Shopping for radiators today is a very different experience from what it has been in the past. Designer options are available to match any home décor, and many consumers focus on that aspect. Craig Bonnyman gives us his insight into why stylish shoppers need to keep the basics in mind.
Craig Bonnyman has a long association with the central heating industry. He’s seen first-hand the transition from standard radiators for all to the wealth of options around today. He believes some consumers are missing the bigger picture in a rush to follow the latest trends.
Radiator shopping used to be simple. Replacements were typically the same model, while new installations came from a few choices in a catalog. Now, amateur home designers find options through social media, and they could be focusing too much on just the looks.
Bonnyman shares the same advice he’s given countless clients over the years: the top priority while radiator shopping should be function rather than form.
Radiators are just one part of the complete central heating system. Craig Bonnyman explains that the first step when considering new radiators is to determine if the heating system needs work in other areas. The underlying pipework or boiler could have serious problems that require immediate handling.
A major refurbishment could be in order for heating systems that are over 15 years old. The pipes that bring heated water to the radiators are prone to sludge buildup over the years, reducing efficiency and eventually shutting the whole system down.
Craig Bonnyman says that “You want to make sure that when you stick these lovely new designer radiators on that they’re there to stay,” emphasizing the need to address the more significant problems before any new radiator installations.
The second step that Bonnyman suggests for consumers in the market for new radiators is determining their heating requirements. Radiators need to be the proper size to provide the right amount of heat for a room. Looking nice isn’t going to keep anyone’s house warm.
This task can seem a bit overwhelming, and of course, there are professionals to consult. There are also online tools that can give homeowners a reasonable estimate. Bonnyman’s advice for radiator sizing is that “The best thing to do for any consumer is to go room by room.”
Craig Bonnyman promises that “Once you’re armed with that information, you can then start looking at radiators with a much clearer idea of exactly what it is you’re after.” With the real work of picking out a radiator done, consumers can then choose styles and colors.
There’s no doubt that heat loss calculations are a bit boring, but you’ll be happy you took the time once the cold sets in. At the end of the day, designer radiators are just radiators that look nicer in your home. Craig Bonnyman stresses that radiators are there as a critical piece of the central heating system, and putting aside technical considerations in favor of fashion will have consumers paying the price later on.
