How do you measure a radiator's size? What's the best way?

How do you measure a radiator's size? What's the best way?

How do you measure a radiators size?

A radiators size used to be dictated by the width and height of the window. Here in the UK the seasons are definitely changing and there is not really the defined winter and summer periods that the older generations remember. This could be a phase or nostalgia but the weather is un-predictable and the distinct days of bleak winter mornings with constant low temperatures are just not occurring these days. This is also compounded by the fact that we are more city dwellers than ever before and they can also produce their own microclimates. Furthermore building and techniques have changed to make households more efficient and less susceptible to heat loss. This all leads onto the topic and the change that is being seen in how you measure the size of a radiator? In previous times it did not really matter on our radiators size, as most houses did not have heating and the advent of central heating was not really regulated as it is now. The radiator technology has also improved with the addition of convector fins and better production techniques. It is imperative that you size a radiator correctly to the room as it is pointless to overheat it. This causes us to open windows and a fluctuating temperature is not comfortable. The mean comfort temperature is the best way to heat a room and this is achieved by the correct sizing of a radiator. The introduction of thermostatic radiator valves has also increased the control and comfortability of heating a room and although it is advisable not to oversize a radiator, if there are external factors like sunlight or increased insulation a TRV is a great way to reduce the heat in a room. [caption id="attachment_454" align="alignleft" width="150"]Radiators size with a BTU Calculator Choose the right output radiator for your room![/caption] Measuring the size of a radiator required is easily done using our radiator calculator online that uses size, type and other facets of the build in a room to ascertain the heating output required. The results are displayed in kilowatts and BTU’s or British Thermal Units and really should be used exactly or within the nearest possible size as it is pointless to oversize a radiator as it is counter productive. All radiators have a BTU or KW rating and should be displayed on the product or within the description. Please be really careful as all of our radiators are rated according to Delta T50°C which is the standard in the UK. Unfortunately there is a lot of sellers out there that choose to use Delta T60°C which gives an inflated output. This is also counterproductive as customers can complain about being cold or the room never really getting to temperature. If in doubt please give us a call or email and we can advise you on what to buy, but really having a really good measure up and using our radiator calculator online will make choosing the right radiator much easier.