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To provide the best possible service we hold the most popular sizes of white and chrome models in stock. Stock models of each product range can be found after clicking on the ‘View Radiator Sizes’ button within each product page.
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We pride ourselves in having the widest range of sizes, options, colours and accessories so that you have literally thousands of options to choose from. This means that you can have almost any radiator made to order so that it perfectly suits the space you have available, your interior design and it will also match your heat requirements.
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Expected delivery time depends on whether you order a stock radiator or a Made-to-Order radiator. Stock radiators can be delivered within 3-5 working days from placing an order, whereas Made-to-Order models generally take about 3-6 weeks. Small delays can be expected if radiators are being delivered to Scotland. Please check the detailed delivery details within the product section to see what we have in stock or how long made-to-order deliveries are for that particular model.
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The Radiator Company delivers free of charge, direct to your merchant within mainland UK, using our own fleet of vehicles. Non-mainland delivery charges are available on application at the time of order.
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To establish how much heat your room needs, consult your Gas Safe registered installer or heating engineer. If you want to work it out yourself, visit our
BTU Calculator page. All our radiators are shown with their heat outputs, so you can choose a radiator or a number of radiators whose outputs add up to the heat you need. All outputs listed are calculated in line with the European BSEN442 Testing Standard at 50°C (the latest standards for modern boiler systems). To convert 50°C to 60°C simply multiply x 1.264.
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To convert BTUs to Watts, divide by 3.412
To convert Watts to BTUs, multiply by 3.412
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By altering the size, shape or number of tubes or columns in a radiator you can adjust the output achieved. For example, we have a huge variety of options in our Ancona range that allow huge flexibility in achieving the right output in a limited space.
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Depending on the range you can select an alternative model with more columns, double or even triple rows of elements to increase output within the same space. You may need to add another radiator into the room to make up the shortfall in output required.
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We do not recommend specific radiators for higher heat outputs as it fully depends on your requirements, such as space, budget and taste. For instance, our Volcano and Tornado ranges use patented tube technology that provides a higher heat output than most radiators of equivalent size. However, if traditional radiators are your taste, our Ancona range provides over 500,000 size options that will cater to almost any room size.
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Traditional cast iron radiators have been the staple material in period homes and schools since the Victorian age. Their dense heavy structure takes time to reach optimal temperature but remains hot long after the central heating is turned off - perfect for cold drafty period homes.
For more control and a range of traditional and modern designs, steel radiators may be the better choice. Comprised from a lighter less dense material, steel radiators will heat up and cool down quickly providing manageable control.
Aluminum is a highly efficient conductive material that will heat up instantly after the central heating is turned on, giving you total control over your central heating system.
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Using models with additional rows of tubes or multiple columns maximizes heat output within the same wall space. Our Volcano design comes in single or double versions, as an example of comparable heat outputs:
Volcano single 1471mm x 400mm = 3439 BTUs
Volcano double 1471mm x 400mm = 5732 BTUs
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The majority of our towel rails can be converted to work as dual application models. An element and T piece is needed to adapt the towel rail; your installer will need to be aware if you wish to do this in order to adjust pipe centres accordingly.
Click here to see our range of elements. If a towel rail is suitable for dual application, it will be noted in the Technical Specification download found on each product page.
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In modern homes, radiator positioning is less important however please feel free to ask for advice. In traditional homes, most radiators are best placed in the coldest part of the room - usually found under a window. Large spaces are more effectively heated with 2 or more, smaller radiators rather than one large one. A rule of the thumb often used in the trade is to have one radiator every four metres (about 15 feet) or so in the room. An alternative could be two tall thin radiators either side of the window or a long low radiator along the wall.
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Many of our designs are available in horizontal or vertical options, which means you can maximize the use of ceiling heights and long low spaces without losing heat output.
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We recommend that clearances of 50mm above and 100mm below should be left clear so heat from the radiator can be effectively distributed.
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Although no radiator should ever be too hot to touch, LST radiators are advisable for areas where a person may injure themselves if left in contact with a traditional radiator due to an accident or fall for example. Such applications are generally hospitals, nurseries and homes for the elderly or infirm but they are also great in children’s rooms and other higher-risk areas of the house.
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The Radiator Company does not provide this type of radiator. Curved radiators are difficult to make and install, requiring templates, hence our decision not to provide this service. For a very similar effect we suggest that you use a series of smaller radiators to make up the total length and shape of the bay. This is also generally more cost effective as curved radiators carry a premium.
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Many of our designs are available in a large selection of RAL colours (188 internationally recognised paint colours) and Special Finishes. If you would like a copy of our RAL or Special Finish chart please contact us by
email or call us on 01342 302250. Please note that due to the printing process and manufacturing tolerances the colour (including white) of a finished radiator may vary slightly from the colours represented on the website and from one colour group to another as well as from our Special Finish & RAL charts. It should also be noted that if the same type of Radiators are ordered and produced they may also differ in finished colour from any previously ordered.
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The radiators supplied with painted finishes have a very durable baked-on powder coated finish that will not fade. They should not be re-painted as this will void the warranty.
Most cast Iron radiators will need to be painted to protect them from rusting over time and this provides you with the opportunity to select a colour that matches your interior. The Radiator Company can provide your cast Iron radiators painted in selection of the most popular RAL colours using a robust and long lasting powder coat paint finish. The powder coat process is a specialist application requiring the radiators to be heated to temperatures in excess of 200 degrees which must be carried out correctly. Using our expert coaters we can guarantee any of our powder coated cast iron radiators for 10 years. If however you look to paint them yourself, there are certain requirements you must follow in order to avoid rusting and discolouration - detailed information about this process can be found
here. In short, you must apply a protective coat of zinc based rust inhibitor as a primer, followed by an acrylic based undercoat and an acrylic based top coat - these must not be water or emulsion based paint. For best results, match the undercoat colour to the top coat colour.
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This can be easily achieved on most traditional open vented systems, however it can be more complex for sealed systems. An open vented system has a feed and expansion tank, with a ball valve and overflow located at high level in the property. A sealed system should have a pressure gauge located in or near the boiler. For open vented systems switch the heating system totally off and allow it to cool. Close the radiator valves at each side of the radiator, making a note of how many turns each valve is open. Place a receptacle under one radiator connection (not the valve to pipe connection) and loosen it until water slowly drains. Some radiator valves have an integral drain point that makes this task easier. Once the water has drained from the radiator, loosen the other radiator connection and remove it. To refit, replace the radiator, re-attach the radiator valves and open the valves to their previous settings. The air vent at the top of the radiator will need to be opened until the radiator is full of water.
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Decorative covers can be utilised, however they will significantly reduce the output of a radiator. The amount of heat reduction is dependent on the actual design of the cabinet so we cannot give an exact heat reduction figure. Thermostatic radiator valves should not be fitted inside covers.
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The TRV controls the radiators temperature by sensing the room air temperature and automatically opening and closing the flow to the radiator to maintain a preset temperature. A manual valve controls the temperature of the radiator regardless of how warm the room already is. TRVs are now a requirement as part of Building regulations, check with your installer to make sure you have the correct valves.
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The wheelhead valve is the temperature control; the other is called a lockshield valve and is used to balance the radiators in the system so that they all heat up at roughly the same rate. Simply put, the radiator closest to the boiler if left unchecked would heat quicker than the one sited at the other end of the house, so the lockshield valves should be set opened at increasing amounts the further away from the boiler the radiator is.
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Even though some of our valves are bi-directional, we recommend they are fitted on the flow pipe rather than the return pipe in order to avoid noises that may naturally occur if they are fitted on the return. If you still want to install your valves on the return pipe, compatible valves can be found on our
brochure page.
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These older valves are identified by having both pipe connections in one radiator valve at one side of the radiator. If new radiators are being fitted it may be advisable to also renew the valves.
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The Radiator Company radiators can be installed by any competent plumber / installer (electrician for electric models) who is preferably Gas Safe registered.
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Radiators are heavy items and should be securely fastened to the wall. Specific care should be taken to identify the construction of the wall and use the appropriate fasteners to secure the radiator bracket. All Radiator Company radiators are supplied with the correct brackets and detailed instructions, which are also available on line.
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Wrap at least five turns of PTFE tape around the threaded tails of the valves and screw them into the radiator. Make sure the PTFE tape stays on the thread rather than just running along it as you tighten. If it does run, undo the valve and roughen the thread slightly with a hacksaw blade then re-tape the thread. Some of our valves have parallel threads which means that they never tighten against a stop like traditional valves so more PTFE than usual is required we recommend the use of gas type PTFE which is much thicker than the standard. The advantage of parallel threads is that they fit the same depth on all radiators so giving pipe centres is more accurate and also the threads are completely hidden inside the end of the radiator.
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We endeavour to ensure all pipe centres are correct, however manufacturing tolerances must be considered; therefore we strongly recommend that pipe work is not altered or adjusted until your new radiator or towel rail is delivered. The Radiator Company will not accept any responsibility for claims resulting from incorrect pipe centres.
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Yes, but on really big cast iron radiators (over 3500 watts) it can prove problematic on balancing the central heating system. If in doubt, ask your plumber / installer.
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All radiators and towel rails featured on this website are suitable for indirect/closed systems that comply with 'BS5449, section 1 forced circulation hot water systems'.
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An indirect system is filled with water that remains in the system and is circulated through the boiler and radiators. A direct system uses mains water that is continually replaced within the system – this causes an influx of oxygen and bacteria in the water, meaning Stainless Steel or Brass radiators should be used to avoid rusting of the radiators or contamination of the water supply.
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Aluminium radiators are installed in exactly the same way as steel or cast iron ones, as with all central heating systems a suitable quality and quantity of inhibitor must be used to avoid corrosion. Mixed metal inhibitors are now easily available from most plumbers merchants. Your installer will know all about this.
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All of our Cast Iron radiators are compatible with normal central heating systems and have British Standard fittings. On an existing system you can replace all the radiators or just the ones you want. Confirm with your installer that your pipe work and system set up is suitable for additional radiators.
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Yes, however, because there is a lot of mass with cast iron, the radiators have the advantage of staying warm long after the central heating has been turned off. This means that the changes in temperature in a room heated with radiators made of cast iron are gentler than those in a room heated with regular radiators. Most people tend to run their central heating twice per day, once in the morning and then again at night, if a third short period is added into the middle of these two times then the warm up time is greatly reduced and the house will remain warm all day and night. When mixing standard radiators with cast iron we find that if the central heating thermostat is sited near a standard radiator the heating may close down before the cast iron radiators sited elsewhere have reached full temperature. The solution is to slow down the standard radiator influencing the thermostat by part closing the lockshield valve on that radiator (the usually covered end valve opposite the temperature control valve on the radiator used to balance the central heating system). Heating a home is partly about heating the fabric of the building. Cast iron radiators are again becoming popular amongst heating engineers and architects (particularly for older buildings) as they tend to retain the warmth in the fabric of the building which in turn counteracts damp and condensation.
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All our radiators are compatible with a single pipe system. However, depending on the setup of your one pipe system, you may need specialist valves. If you are unsure about the compatibility of our valves with your single pipe system, please feel free to
contact us.
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Pockets of oxygen naturally build up in central heating systems due to the amount of fresh water running through it - this in turn causes radiators to become less efficient. Radiators require venting to alleviate the built up of air, which in most cases is a manual process. Where suitable our radiators are supplied with an
Aladdin Automatic Bleed Vent, which automatically vents the radiator eliminating the need to manually vent your radiators.
If you already own a radiator that is cold at the top and hot at the bottom, it is likely that your radiator needs venting (bleeding). Venting is best carried out when the system is cold - simply turn off the heating system and slightly open the air vent (some radiators will require a radiator vent key, others may need a small screwdriver) until water is noted at the air vent. Take care to protect decorated surfaces with a cloth prior to opening the air vent. Gently close the vent and switch the system back on. If the radiators need venting frequently, there may be a fault with the system and a heating engineer should be called. Fitting an
Aladdin Automatic Bleed Vent may help keep radiators vented and improve the efficiency of your system.
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This indicates that the radiator may be receiving an insufficient flow of water; typically large radiators need a higher water flow than small radiators. There may be several reasons for this, such as incorrect balancing, incorrect pipe size or an under-performing or under-sized pump; there may also simply be a blockage in the radiator. A heating engineer should be called to carry out further investigations.