Do not ever buy the first radiator you see. You might end up spending a lot of cash and realising it is not even the best option you can find. Before you purchase one, remember that radiators are an investment, so you have to be smart about choosing which one to get. Read our tips to help you find the best radiator for your home!
Familiarise Yourself with Radiator Materials
The radiator material dictates how it heats the room, cools down, and performs in the long run. The most common ones include cast iron, mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminium. Know the basics for each one to have a better grasp of what is suited for you.
Cast Iron
Cast iron is a high-strength metal. Because of its low melting point, cast iron is highly unlikely to deform, making it a good radiator material. Another characteristic of this metal is its low thermal conductivity. Meaning, cast iron radiators take a while to heat the whole room and cool down once turned off. If you want instant heat, cast iron radiators may not be for you.
Steel
Steel is a highly malleable metal which makes it easy to manipulate into different shapes and sizes. Steel allows radiators to have different styles – contemporary, modern, etc. Not to mention, it is a cheaper alternative to most metals, so radiators made from this material are on the affordable side. The downside is steel develops rust easily. You can avoid this with proper maintenance or getting a stainless steel radiator. Either way, steel radiators are one of the go-to options for most people.
Aluminium
As a lightweight superconductor, aluminium is a suitable material for radiators. Aluminium radiators can heat themselves and the room faster than most metals. Unfortunately, its efficiency does not come cheap. They are in the luxurious price range of radiators. Moreover, they are not as durable as steel and cast iron ones. However, if you can properly maintain this expensive radiator, it will be worth the price in the long run.
Set a Reasonable Budget
Appliance shopping can be exciting, such that we often forget how budgets work in the store. We simply choose expensive radiators because they have all the features and accessories. That is a common mistake! You do not have to pay a lot for a good quality product. Set a budget that you believe is a reasonable price for a decent radiator. You can do so by comparing the prices found here and other online stores.
Review Installation Requirements
Knowing where to place your radiator is a crucial step. You cannot just buy one and figure things out when you get home. First, determine the room’s heat output requirement (in BTU’s or Watts) to ensure the radiator size is sufficient for the room. Once you know the standard size, locate a space where the radiator can efficiently fit and heat the room. It is also best to contact professionals for the job. After all, you do not want your radiator to have problems because of DIY installations.
Specify your Design Taste
Just because radiators are sheets of metal does not mean you have to ignore their visual effect in the room. Add your personal touch with the variety of colours and finishes radiators come in. From neutral tones to vibrant made-to-order ones, you can find a radiator that meets heating requirements and maintains the room identity. Aside from that, you can add accessories like towel bars and hanging pegs to your radiator. Buy one that suits your taste.
Read Product Reviews
If other customers have tried the radiator you are aiming for, read their personal experiences with it. It is best to get an honest and unbiased perspective on how the radiator functions by the store customer service. While most product reviews include comments on the delivery and the item, you should also check the ones about warranties and defective products. They let you see how the store responds to customer concerns and inform you of possible problems that you can avoid in the future.
These tips are only a few of what you should know when you go shopping. Hopefully, these helped you find the right radiator for your home. You can find more advice and guides in our interiors category.
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