Inside: How to choose single or double panel radiators. Collaborative post.
With energy prices high, and winter drawing in, it’s a great time to think about upgrading the heating in your home. If you’re shopping for radiators, then you might rightly be a little bit confused. There are lots of options available, and it’s easy to be overwhelmed by them.
Among the biggest points of difference stem from the number of panels. Some radiators have just one, while others have two. But exactly what difference does it make?
Difference between double and single-panel radiators
Not so long ago, all radiators consisted of just a single panel. But manufacturers came to realise that more surface area would increase the output of a given radiator. Rather than make radiators larger and larger, they struck upon the idea of putting a second panel behind the first, with a zig-zagging heatsink (called ‘convector fins’) in between.
Many modern radiators follow the same format – even designer radiators which don’t have ‘panels’ in the traditional sense follow the single-or-double format.
Which is better for my room?
There are a few things to consider when you’re choosing between a double or a single-panel radiator. The first is the size of the room. If you want to bring a large room up to temperature faster, then you need more power from your radiator. This might mean investing in a double-panel.
Double panel radiators can generate the same amount of energy as a much larger single-panelled one. As such, they’re good news where space is a concern, or you’d simply like to limit the amount of visual impact that your radiator has.
While there are some great looking radiators on the market, many homeowners will prefer something more compact – even in larger rooms.
Of course, you can get a good indication of which sort of radiator you need by looking at the radiator that you already have. Also, bear in mind that you can limit the impact of a larger radiator with the help of a thermostatic valve.
This device will close off the supply of water to the radiator automatically, as the temperature reaches a certain threshold. You can even shop for digital versions of these devices, which can change the temperature threshold automatically over time.
Also, it’s worth remembering that while you can limit the output of a high-capacity radiator, you can’t increase the output of a low-capacity radiator, beyond its maximum.
Simply looking at the number of panels on a radiator is a pretty crude measure of its overall performance. Instead, it’s usually a good idea to look at the advertised output, which tends to be measured in BTU – or British Thermal Units.
Bear in mind that some spaces, like hallways and kitchens, will tend to need less heating than inhabited spaces like living rooms.