hot stuff

THE RIGHT RADIATOR CAN HELP CUT COSTS AND UP THE STYLE FACTOR

- OONAGH TURNER

Getting the perfect radiator for your room can alter your home's aesthetic and make a dramatic difference to heating bills, but there are so many things to think about before you settle on style. From energy efficiency to the best materials to go for, these are the secrets to choosing the right radiator.

Firstly, always calculate energy requirement, or British Thermal Unit (BTU), for the room you're heating. This calculation dictates what style and size you can go for and is based on room dimensions and window size. 'One of the most common mistakes when fitting a radiator is calculating the BTU incorrectly,' warns Simon Morris of The Radiator Company. If your BTU output is too high for your room, you may be paying higher energy bills. If it's too low, there won't be enough heat from radiators to keep the space warm and you'll need to turn up the heat, again increasing bills.' A plumber can help determine your BTU, or there are online calculators.