Buying Guide

When it comes to finding the perfect radiator for your home or project, understanding the options available and what best suits your needs can make all the difference. At Paladin Radiators, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality radiators that combine functionality, style, and efficiency. This buying guide will help you make an informed decision, ensuring you select the right radiator to meet your heating requirements while complementing your interior design.

1. Understanding Radiator Types

Choosing the right radiator starts with understanding the different types available. The right type can impact the look, feel, and efficiency of your space.

Cast Iron Radiators

Cast iron radiators are an excellent choice for traditional and period homes. They offer timeless elegance and superior heat retention, staying warmer for longer even after the heating has been turned off.

• Perfect for Victorian, Edwardian, and Georgian homes.
• Long-lasting, durable, and has excellent heat retention.
• Ideal for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.

Traditional cast iron radiators offer timeless elegance and quality craftsmanship for homeowners looking to maintain an authentic vintage look.

• Classic and ornate designs.
• Superior aesthetic appeal and long-lasting durability.
• Ideal for a variety of homes, whether period properties or modern homes. 

2. Choosing the Right Size Radiator

Choosing the correct size is essential to ensuring your radiator heats your room efficiently. Radiators come in a variety of heights, widths, and depths to suit different spaces.

Calculate BTU Requirements

A radiator's heat output is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). The higher the BTU, the greater the heat output.

Use a BTU calculator to determine the required heat output for your space. Factors that influence BTU include:

• Room size (length, width, height)
• Insulation (walls, windows, and doors)
• Room type and usage

Tip: Oversizing can waste energy, while undersized will leave your space cold.

Size and Style Considerations

• For large spaces, opt for a radiator with a higher BTU.
• Column radiators work best for compact areas.
• For bathrooms, smaller radiators or towel radiators are ideal.

3. Choosing a Radiator Style and Finish

Your radiator isn’t just a heating device – it’s part of your home’s aesthetic. Choosing the right style and finish will ensure it enhances your interior design.

Radiators can be finished in a variety of colours to match your decor. Paladin offers a range of custom finishes, including metallic, gloss, and matt paints. 

For traditional spaces, polished or antiqued finishes bring character and a touch of luxury to your room.

4. Radiator Placement

Where you position your radiator plays a key role in heat distribution and efficiency.

• Under Windows: Maximises heat distribution and reduces cold air.
• On Internal Walls: Retains heat better and avoids heat loss.
• Bathroom Radiators: Use towel radiators to combine functionality and warmth.

5. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Choosing energy-efficient radiators can save on energy bills while reducing your carbon footprint.

• Cast Iron Radiators retain heat longer, reducing the need for constant heating.

Tip: Pairing your radiator with a thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) can further improve efficiency by allowing you to control the temperature in individual rooms.

6. Installation and Maintenance

For the best results, it’s recommended to have your radiator installed by a professional. This ensures:

• Correct positioning
• Safe connection to your heating system
• Optimal efficiency

Maintaining Your Radiator

Proper maintenance can extend the lifespan of your radiator:

1. Bleed Your Radiators to remove trapped air and maintain efficiency.
2. Dust and dirt can reduce heat output, so regularly dust your radiator.
3. Make sure all connections are secure and free from leaks.

7. Budget and Cost Considerations

If you’re 18 years or older, have been a UK resident for more than 12 months, and own a personal bank account from which a Direct Debit can be taken, and are in permanent employment (minimum 16 hours pw) or cohabit with a working partner who gives consent, or you’re self-employed, retired, on disability allowance, or a registered carer, we offer 0% finance. 

Our 0% finance option opens the door to even more people having beautiful bespoke cast iron radiators within their homes. We understand that buying anything on finance can be daunting, especially for people who have not used finance options before.

We are working with Novuna, one of the UK’s leading financial services companies, to offer you our 0% finance option. Please note that Novuna is unable to offer finance to residents of Ireland.

8. Why Choose Paladin Radiators?

We are committed to providing exceptional quality radiators that stand the test of time. Here’s why customers trust us:

• Expertly made radiators for traditional and modern homes.
• Bespoke designs to suit any interior.
• High-performance radiators that save energy.
• Dedicated assistance from selection to installation.

Choosing the perfect radiator involves considering your space, style, and heating needs. Our range of experts are on hand to help. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call a member of the team on 01205 280354.