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John Klee

Hot Water Radiators Explained: A Guide to the Best Radiators for your Home




Hot water radiators offer a stylish and effective means to heat your home. If you are replacing a radiator or shopping for a brand new one, there’s plenty of factors to consider. This guide provides an insight into the best radiators for sale. It also explains how to select the perfect option for your home.
 
There are a huge variety of hot water radiators for sale in a wide choice of designs. Each provides their own specific benefits. Modern and traditional styles are available, as well as blended types too. So you can be sure to find a look to enhance any room.
 
Obviously, the aim is to identify a stylish hot water radiator that will enhance your home. A hot water radiator will benefit your home both performance-wise, and aesthetically.


The type of wall in your chosen room will help you to eliminate certain styles from your thinking. Especially so if you are scouring modern, wall-hung options. The material, look and size of your wall acts as a basic starting point to determine which kind of hot water radiator will suit.

Brick & Masonry Walls

For the widest scope, brick and masonry walls are an ideal backing surface. These types of walls allow you to hang your radiator from any area, and opt for any size of rad.

Plasterboard & Studwork Walls

By contrast, plasterboard walls, which feature a hollow space in behind. They’ll also require you to position your radiator in a certain spot where the studs are situated (the strongest part). As such, you may be forced to choose a radiator of a particular size. This is so it can be attached to a plasterboard or studwork wall.

Is your Wall in a suitable condition for Hot Water Radiator Installation?

You should also consider the state of the wall you’re hoping to attach your radiator to. You don’t want to install a hot water radiator before realizing your wall requires repair work. A quick check will suffice. Fill in any cracks and paint or paper your wall to achieve a look you want prior to installation.

How will your plumbing affect your Radiator wall options?

Plumbing is an element you definitely need to consider. Where your pipes are located can either widen or limit your hot water radiator options. If your pipework emits from the floor, your installation can potentially prove more troublesome. Especially if you’ll be adding a larger replacement hot water radiator. Floorboards may need to be lifted to allow you to alter the position of the pipes. If your pipework travels along the wall, you can most likely select a bigger radiator. Or one incorporating a different shape. Existing wall pipework can simply be cut or extended to suit your hot water wall radiators. Pipework will potentially be left exposed though. Therefore, you need to decide if you like that look for your chosen room.




Of the several types of hot water radiators for sale, each possess their own unique advantages. The layout of the room, and surrounding features and fixtures, will help shape the best style to opt for. Of course, you would likely choose a different radiator for the kitchen than for the bathroom. The size of the room will be another prominent factor in your hot water radiator choice.

Vertical and Horizontal

The very first big decision you’ll have to make is between vertical and horizontal radiators. Vertical hot water radiators are an ideal choice for areas with limited wall space and high ceilings. A tall and slender profile makes vertical rads unlikely to intrude on furniture and fixtures. The aesthetics of vertical hot water radiators has also improved no-end recently. As such, your vertical radiator can represent a superbly stylish focal point of a room.
 
Horizontal hot water radiators are the more traditional version. Spanning a wider surface area than vertical rads, they can deliver a broader spread of heat. Horizontal radiators are often situated beneath windows to counter the cool air entering the room. They also help to keep the more significant wall space free. Positioning horizontal rads elsewhere can impact on the placement of furniture, however. You wouldn’t want your radiator to be located behind a sofa, for example. This could lead to its heat distribution being blocked.
 
The size and layout of your room will probably ultimately determine whether you opt for a vertical or horizontal hot water radiator.

Modern and Traditional

Are you happy with your existing home décor? Planning to modernize any time soon? A paint job perhaps? New laminate flooring?
 
These are all factors to think about before deciding on a modern or traditional radiator such as a cast iron radiator. The market nowadays is saturated with contemporary options. Brightly colored rads especially have enjoyed a rapid popularity rise in recent months. But they probably won’t look too good teamed with dull wall patterns and a dated carpet. Again, the surrounding area will largely dictate your choice.
 
Budget is a related factor too; would you prefer to split costs and upgrade your décor as well as your radiator? Or instead select a radiator that meshes well with the look of your current room? This section may ultimately feature more questions than answers. But these decisions will come down to your personal preference overall.

Designer Hot Water Radiators

Vertical and horizontal. Modern and traditional. Designer hot water radiators are highly sought after nowadays. Designer radiators are available an impressive choice of finishes. As such, they allow you to make a real style statement in the form of a highly effective home heating solution. This type of hot water radiator design can act as a centerpiece in any given room. It is certain to stand the test of time both performance and appearance-wise. For an ultra-modern look, chrome designer radiators are a safe bet to improve any interior.




Hudson Reed’s hot water radiator collection is split into several categories. This shortlist gives a brief overview of some of the finest options from each. See what takes your fancy from the available types, and which kind of finish is preferable to your taste.

Traditional & Cast Iron Radiators

The Regent vertical traditional cast iron radiator will match modern and classic style interiors. A quality high gloss black finish is sure to enhance any surroundings. With a slim design and massive heat output, it’s perfect for landing areas or hallways with tall walls. View our full range of cast iron radiators.

Anthracite Designer Radiators

Our Revive horizontal double panel radiator’s neat, compact design makes it suitable for installation in any space. Smart rounded tubes provide a contemporary look. And despite its small profile, this rad still offers an impressive heat output. It is made from steel to ensure long lasting durability. View our full range of anthracite designer radiators.

White Designer Radiators

A bathroom, kitchen or living room would all be enhanced by the Sloane vertical double flat panel radiator. Slim, flat panels combine to create a modern profile. And the striking white finish will match up well with any decor. View our full range of white designer radiators.

Silver and Chrome Designer Radiators

The Vertice heated towel radiator rail is another compact option that can be fitted in any room in a home. This radiator perfectly fuzes modern and traditional design elements. It offers superb functionality in addition to lovely aesthetics. A floorstanding profile opens up a variety of installation options. It looks especially complementary alongside laminate hardwood flooring. View our full range of towel warmers.

High Gloss Black Radiators

The Revive black horizontal double panel designer radiator really stands. Boasting an especially lengthy design, it incorporates an impressive 28 vertical columns. The rad is an excellent choice for areas with wider walls. It will suit both modern and traditional interiors. The high gloss black finish makes for a smart contrast with white surroundings. View our full range of black designer radiators.

Central Connection Radiators

Our central connection radiator collection is also abound with stunning modern designs to enhance any room. The Vivara white vertical flat panel designer radiator is just one option. It will add an art deco vibe to your chosen area. A sleek flat panel and the included central connection valves help to maximize space. Plus, a top quality steel construction ensures the rad’s performance lives up to its looks. The radiator is supplied in a choice of sizes. It is also available in an attractive anthracite finish which may better suit your decor.



Once you’ve identified the right hot water radiator, you’ll need to select the correct valves. This is to complete its look and ensure it operates to full capacity. Hot water radiator valves actually warrant close scrutiny prior to purchase.
 
All plumbed hot water radiators will require valves. They are used to regulate heat output. Some radiators will be supplied complete with valves. You may have to purchase them separately in some instances, though. As with hot water radiators, there are a plethora of valves on the market. So you can be sure to find an ideal option to suit your rad.

Thermostatic Valves

Thermostatic valves are extremely practical. They measure the temperature of your space and distribute heat accordingly. Their performance can be customized to the user’s needs, helping you to save on energy costs in the long run.

Manual Valves

Contrastingly, manual valves don’t offer any thermostatic control. They are used simply to switch the radiator on or off, but require regular attention. Forgetting to switch off your manual valves when they are not in use is a sin! It can result in an unwanted monster energy bill!

Angled and Straight Valves

Once you’ve decided between thermostatic and manual valves, you need to select either an angled or straight design. The difference between each is exactly as their moniker suggests. Angled radiator valves connect to your pipework at an angle, most often 90 degrees. This type is perfect for areas where the pipework emerges from the wall or floorboards. It is sure to require an angle to reach the radiator inlet connection.
 
Straight radiator valves don’t feature any curves or bends. They simply connect the central heating system to the hot water radiator straight up from the floor. They are best suited to rooms where the pipework runs along the wall and straight to the radiator.
 
Both thermostatic and manual valves are available in angled and straight designs. So you won’t struggle to find an option suited to your specific needs.

H-Block Valves

For middle connection radiators, meanwhile, H-block valvesare the standout choice. That is with regards to both looks and functionality. Their H-shaped profile ensures they’ll preserve space. They also perfectly complement the appearance of any central connection rad.



After buying your dream hot water radiator and accompanying valves, the installation process can begin. Before purchase, you should have identified where you want to position your radiator. You should have also decided the type of wall, if any, it will be attached to. You’ll need a roll of PTFE tape and a valve key or spanner to get started.

  1. Wrap PTFE tape vertically around your radiator. This helps it to stay secure as you adjust it into the correct position.
  2. Either lift the hot water radiator onto your wall, or, for floor standing radiators, set it in the appropriate floor space.
  3. Attach the valves. Make sure they are accurately located to allow for easy connection with your pipes.
  4. Tighten the valves using a valve key or a spanner, but be wary not to over-tighten!
  5. Open both the bleed valve and flow valve at the top and bottom of your radiator. Monitor the bleed valve until water begins to leak from it – don’t worry, that’s a good sign! It means your radiator is now filled with water.
  6. Open the return valve (also known as the lock-shield valve). This is situated at the foot of your hot water radiator. It is opened by turning the handle in an anti-clockwise direction. This enables the water to circulate and distribute throughout your radiator evenly.
  7. To complete your installation, simply check for leaks and switch on your new radiator to test it out! You should be all done. But if you’d like a visual representation of exactly how to install a hot water radiator, check out the video below…



Happy to have helped! Enjoy your brand new hot water radiator, and be sure to check out the Hudson Reed USA blog for more home help and advice. Our specific guide on where to position a radiator might be of particular interest.
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