric towel rail wattages can vary between 100 watts per hour up to 1000 watts per hour. For comparison, a typical fridge will use 500-700 watts per hour, and a typical washing machine will use around 900 watts per hour.

A good radiator can complete an interior design vision, but there's no doubt that heating is their primary focus. So, it makes sense that budding buyers will want to ensure they're choosing the best radiator for heat output...

Radiator heat output is measured by British Thermal Units, or BTUs. One BTU is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit, and the higher your radiator's BTU measurement, the more capacity it has to heat a space. Read more

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Radiators & towel rails by heat output

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good heat output for a radiator?

What radiators have the best heat output?

How can I improve the heat output of my radiator?

How much do radiator covers reduce heat output?

What is radiator heat output, and why is it important?

How do I determine the right heat output for my room?

Do radiator materials affect heat output (e.g., steel vs. aluminum vs. cast iron)?

Frequently Asked Questions (towel rails)

What is a good heat output for a towel radiator?

Does a towel rail give out as much heat as a radiator?

Do heated towel rails use a lot of electricity?

How is the heat output of a towel rail measured?

How do I calculate the heat output required for my bathroom?

Does the material of a towel rail (e.g. steel, aluminum, chrome) affect heat output?

Do double-panel towel rails produce more heat than single-panel ones?