We’ve written guidelines and advice on all things to do with radiators. As always, if you are unsure of anything do please feel free to call us on 01727 840344 or email us at info@theradiatorcentre.com. Of course you can always come by one of our radiator showrooms in St Albans, Islington, Brighton, Lemington Spa or Clapham.
We offer a massive range of styles and sizes and they can all be found right here on our website. By operating online we are able to add the latest models as they become available and keep everything up to date. This way you can be confident that all the latest designs can be found easily.
It also lessens our use and waste of paper.
If you would like to see our radiators in real life you are more than welcome to visit one of our showrooms where you can view the extensive range of radiators and colour finishes on display.
Here at The Radiator Centre we currently have three showrooms and these can be found in Brighton, Islington, Clapham and St Albans, Hertfordshire. Click here for the addresses and opening times. Feel free to pop in to have a look at our product range and talk to one of our expert advisers.
Yes. All our radiators have a manufacturer’s guarantee, this varies from model to model but it is usually 5, 10 or even 25 years. The guarantee time for each radiator is published in the Product Specifications section on each model’s webpage or you can contact us for more information.
You can order online, call us on 01727 840344 or visit one of our showrooms to talk to one of our members of staff. Our experts will discuss your requirements to ensure you are ordering the right equipment for your needs. Alternatively, email us at info@theradiatorcentre.com.
Absolutely! If you would like, we would love you to discuss your requirements with one of our expert members of staff before you commit to your order. This way, we can be sure we are providing you with the right service and equipment for your needs.
Our range is big! Since we have so many different options in terms of size and colour, some may be available for delivery sooner than others. Depending on the nature of your request. delivery times will vary. We cater for those in a hurry and for those on large scale projects. As such, lead times can vary from next working day for ‘off the shelf’ products or up to 6 to 8 weeks for more bespoke projects. However, as soon as we process your order, we will check with the manufacturer and give you a more precise estimate.
Even if your delivery time is on the longer side then fear not, we will still be able to supply you with all the necessary pipe centre and fixing information you need to allow work to continue while you wait.
Your radiator will come with all the necessary fixings including brackets & air vents but because we offer a large range of radiator valves and accessories, these are sold separately.
Our radiators and accessories are often unique to you and we feel that selling the radiator valves separately opens up so much more choice to complement and enhance your radiators.
If a radiator is in stock and is likely to be delivered in 1–3 days, we will require payment for the full order value. If the delivery time is longer, we will ask for a 50% deposit when you place your order, with the full balance to be paid before delivery.
We accept most major credit and debit cards, with the exception of Diners Club. We will also accept payment via bank transfer, cash or cheque.
Our standard delivery is to any address on the UK mainland.
Yes. The export side of our business is growing and we have now sold radiators to locations all over the world. Feel free to contact us and we will be happy to arrange shipment to anywhere in the world via our recommended freight-forwarding companies.
Delivery charges will vary depending on the order size and the delivery location. Our products will have the standard delivery charge listed on each product page on our website. For an accurate delivery charge on larger orders please get in touch if you would like a quotation. Additional charges will be applied if you would like us to arrange a timed or Saturday delivery where available.
We will contact you when your order is ready so we can arrange a suitable day for delivery. Usually, deliveries are made on weekdays between 9am and 6pm, although for a surcharge, it may be possible to arrange a timed or Saturday delivery.
If you have a large order, or are ordering cast iron products, they will be transported by lorry with a tail-lift. If access is likely to be a problem, please let us know.
Someone will need to be at the delivery address to meet the delivery. In the unlikely event that your goods do not arrive before 5.30pm on the scheduled date, please contact us.
Your radiators will be delivered to the nearest hard-standing, easily accessible area that is closest to your property. For insurance purposes, the delivery driver will not be allowed to enter your property, so please make sure you have enough people with you who are capable of lifting them inside.
As soon as you sign for the goods, they are your responsibility. So when you are asked to sign for the goods please:
Either check the goods and mark ‘Checked’ or, if it is not possible to check them immediately, mark them as ‘Unchecked’.
Only sign for the number of parcels you actually receive.
Failure to do so will mean that any later claims for transit damage or missing items will not be valid.
It is very important that you inspect the goods immediately after delivery as any visible damage/faults or missing parts must be reported to us within 72 hours.
It may be possible to collect from our showrooms and it may also be possible to arrange for you to collect your goods from our UK suppliers. However, because radiators are often heavy it may be best to have them delivered directly to an address of your choice. Please Contact us if you would like to discuss this option.
Firstly, we will contact you to let you know when your goods are ready for collection. Remember to check your order when you collect it, or as soon as possible afterwards, and report any visible damage or faults within 72 hours.
Our first consideration will always be that you have enough heat to warm the room to the recommended temperatures. In this instance, the best radiator will depend on the size and layout of each room, the level of insulation and double glazing, whether or not there is an open fire, patio doors etc. Use our Heat Calculator in conjunction with our information on getting the right heat output to help you decide on the best radiator for your needs.
Aluminium offers a number of environmental benefits. The first is that they are generally made of recycled materials… so your old drinks cans could be keeping someone warm as we speak! Aluminium radiators generally have a lower water content than radiators made from other materials. Consequently, they can require less energy to heat the water needed to heat the room, arguably making them noticeably cheaper to run. They can also be used with low temperature heating systems, such as ground source pumps.
Whilst it is difficult to put an accurate figure on cost savings, Bisque Radiators have estimated that aluminium radiators could save you up to 10% on your annual heating bill.
Style: designer or contemporary – Designer radiators are a stylish alternative to the standard ‘pressed steel’ radiators you see in most houses, giving you an aesthetically pleasing and often a more efficient focus in the room.
Style: traditional/classic – We tend to associate cast iron radiators with our school days, churches and older public buildings. Luckily the modern styles of traditional radiator are a lot more efficient than the ones we remember.
Energy efficient – Radiator technology is improving all the time, which means ‘low energy and high output’ are now a hugely effective option, especially where you have a limited amount of wall space. Click here to see our range of energy efficient radiators.
Trench heating – As glass walls and bi-fold doors have become the norm and wall space is at a premium, trench heating offers a sophisticated solution.
Bathroom towel rails – Bathroom radiators and towel rails don’t just have to be functional. We have a wide range of elegant solutions that dry your towels at the same time as making your bathroom stylish. See our range of towel rails here.
Budget – We have radiators to fit almost any budget. Visit one of our showrooms to see our range and talk to one of our members of staff about what’s available within your budget.
Modern designer radiators come in a range of colours and finishes:
White – If you need a radiator in a hurry, it is most likely to be in white. This is the standard finish that we tend to keep in stock.
Colours – With most of our radiators, you can choose from a wide palette of colours. Look at the ‘Product Specifications’ box to see which colours are available for your chosen style.
Chrome finish – Chrome has become a fashionable and stylish choice of finish for radiators. Bear in mind that, generally, a chrome finish will reduce heat output by up to 30%, so remember to build this in when calculating the size of radiator you need.
Stainless steel – Stainless steel is a great material to use on radiators because there is no risk of corrosion, peeling, flaking or discoloration of the finish. The additional advantage of the materials is that stainless steel radiators look fantastic.
Closed circuit heating systems – Closed circuit systems are sealed, which means the water constantly circulates and cannot be changed. It will, therefore, need to be treated in order to protect your radiators.
Open circuit heating systems – Open circuit heating systems use mains water or water from a spring or borehole. This means it’s impossible to chemically treat the water. If you are installing an open circuit system, you must use radiators made from non-ferrous materials like stainless steel, brass, aluminium etc. Please contact us for more information if you are planning on installing radiators onto an open circuit system.
Fuel type – The majority of our radiators can be fitted straight into a standard central heating system, fuelled by gas, electricity or oil.
Dual fuel – A great solution for heating the bathroom. A dual fuel radiator allows you to use your central heating in the winter, but you can switch to an electric mode in the summer to keep your towels warm and dry.
There are situations where a standard central heating system is not an option. It could be because it would be too expensive to extend the current system, such as to a conservatory or office at the bottom of the garden. The easiest and best solution for these situations is to install an electric radiator. Electric radiators have come a long way in terms of both style and efficiency, and will enhance the look of your room at the same time as heating it.
Begin with our simple heat calculator which will give you a guide to the heat required for a specific room. However, always get a second opinion from your plumber or heating engineer as they will be able to take into account any elements that might potentially impact the heat. There are more complex calculations for properties that have specific issues due to age, location, heating system etc. so if you think your property will have issues, ask a heating consultant to do the necessary calculations.
The heat outputs of your chosen radiators are unlikely to be exactly the same as your heat requirement. We recommend you choose a radiator size with a higher rather than lower heat output and fit thermostatic radiator valves so you can control the room temperature. It is always better to have too much heat than not enough.
The heat output range is shown in watts and BTUs (British Thermal Units).
Wattage is based on the system’s likely operating temperature and is shown as Delta 50 (Δt 50ºC) which is the current European Rating.
In our experience, most UK plumbers and heating engineers may still calculate heat requirements using the older, original British Delta 60 rating. To avoid any confusion, please use the conversions below or feel free to contact us.
To convert Delta 50 to Delta 60, multiply Delta 50 heat output by 1.264
To convert Delta 60 to Delta 50, divide Delta 60 heat output by 1.264
To convert BTUs to Watts, divide by 3.412
To convert from Watts to BTUs, multiply by 3.412
In a conservatory, there are a number of factors that will affect heat loss, including the quality of the glass and how much glass there is. Your plumber or installer will give you an accurate estimate of the heat output you will need. If you would like us to help, speak to a member of our team.
Our central heating radiators need to be installed by a competent plumber or heating engineer. Our electric radiators should be installed by a qualified electrician.
Radiators are usually positioned in the coldest part of the room, often against an outside wall or under a window. This helps combat drafts and cold spots and wall space under a window isn’t normally usable due to size restraints – this makes it a good option to place your radiator. However, contemporary and designer radiators are efficient enough to heat your room wherever they are, so where you place them is entirely up to you.
Absolutely. The majority of our radiators have both horizontal and vertical options available. Please visit the product page of your preferred radiator to see the size options or feel free to contact us.
Yes. We will provide accurate pipe centre measurements so you can go ahead and have your pipework installed (and the floor laid), ready to connect the radiators when they are delivered. Cast iron radiators are hand built and the widths can vary from those stated. As such, please contact us for more information when considering pipe centres on cast iron radiators.
The most important thing is to follow any instructions supplied with the radiator, otherwise, you risk invalidating the manufacturer’s guarantee. If there are no instructions included with the delivery, contact us and we will happily send them to you.
Your radiator must be installed by a qualified plumber. On completion of installation, the system must be properly flushed and filled in order to remove debris. A corrosion inhibitor must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.
In order to help seal the joint, wrap PTFE tape at least five times around the threaded tails of the valves. Embed the tape into the thread to secure it before turning the valve.
Keep the outside of your radiator clean using a soft cloth dipped in warm water with just a small amount of washing up liquid in it. Avoid using abrasive cloths or anything that might scratch the surface. Also avoid using the spray cleaners you normally use to clean your kitchen and bathroom as they could cause damage to the finish as well as to the valves. If in doubt, pleases check the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Check your radiators on a regular basis (at least once a year) to see if they need bleeding. Bleeding a radiator is quite a simple process
If you find a leak in a radiator, close both of the valves in order to isolate it, then let the air out in order to release the pressure in the radiator, which will hopefully stop or slow down the leak. If your radiator is still under guarantee, contact us with the details. Otherwise, contact a plumber who will be able to suggest how best to repair it.
If you have one cold radiator when all the others are hot, and it has been bled properly, the problem will usually have occurred because of an imbalance in the water flow. It’s a relatively straightforward process to balance your radiators – click here to find out how.
Occasionally, noises coming from your heating system will not be as a result of a faulty product; it is much more likely to be down to poor installation. The noises are usually banging from the pipework or the radiators themselves as the heat causes the materials to expand, or the whooshing of water. If you have had radiators installed recently, contact the installer involved.
In a word, yes! All our radiators are compatible with normal central heating systems and have British Standard fittings. This means you can replace single radiators on your existing system as and when you need or want to.
Yes. Our radiators are compatible with any kind of combination central heating boiler.
The same water you use in your taps is used in a secondary hot water circuit. The water must, therefore, be clean and kept free of chemicals. We, therefore, recommend you use radiators made from stainless steel, brass or copper, which limits your choice, but you will still have plenty of styles to choose from. Please contact us to discuss your options if you have a secondary return hot water system.
Yes, although they will need to be fitted with adapters. In instances where microbore pipes are fitted throughout your central heating system, any radiators at the end of a long run will take longer to warm up. You can resolve this by fitting wider pipes for the long runs.
You can replace as many or as few radiators as you need to.
If you have a central heating expansion tank, you need to make sure that the top of the radiator(s) is at least one metre below the tank so that the efficiency of the radiator isn’t impaired.
Yes. On a standard central heating system, you must use corrosion inhibitors regardless of what metals the radiators are made of: in fact, failure to do so will invalidate the manufacturer’s guarantee. If you have a secondary hot water system, you cannot use corrosion inhibitors; therefore the metals you can use will be restricted, but as long as the radiators you choose are suitable for your system, you can mix and match as much as you like.
Ultimately, your boiler and central heating system will contain mixed materials throughout so using radiators made from different materials to one another won’t be a problem.
The main thing you need to bear in mind is to use a corrosion inhibitor that is suitable for aluminium radiators or ‘mixed metals’ – not every inhibitor is suitable so read the label carefully.
We offer a large range of towel radiators that have an optional electric heating element. In the colder months, they will warm up when the central heating is on; in the summer months, simply switch to electricity. This is an excellent option to consider if you don’t wish to turn on your central heating in the summer.
On radiators attached to your central heating system, you will need one set of valves; on one side the valve is used to control the temperature of the individual radiator; the valve on the other side is used to balance the system. We stock a range of valves to complement your designer radiators. If you would like advice about valves, feel free to contact us.
Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) have an in-built temperature sensor which/that keeps the room temperature at a constant level. On the other hand, manual valves are effectively the same as taps – you turn the valve to control the temperature of the room. However, with no thermostat, you will have to keep an eye on the temperature yourself as the radiator will stay at that temperature regardless of how hot or cold the room actually is.
We recommend TRVs to be installed on your radiators as these offer efficiency and full controllably. However, in rooms that are often humid such as a bathroom or showroom, manual valves may be a better option to consider as humidity can provide TRV’s with false readings.
When fitting radiator valves, you may come across the initials BBOE, TBOE or TBSE. These indicate how the water flows around the radiator and therefore show where the valves should be fitted, i.e.:
BBOE – Both Bottom Opposite Ends, meaning the valves will be placed at the bottom of the radiator on opposite ends. Most standard radiators are configured this way.
TBOE – Top and Bottom Opposite Ends, often seen on old cast iron radiators.
TBSE – Top and Bottom Same Ends, also mostly seen on old cast iron radiators.
Our radiators usually have the option for several different connections so please contact us to check availability should you require a none standard connection type.
Angled radiator valves connect the radiator with the pipework at an angle. This is usually in situations where the central heating pipework comes from under the floor. Corner valves are generally needed when the pipework emerges from the wall and if you require a more discreet look. Lastly, straight valves are often used for pipe working coming out from the floor and are compatible with radiators with underneath connection. If you are uncertain about which valve you need please contact us for advice.
Cast iron radiators add an air of authenticity to period properties. They can also enhance contemporary interiors, adding a timeless quality that transcends fashion.
The density and mass of cast iron means your radiator will take longer to warm up, but the advantage of this is that it will also stay hot for a long time after the central heating is turned off.
We often get asked if we sell reclaimed radiators. All of our radiators are brand new but there is no reason not to use a reclaimed radiator. Whilst they can be picked up fairly cheaply, you may need to spend money renovating them and they will not come with a manufacturer’s guarantee. You will also be limited on size, heat output and colour.
On the other hand, reproduction cast iron radiators are often made using templates from original models, can be ordered in whatever size or colour you need, will be ready to plumb in to modern central heating systems, and also come with a manufacturer’s guarantee.
Due the casting process of our cast iron radiators, they will have a slightly rougher finish compared to more contemporary materials. This means that you will achieve a good paint finish. If you are painting or repainting your radiator, we would recommend using a spray paint because of the difficulty reaching into the middle columns with a brush.
Please don’t attempt to powder coat your cast iron radiator. The powder coating process involves prolonged high-temperature baking and this will damage the gaskets between the sections. NB: If you powder coat cast iron radiators, you will invalidate the manufacturer’s guarantee.
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