There really isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ choice when you are looking for the best radiator for your home. You will need to take several factors into consideration when making your choice, including your budget and the room layout. That being said, the crucial factor is how energy efficient the radiator is. If you choose a low-cost radiator that has high running costs, the overall savings will not be long-term. We will guide you through the process of selecting the most energy-efficient radiator for your home.
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What Should The wattage Be?
The first thing you will need to consider is the wattage of the radiator. Several factors will decide whether you need a 600W, 1200W, or 2000W. These factors are as follows:
- the room size
- the number of windows as well as the window types
- the number of doors
- the flooring type
- whether there is a heated room below or above the room
- how many outside walls there are
You can calculate the right wattage for your needs using a BTU (British Thermal Unit) calculator. If your calculation falls in between two wattages you should opt for the higher one. A good quality energy efficient radiator will be designed with a built-in sensor that will make sure that the correct amount of heat is generated to keep the room at the right temperature. This means that even if you have a higher wattage radiator than necessary you still will not be wasting energy.
Below are some of the features to look out for in energy-efficient radiators:
- The Construction
The superior electric radiators have an all-metal body, the most popular being made of aluminium. Aluminium is a lightweight material and is a superconductor, this means it will heat up quickly. Even when you see a radiator that is advertised as all-metal, you still need to check that parts such as the fascia and end panels are not made of plastic. Plastic parts are sometimes used to lower the manufacturing costs, however, these are not as durable and can also discolor. As well as checking that it is all-metal you should also ensure that it has a scratch-resistant coating. This feature will keep the radiator looking at its best throughout its lifetime. Interchangeable electronics are another feature to look out for. In other words, the control panels can be replaced easily and hence it does not require the purchase of a new radiator, even out of warranty. Finally, even though we all know that smooth surfaces may look pleasing to the eye, the traditional boiler-fed radiator has a purpose-designed ridge appearance. This gives more surface area for heat exchange, hence, choose a ridged surface where possible to improve efficiency. - Output Of Heat
Superior electric radiators combine both converted and radiant heat. If you are able to choose a unit that makes use of multiple ceramic plates and also has a sealed thermodynamic core you will be making a wise choice. This type of unit will be able to generate a constant level of heat hence proving a better level of comfort. Although these details may sound technical, good retailers will have no problem guiding you through the sleection to find the right model. - Programmability
Efficient electric radiators should offer 24/7 digital programming. This allows you to set up an exact heating schedule so that you can always have your home heated when you need it. This energy-saving feature means you are in control of your home’s heat in a new and innovative way. It ensures you do not waste money heating rooms that are not being used or when no one is at home.