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If your heating system has been in place for a while, you might be wondering whether it’s time to start upgrading it. Even if your boiler is working well, your radiators might not be. So, do you replace them? Although it’s recommended that you use a plumber or heating engineer to do the work, installing a new radiator isn’t too difficult. But how do you know if you really need a new radiator?
Here’s some common reasons you might need get a new radiator, along with the benefits of making the change:
Age and performance
The first reason you might need a new radiator is the age and poor performance of your existing one. If your radiators are a few decades old or perhaps even older, then there’s a good chance that they’re not heating your home efficiently.
Modern radiators have a better surface area and shape, so they’re designed to heat a room more efficiently – improving the warmth of your home and reducing the energy you use. So, even if you’re only replacing a small radiator, it’s going to make a difference to how the room feels.
Another improvement you may notice is the controls. New radiator controls are much easier to adjust with user-friendly thermostats. This extra functionality helps you to reduce your heating bills and keeps rooms at the right temperature.
Rust and corrosion
Another reason you might need a new radiator is rust and corrosion. These defects affect the function of the radiator.
It may be that water is leaking out of the bottom or perhaps an internal blockage is causing problems. But rust or corrosion will prevent your heating system from working properly. So, if you see a problem with the condition of your radiator, it’s time to get a new one installed.
If your radiator has corroded from the inside, it’s also worth getting your whole heating system checked, as a build-up of sludge may cause similar problems with your other radiators.
Change of style
Of course, there might not be anything physically wrong with your radiator at all. You may simply want to change the style of it to match your interiors.
Column radiators are a popular choice for those wanting to modernise their interiors and make a radiator more attractive to look at. And those renovating a period property may fancy installing a reproduction cast iron radiator to suit the age of the property more. Plus, switching a standard radiator for a heated towel rail in the bathroom can make the space more practical. So, there are plenty of aesthetic reasons to change your radiators.
Benefits of getting a new radiator
Hopefully, you’ll now understand the main reasons why you might need a new radiator. But, if you’re still wondering whether it’s really worth doing, let’s go over the benefits of doing it.
The main benefit is to ensure your heating system is working efficiently, so you stay warm and don’t waste energy. And along with better radiator controls, you should be able to lower your energy bills. But not only that, you won’t have to worry about leaks and blockages. Finally, changing a radiator gives you the opportunity for a style upgrade.
Alternatives to a new radiator
But do you need to replace an old radiator for a new one? Or is there another alternative? Well, this depends on your budget and needs.
If you want to free up wall space or think a radiator spoils the look of a room, you might want a more discrete heating option. The most obvious alternative is underfloor heating. However, you do need to make sure it will work with your existing system and that your flooring is suitable. Another option could be skirting-board heating. But as this is a less well-known form of heating, you may find it tricky to find a local installer to fit it. So, if you’re weighing up which type of heating to go for, be sure to do your homework.