Are new rads better than old rads?

[spursfan323]

Our master bedroom currently has an old double radiator measuring approx 390 x 1450. Although it gets very hot to the touch all over, during the past few winters the room just doesnt get very warm at all, it remains mild.

Online BTU calculations indicate the room should need 4100-4500 BTU.
B&Q sell a Kudox double rad measuring 400 x 1000 with BTU of 4347.
i.e. a rad 2/3 the size of the existing one appears to offer more heat.

Is that true? If yes, I'd really consider replacing it soon.

Thanks

 

[Dan Robinson]

The modern ones with fins will heat the room much more efficiently.

 

[spursfan323]

The modern ones with fins will heat the room much more efficiently.

thanks

seeing as the existing one is much longer, how big a job is it to fit a shorter rad?

 

[Dan Robinson]

Depends on how easy he floor is to lift and what boiler you have, and how the joist run.

I my house it is a nigthmare. In my last house it was a doddle.

 

[ALEC1]

I would look at other things before changing radiators, from balancing to insulation...

anything installed before 1990, was probably correctly sized..

 

[Agile]

You need a larger radiator!

Those caculators are often grossly inadequate!

Your existing rad doed not give enough heat so you need a larger one!

But a modern one with fins is about 30% higher heat output.

But if you think the room is cold then you probably need at least 50% more heat output.

Tony