Radiators - Keeping Your House Warm

The really useful guide to… radiators (who would have thought it!)

Not only do our radiators keep us warm on cold chilly days, they save energy and make fantastic style statements too!

Radiators not only provide essential heat but, because they come in all shapes and sizes, you can enjoy their sculptural features as well as their cosy warmth. Upkeep is easy, but if you do want completely new radiators, replacement is just as hassle free. Everything from retro cast–iron to the more modern chrome will guarantee one of the strongest design elements in any room.

Radiators and heating systems today are so efficient that you are free to concentrate on style.

Classic radiators look fantastic in a modern set house or apartment. If you desire a retro look you can pick these up at salvage yards or they can be bought new. You can buy modern reproductions made in chrome with old-fashioned features like patterned claw feet.

Wall mounted radiators set vertically can double up as heated towel rails and are ideal for the bathroom. The slim line ladder look models are ideal for small or awkwardly shaped rooms where space is at a minimum.

Low-level radiators are handy for fitting under tall windows or small spaces. They can be floor rather than wall mounted, one long narrow radiator can be dynamic and really eye catching.

Costs will add up if you get a plumber to replace your radiator, but if your particularly good with your hands why not replace it yourself? Here’s how:

• Firstly lay some towels around the radiator and turn both valves off. Use an adjustable spanner to loosen one of the cap nuts, which the hand-turned valves are under.
• Put a bowl under the valve to catch draining water and open the bleed valve at the top of the radiator to increase the flow. When the water has fully drained disconnect the other cap nut.
• Lift the radiator of its brackets and tilt to drain any remaining water, and then check the brackets to suit the new radiator. Using a spanner, remove the valve connectors from the old radiator and clean the threads with wire wool.
• Screw the connectors into the new radiator and hang it onto the brackets. Connect the valves and open them to allow water into the radiator. Finally, open the bleed valve so air can escape and then tighten.

If you haven’t got the cash to completely replace an unsightly radiator don’t worry, there are some solutions.

• Even the worst radiators have some potential, don’t ignore it. You can paint your radiator to either blend in or contrast with the walls. You can get cheap quick-dry sprays in metallic and brick red effects; this is a really quick and easy way to spruce up your bathroom. Paint unsightly radiators the same colour as the wall, it will blend in effectively.

• You can buy radiator covers in all sorts of colours, they are made to stop children burning their fingers but can be used to hide your radiator and add colour to a room as well.

• If your feeling creative you could make a decorative unit to fit around the radiator, just add wicker lattice vents to let the heat through and your sorted. If not then you can buy them quite cheaply. Just bear in mind that this method will lose some heat efficiency.

Whether you’ve got the cash or not, follow these handy tips to rejuvenate any radiator.

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