Worth Replacing Old Radiators

[tododo]

Hi all

Im on a drive to at least try to make house a bit more efficient

As well as loft insulation etc now thinking of replacing two radiators to start with in the living room

Both nearly 2m long

We had the boiler replaced 7 years ago but not the rads

The rads must be 20+ years old - single type with fins on the back

Not sure if this is worth doing? Any recommendations or are they basically all the same

Havent done the room btu calcs yet but the boiler is quite large

Thanks for any advice guys

 

[ianmcd]

if your radiators have been painted in all the time that they have served you well then yes they are worth replacing, you would probably save a few pounds by installing more cost efficient modern rads but off set that with the cost of altering the existing pipework and re decorating costs and it becomes a different debate

 

[tododo]

Was hoping for a straight swap..... but no doubt its not going to fit that easily

Any big messing with pipes would probably put me right off tbh

 

[ianmcd]

It is easy to measure them and see if a direct replacement size is available but bear in mind that the brackets that hold the radiator are unlikely to be the same so not as easy a job as some assume

 

[Madrab]

If the original rads are over 20 years old then the valves would need to be checked to see if they are metric or imperial so you know what radiator tails are required. Probably metric but worth a check.

 

[footprints]

Not worth it, even if the new rads are more efficient at pushing out the heat that will only use more gas. Better to look at heating controls, thermostatic valves etc and as you have said insulation.
Worth lifting downstairs floor to check the heating pipes are well insulated, often they ar not or just have the old felt lagging, no point in heating the ventilated under floor space.