Will my new rad beat the old one?

[Chanic]

I've got an underperforming radiator in the spare room. It isn't heating the room very well, partly because of the way it was mounted (right up under the windowsill leaving a gap of just a couple of mm - so the sill is hot, the room is not). It's a single panel rad, (no fins), and it measures 1600 x 500. I'd like to know roughly how many watts or BTUs it is, so I can exceed this with the replacement.

The room measures 3.34 x 3.43 x 2.4 high. The BTU calculators say that I need approx 4300 BTUs. My replacement of choice at the moment is 5300. Is this a sufficient overcompensation? I guess whether this new one will do the trick, partly depends on what the output of the old radiator is.

Please help...

 

[dcawkwell]

Your existing radiator may already be giving you 4800btu according
to the wickes calculator.
I would suggest a 1400x500 double giving 8000 btu with a thermostatic
valve on.

 

[Agile]

Mounting against the ledge will greatly reduce output.

My suggestion is to use a 1600 x 500 but properly fitted at the maximum distance from the wall.

Also look at improving insulation and draught proofing.

Tony

 

[Chanic]

The one I ordered is 1600 x 400 (400 so it clears the sill), double panel, single convector at 5300 BTUs. I think I might go for a double convector instead based on your advice. I just hope I can get my money back on it.

Many thanks

 

[Agile]

I would always advise the double convector as the price difference is so small.

Nor do I understand why you opted for a shorter one to complicate the pipework.

You cannot oversize rads. The TRV will adjust the heat output as required.

Tony

 

[Charnwood]

There's only one way to find out.



FIIIIIIIGT!

 

[gaswizzard]

I would always advise the double convector as the price difference is so small.

The DPDC look cumbersome (horrible nasty looking things ) , the DPSC looks much better , if you have the wall space then no problem.