Five Questions To Ask Yourself Before Buying a Towel Radiator
Bathrooms are an essential part of any home - but they’re also a place to pause and refresh. So it’s important you create a space that’s light, airy, and tranquil. But, you also need to consider the small practical details, such as what lights will look best, and even, whether or not you need a towel radiator.
Such decisions can seem futile, but they all add to the ambiance of your bathroom interior. And if you’re considering purchasing a towel radiator, there are a few things you need to think about before you do.
Fortunately, UK Radiators are here to help you make the right decision. As heating experts with over 30 years of experience at our helm, we’re here to give you all the advice you need before buying a towel radiator.
If you'd like a little more guidance before making a purchase, please get in touch with our expert team here.
Can your boiler cope with another radiator?
Your boiler is a source of heat, and your central heating system ensures this heat travels throughout your home. Via the pipes, it pumps the heated water from the boiler to your radiators to emit warmth. Meaning, that if you have several radiators, your boiler has to work harder to ensure it properly heats them all.
This is why, before adding a towel radiator to your home, you must ensure that your boiler has the power to heat another. Fortunately, there are several ways you can do this, such as:
- Checking your boiler’s British Thermal Unit (BTU) - which will tell you the maximum output available
- Servicing your boiler to ensure it’s in tip-top shape - an engineer may also be able to improve its efficiency
- Upgrading your boiler - but this is mostly only necessary if you plan on adding multiple towel radiators to your home
What size towel radiator do you need?
Living in a colder climate can make it tempting to want the most heated home possible. Especially in the winter months, when all you want is to get a hot shower and bury yourself in a warm towel.
But, overheating your house can make it uncomfortable - and more importantly, it could rack up high energy bills. So, before you purchase a towel radiator, consider the size you need. Some factors to think about include:
- Whether or not you already have a bathroom radiator
- The size of the room and the number of windows
- Your bathroom’s available wall space
What style of towel radiator suits your interior the best?
Whilst towel radiators are primarily functional, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style when buying one. In fact, most towel radiators you can buy today come in a plethora of designs. If you have a modern interior - choose a contemporary style, such as chrome-plated or a sleek white finish.
For a traditional style bathroom - opt for a more classic design. For example, you could choose one with enameled columns to prove a retro look that will further complement your interior. It’s important to also consider:
- Who will use the towel rail - if you have kids, white might not be the best option as it increases the likelihood of staining
- How often you’ll be able to clean and maintain the radiators - if you opt for a stainless steel rail, you’ll need to take steps to avoid rust occurring
How will you install your towel radiator?
You must also consider how you plan to install your towel radiator. If you choose an electric towel rail, you’ll need to hire a qualified electrician. But, this is a fairly easy job for them to perform.
If you’re mounting a completely new radiator, you may need to change the position of valves or pipes - which may require a plumber. But, if you’re simply replacing an old radiator, you might be able to install it yourself. Just ensure the new radiator:
- Is the same size and width as your old one
- Has identical pipe centres
How will you clean and maintain your towel radiator?
Every radiator needs proper maintenance. That includes a good cleaning regularly, and also bleeding them to ensure your central heating system remains efficient. Take a look at our blog on how to bleed a radiator if you're not sure, as it's easy to bleed them incorrectly.
Different styles of towel radiators require different types of cleaning. If you opt for a stainless steel finish, you’ll have to take steps to prevent rust from occurring. Meanwhile, radiators with a white coat will need regular cleaning as they stain more easily. When cleaning, remember to:
- Turn off the heating
- Rinse and wipe the radiator to remove stains
- Towel dry the radiator to avoid watermarks
How do towel radiators work?
Linked up to a home’s central heating system, towel radiators work by warming up the water inside. The subsequent thermal transfer then heats the entire radiator. Towel rails are a great alternative to airers as they can warm a towel faster and keep it dry.
Do towel radiators give out much heat?
Towel radiators don’t give out as much heat as standard radiators, but they help speed up the process of drying your towels. Since they give out less heat, they also use less electricity - meaning they’re less expensive to run.
