Same size, different BTU

[SadieLovatt]

Hi,

In picking a new radiator for a room, I've noticed that BTU figures seem to differ considerably between sites and manufacturers.

As an example, a Double panel 1000w x 500h panel from B&Q (Kudos brand) states 1.476Kw whereas from Homebase (Quinn brand) stated 1.662Kw - a difference of 12.5%.

Are some radiator brands more efficient than others or is this down to some other factor such as calculation points? If there is a difference between brands then is there a recommended brand for the best efficiency?

Sadie.

 

[Diyisfun]

I read similar to this last week, it was explained, but cant find it now.

 

[bengasman]

it is fairly theoretical, i always oversize so the room heats up nice and quick.
the arrival of trv's made exact heat calculation redundant

 

[D_Hailsham]

As an example, a Double panel 1000w x 500h panel from B&Q (Kudos brand) states 1.476Kw whereas from Homebase (Quinn brand) stated 1.662Kw - a difference of 12.5%.

Although there is a British Standard, BS EN442, for measuring radiator output, some unscrupulous retailers use the out-of-date method when quoting radiator outputs, which give figures higher than the BS method.

However, the figures you quote for the Kudox and Quinn radiators are measured using the approved BS method, so there is no "cheating" going on. The Quinn radiator does give a higher output.

The B&Q price of the Kudos is £68.98 and Homebase ask £133.09 for the Quinn. I don't know why there should be such a difference in price, but Discounted Heating sell the Quinn for £77.61, so presumably Homebase don't sell all that many and their discount from the suppliers is less - or they are just greedy.