Introduction
Energy-efficient radiators are available in a range of styles that can be used in various buildings, homes and requirements. They are also priced differently as well, so if you’re thinking about changing your radiators to energy-efficient ones this guide is ideal to help you make the best choice for your requirements.
Types of Energy Efficient Radiators
There are many different radiators that are identical. There’s a wide variety of designs and styles and some are designed to meet the needs of different types of properties.
But, a specific segment of radiators are made for energy efficiency, a factor that is becoming increasingly essential to all people in these times. For everything from financial savings to positive effect to the natural environment, eco-friendly radiators offer a variety of advantages, but of course, they’re not without their flaws as well. Check out the different radiators on this page and determine which one is the best choice for you.
Dual Fuel Radiators
Dual fuel radiators have become among the most popular new product categories in the heating sector and are available in various styles including towel rails and vertical kitchen heaters.
They can be an extremely beneficial purchase for your home due to many reasons. Their versatility makes them more efficient than central heating that is electrical or only electric.
Dual fuel radiators can be powered by central heating or electric power and can be switched as easily as you’d like it to. This means you can run the entire dual-fuel radiator at the same time by using central heating or use one radiator to heat specific rooms with the electric option.
The versatility of these radiators is unparalleled across the marketplace and their efficiency is amazing. Here is an overview of pros and cons to show the benefits of these radiators and what you might be missing out on making use of these radiators:
Pros
- Ideal for heating rooms individually. Maybe you’re looking to warm your bathroom for a warm towel, or perhaps you’d like to keep your kid’s room cool in summer. The capability to power certain radiators in the home can be extremely beneficial.
- Utilize less gas We all have rooms that don’t get used often but with a solely central heated radiator, the room will be heated in any case it is wanted to or not.
- Switch quickly – With these dual fuel radiators you can have the source switched by switching a valve that cuts out the central heating part. It’s simple and quick to perform.
Cons
- You’ll need to operate each radiator with your hands
As you can see, there aren’t any disadvantages to these kinds of radiators, and you can get these without spending a fortune too. They can be purchased at a price as low as £90 or as high as £450. It’s all about the dimensions and the style you want.
Electric Radiators
Electric radiators are an excellent option to heat your home while keeping the goal of energy efficiency. It’s also an ideal way to warm your home when you aren’t able to access gas for heating. They are extremely easy to set up since you’ll need only an electrical outlet in order for them to operate.
They are packed with thermodynamic fluid, usually oil, which when combined with electricity transforms to heat energy. Because there isn’t water inside the radiators it is not necessary to drain them, which makes maintenance much simpler. The radiator will be equipped with a thermostat to regulate what heat is released by the heater.
They’re cost-effective, efficient in energy use and ideal for apartments or smaller homes. There are tiny freestanding heaters starting just £20 and bigger wall-mounted radiators could be as high as £700 for the larger models. You can however purchase wall-mounted radiators that are suitable for homes at approximately £200. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of installing electric radiators:
Pros
- With all power transformed into heat electric radiators are more efficient in energy use and are more sustainable than central heating.
- The temperature of the electric radiators with the touch of a dial which is usually not available in conventional central heating systems.
- Installation is quick and simple, whether wall or floor mounted.
- It requires very little maintenance and will seldom be the focus of tradespeople.
Cons
- Though uncommon, power outages could cause your heating system to be inoperable.
- While the devices themselves are efficient however, the power required to power them is about 3 times more expensive than gas. However, you might not have to run it as frequently because central heating is already in place and you can also power individual radiators with electric power, so you could still make savings.
Double Panel Radiators
Double panel radiators often referred to as Type 22 radiators. They consist of two panels made of steel and two convectors to create the heat component that the radiator.
They are especially beneficial for rooms bigger than average because they generate a greater quantity of heat compared to standard radiators. In turn, the larger the panels of the radiator are, the more heat that will be released through it. This means that you will get a larger quantity of heat for the duration you keep the radiator running.
They are surprisingly affordable to purchase, with prices ranging between £60 and up until £130. This is a great price for the volume of heat they create and are an ideal choice for large areas. These are the advantages and disadvantages of these kinds of radiators.
Pros
- They can be purchased inexpensively and are readily available in various dimensions and styles to match every room.
- You will get twice the strength of traditional radiators, without the need to run it for a longer period of time. Heating large rooms more quickly increases the efficiency of your costs.
Cons
- Double panel radiators may be quite bulky in certain rooms.
- It is possible that it will be too strong for rooms with smaller spaces which can cause them to overheat and make them uncomfortable.
- The designs are typically boring and simple.
Aluminium Radiators
Aluminium radiators are made to heat up faster than other radiators. They also operate at a high temperature in comparison to others. They are generally less expensive to operate based on the amount of time it takes to ensure they are burning at a high temperature.
Apart from its heating capabilities, aluminium is extremely durable to corrosion which makes maintenance easier in the long run and prolonging the life that your radiator will last. Aluminium radiators can be recycled easily, increasing their eco-friendly qualities.
They’re priced a bit higher than the other aluminium radiators that range from £150 to £600. Similar to most radiators the size determines the price. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of radiators made of aluminium:
Pros
- The temperature rises rapidly and can reach an extremely high temperature, keeping running time at a minimum, and cost-effective.
- Recyclable after the expiration of their useful life.
- It is very water-resistant and won’t corrode easily, making them last longer.
- Extremely light.
Cons
- It is more expensive than other radiators.
- Children can be at risk in the absence of protection due to its extreme heat.
- It can cool down the speed at which it gets hot.
Monthly Cost of Energy Efficient Radiators
The cost-efficiency aspect of energy efficient radiators differs due to many factors like the size of the house and location within the home flooring, the season, and a host of other factors. But, you can calculate the estimated running cost of a radiator that is energy efficient to determine which one will suit your requirements and home the best.
We provide the monthly estimated cost of all radiators below.
Dual Fuel Radiators
Dual fuel radiators will be likely the most difficult to determine due to the elasticity of these radiators. However, here are some estimates to assist you in making a decision.
The exact cost will depend on the price you get through your supplier electric and gas. To calculate the cost of the dual radiator you can use the following equation:
It is possible to use the same formula to evaluate the energy efficiency of the current one. The price is based on the time you spend on each setting and the amount of time you utilize the radiator, as well as other aspects in your home.
But, if you install dual fuel radiators, each time you utilize the power function for individual radiators, instead of using all of them to power it will result in evident reductions on the monthly expenses.
Electric Radiators
It might appear that gas is the cheapest alternative for heating your home, considering that gas is about three to four times less expensive than electricity for every kWh. But it’s not taking into account the appliances that use electricity and gas.
Electric heaters can save you money since they can be turned up separately. Therefore, instead of having to turn on and run eight radiators in your house each when you’re in need of your warm bedroom, just turn one up. Also, you save money on the time it takes to warm up with electric heaters attaining the desired temperature in a half-hour. Gas boilers waste an enormous amount of energy with a rate of approximately 10 percent.
Double Panel Radiators
They still employ the old method of heating with gas; however, they’re designed to release a much higher quantity of heat at the same time. Many people who have big rooms in their home are able to observe that regardless of the amount of time they leave their standard radiator on it, the room doesn’t warm up in a satisfactory manner. This is because the radiator is not able to generate enough heat.
If you use the double panel radiator it is possible to heat large spaces effectively and rapidly and efficiently, which will reduce the amount of time it takes to power considerably. They may not be cost effective in smaller spaces and could be too heavy, which is why it’s essential to select the right radiator with care to get the most value for money.
Aluminium Radiators
Aluminium radiators are cost-effective because of a variety of reasons. Firstly, they heat quickly and at a high temperature. Similar to Dual Panel radiators it means you spend less time with the radiator running and burning fuel, resulting in paying less each month. Aluminium radiators are estimated to reduce energy consumption by 5-10% each year, compared to traditional heating.
Yearly Cost of Energy Efficient Radiators
The savings from energy-efficient products are typically appreciated and monitored better over the course of years rather than months or weeks. This is due to the fact that looking at them in a short period of time can conceal the savings that are made.
Each radiator we’ve looked at and examined offers savings in various ways and in different types of homes. Aluminium and electric are both perfectly suitable for smaller rooms, dual fuel is a great choice for those who require more control and flexibility, while the double-panel can warm large spaces quickly and efficiently.
If you select the right option, you’ll observe the effects over the course throughout the entire year. Be aware of the other elements you are able to control when you are purchasing an energy efficient heater or set. Think about how your home affects the price of heating by elements like wood flooring, doors that are draughty and windows. Also, consider the amount of radiators that are located around your house and the frequency you utilize your heating system.
Potential Savings Switching to Energy Efficient Radiators
If you’re considering replacing your heating system with an energy efficient system there are some savings that can be realized during the procedure. In the first instance, if you purchase a complete set through a supplier or retailer, you may get massive discounts that can be accessed by the retailer or supplier. There is also the option of installing solar panels that generate electricity on your own.
A lot of households and individuals have made the switch in recent times due to the huge savings on electricity costs. If your home is blessed with plenty of sunshine you could save you money over time.
Keeping Your Radiators Efficient
There are many ways to make sure your heating system runs smoothly in the long run by making sure proper care and maintenance is performed. Here is a list of methods to make sure your radiators are operating at their best.
Flush Radiators
The radiators must be flushed in order to get rid of any accumulation of sludge inside them, which can suffocate the liquid that circulates. You can determine the extent to which your radiator suffers from this issue by the areas of the radiator that could be cold, whereas other areas are hot.
It’s not just that this will cost more as you’re not receiving the required heat to keep your radiator warm, but it can likely impact the system in general. Here’s how you can fix it:
- Switch off your heating system.
- Put a sheet on top of the radiator you intend to flush
- Shut off all valves in order to disconnect the radiator from the rest of the system.
- Utilize a radiator key to unlock the bleed valve by capturing the sludge and water into the bucket that is placed just beneath it
- Lock the key by turning it. the radiator once there is nothing left to the radiator.
- Clean it with a moist cloth, then reopen the valves, and then turn on the heating system.
Insulate Pipes
The concept behind the idea of insulating pipes is to reduce the loss of heat by hot water pipes travelling through the radiator. Insuring pipes with insulation is an inexpensive and simple method to increase the efficiency that your heater can provide. Just purchase some caulk rope, foam, or fibreglass insulation from a hardware retailer and wrap them around hot water pipes, but be cautious that you don’t burn yourself on your fingers. It is best to turn off your heating unit prior to doing any work with the pipes.
Use Thermostatic Radiator Valves
An thermostatic radiator valve usually called TRV’s. It is a valve for radiators that self-regulates when connected to an appliance for heating hot water. They function by sensing the temperatures of air within the room, and then altering the flow of hot water to ensure that the desired temperature is maintained.
They are easy to install and can be bought in a variety of designs and colours at around £30.
FAQs
Q: Are oil radiators more energy efficient?
A: Oil radiators are more efficient based around the amount of wasted energy. Oil filled radiators convert all power into heat wasting no electricity.
Q: How much do solar panels cost?
A: You can purchase a solar panel set for between £4,000 and £6,000. This may seem like an extremely big purchase, but you will see the benefits for years to come and experts estimate they could pay for themselves in a matter of years.
Q: How do you install a thermostatic radiator valve?
A:
- Isolate the radiator
- Isolate the water supply to the radiator
- Remove the radiator from the wall following instructions from the radiator supplier
- Remove current valve
- Fit new valve following supplier instructions
- Re-fit the radiator to the wall
- Fit the new adapter and head
Q: How much does caulk rope cost?
A: Caulk rope usually costs around £1 per metre and can be found in any hardware store.
Q: How can I find out how much I am being charged per kWh?
A: Your energy provider will have full details about how much you are being charged per kWh and also if there is a way to reduce this by changing plan.
