Despite the wonderful array of designs now on the market, potential purchasers of contemporary radiators should not forget that the main purpose of these items is to heat a home. With this in mind, here are some of the critical factors to consider when buying one of these stylish yet functional home interior products.
Firstly, consider the heat output of the radiator in question and how much heat is required in each room to bring it to a comfortable temperature. The calculation of British Thermal Units (BTU) can be undertaken by a Gas Safe Register plumber or heating engineer, or you can obtain a rougher estimate by using one of several online tools.
With this information in mind, you will be able to choose the appropriate contemporary radiators to meet the heating needs of your home. Be aware that although they may be attractive, choosing a radiator with too high a heat output can mean you pay extra for an unnecessary amount of heat. All contemporary radiators, therefore, should be a good BTU match for the room they are intended for.
When choosing contemporary radiators for your home, don't forget that bathrooms require heating too and that there are numerous options on the market to fulfil this need. Heated mirrors, towel warmers that also function as radiators and underfloor heating are all great ways of keeping a bathroom cosy whilst optimising space.
This leads on to the next point to consider: what size do you want your contemporary radiator to be? Of course, contemporary radiators come in all different shapes and sizes, so you are bound to find one that is right for your particular dimensions. For those that are short on space, consider slim vertical radiators or compact horizontal ones - all with sufficient heat output of course!
Generally, contemporary radiators should be placed in the coldest part of a room, which is usually near a window or an exterior wall. For the most part, the larger the radiator, the bigger the heat output. As mentioned before, however, there are many innovative types of radiator on the market that maximise the use of space in a room.
For those who are having trouble finding contemporary radiators that fit their space, heat output and design needs, one excellent option is ordering a bespoke radiator. This may seem like a potentially more expensive option, but it can be ideal in ensuring that all your requirements are met and that your home is perfectly heated for many years to come.
This will also allow you to choose which material your contemporary radiators are made from, a non-negligible factor in the efficiency of the product. Aluminium is a popular choice for its ability to heat up quickly and be moulded into light, easily wall-mountable designs, such as vertical columns. On the downside, aluminium loses heat rapidly when the radiator is switched off.
Cast iron is a more traditional option that is great for emitting heat for a while after the radiator is turned off. They also take, however, a long time to heat up. Newer options for contemporary radiators include glass and stone, which can be exceptionally stylish and very energy efficient.
These are just a few of the factors to be considered when thinking of buying contemporary radiators for your home. The best way to make the right choice is by consulting with a heating expert to ensure that all your requirements are met, and by thoroughly researching the optimal sizes, materials, finishes and quality before making a purchase.
Overall, however, it is crucial to get an accurate heat output reading for each of the rooms you are remodelling and considering the most space-efficient place to put your contemporary radiators. With a little thought as to the efficiency of your radiator as well as its style, you are sure to find the perfect functional yet aesthetically-pleasing addition to your home.
