Replacement rads

[bedfordcf]

We're doing a bit of decorating around the house and I've decided it's time to replace some of the rads. They are the old non finned, imperial length type. Is there a form of length conversion when going over to modern finned rads? Obviously finned give a better heat output than my old ones so, for example, what length finned rad should I use to replace a 6' non finned ?

On a related subject, at the moment theres no valve to turn off the rads when just the hot water is on so during summer months (anyone remember them??) rads upstairs get warm which is costing money! Would a simple electric valve fitted after/before the heating pump be okay? Valve to be wired to heating timer so only open when heating is active.

Nearly forgot, the system is a pretty old back boiler but still works well.

 

[Charnwood]

Use http://www.radcalcs.com/ to calculate the output required for each room, then match to the outputs stated in the catalogue of the manufacturer of rads you intend to fit.

You could fit size like-for-like, as close as metrification will allow and use extensions to fill the gap instead of altering all the pipework. If your boiler is up to the extra heat requirement.

 

[bedfordcf]

Hi
I don't really want to fit like for like as I was hoping to free up a bit of wall space. As it is some rads are behind chairs etc so if I could fit smaller finned and still get the same heat output it would be better. Altering the pipework isn't a problem. I just wondered if there was a conversion chart/formula for swapping non finned to finned.

 

[stevesey]

If you can find somewhere that lists BTU outputs for non finned radiators - use this to find the equivalent finned size. Did this when replacing a non-finned bathroom rad with towel rail rad - was about 10 years ago though.

 

[stevesey]

Here you go:

http://www.simplifydiy.com/plumbing-and-heating/radiators/power

 

[bedfordcf]

That's the sort of thing I'm after

Thanks