Updating your radiators the modern way

What to check when buying radiators on the Internet

There are many reasons to consider updating your heating system. Perhaps you have moved house and do not have central heating. Or perhaps your multicolumn radiators are old and could do with some attention for reasons of economy and efficiency. This is particularly true with the increasing prices of heating bills, which looks set to continue into the future as natural oil and gas become rarer. Today's radiators are significantly more efficient and effective than older models. The Internet is the best place to search for inspiration and for more unusual and stylish heating solutions than the high street or your local plumber will be able to offer. Most plumbers are happy to fit products that you have bought yourself, including towel rails . However, you will need to ensure that you buy the right size, design, capacity and associated fittings at the time. Many of the more modern flat Panel Radiators have central valve systems, which hide the pipe work behind the middle of the unit. You may also want to buy thermostatic valves which enable you to adjust the temperature of individual rooms. It is relatively easy to move a unit, so do think creatively about the room layout and best use of space, and perhaps consider an unusual shape or design, such as a vertical unit. As with anything, if you are unsure of what you need make sure you seek professional advice.

A guide to modern and compact brands

Compact, flat-fronted plain radiators are energy efficient and can save space in any room. One of the leading brands in flat units, deco-therm radiators are made from aluminium and are available in white, polished aluminium and grey as well as a range of other bright colours. They are very narrow, with widths starting at as little as 283mm, and are ideal for fitting in small spaces or behind doors. Carat Radiators are sleek, minimalist designs available in white flat fronted panel styles. They have single, double and triple panels and can be fitted in a variety of ways, from the usual valve system to hidden "central" valves. Planal radiators are also a very slim line style. They protrude as little as 88 mm from the wall to the front of the unit. Many of their styles have valves underneath the radiators, or connect at the top of the side, but they also offer "normal" connections at the bottom of the side panel. Do remember to check this as adding new valves and pipe work will cost and may be something that your plumber advises against. All energy efficient modern boilers will be able to power these sorts of radiators but if you have an older boiler, it may be worth checking with your supplier or plumber what capacity you need. They will enable towels to be tidied out of the way and to dry quickly, as well as providing enough heat for the room.

When both design and efficiency are important

Cast Iron radiators may look great, particularly in a period property or even a contemporary flat in a Victorian building, but is using an original find from a reclamation yard really the best idea? These radiators are likely to have leaks and rust, and will need a thorough clean inside and out. They are also going to be far less efficient than a modern version, which will look the part but be much more cost effective. The stylish retro versions produced by ancona radiators come in 2, 3 or 4 columns in up to 24 sizes and 3 different heights. These are available in black or white steel with welded feet, and can be free standing. These are some of the best designed and original styles of old fashioned column radiators in the market. Surely one of the most innovative and stylish manufacturers you will find, they also produce a bench style unit- a seat and a heater in one. In the shape of a bench, it has an open top that can be fitted with MDF, fabric or wood seats. Whilst these sorts of radiators aren't going to work in many homes, they are ideal for games rooms, changing rooms and conservatories and under low windows. Finally, many products are available in a range of different colours, in patterns or mirrored finishes, and most can also be painted to fit with any design scheme.

Finding heating units for tight or tricky spots

Sometimes, it is just not possible to find what you are looking for easily. Perhaps you have moved your furniture around, or bought a new kitchen, and know that you could fit everything in if you could only move your radiators away from their current position under a window or along an outside wall, to behind a door or by a cupboard. Or perhaps, like me, your heating system is very old, and measurements of the valves and pipe work that are already installed do not match the radiators that are widely available through your plumber. There is no longer a need to be restricted in this way. Steel matrix-versatile radiators are slim-line and discrete, with a slight panel effect. They come in any dimension that you need and are also available in vertical styles, which are great for tucking behind doors. You could also consider getting your units custom made. For example, you can now get curved, made to measure products designed especially for bay windows. Bathrooms are other difficult places to fit radiators due to limited space. Even compact versions may not be the best fit or may be too powerful for a small space. One option is to find a mirrored unit, reducing the need for wall space, or otherwise the best solution is to browse the range of heated towel rails now available online. Styles include flat ladder styles, curved ladders, circular and round shapes. Stainless steel towel rails are very stylish