Buying Guide

 At Style Radiators we are committed to helping you to make the right choice when looking for your new Designer Radiator, Towel Rail or related product, and we know that the choice of products and web sites can be bewildering. So where do you start? 

 

Thats where our comprehensive buying guide to help you step - by - step in your choice can help. In our guide we will take you through areas such as:

 - what type of radiator is right for you

 - what are the advantages and disadvantages of different types of  radiator 

 - the do's and dont's of finding an installer

 - establishing your budget

 - choosing your fuel type

 - once you've decided

So we will take you through this and much more to help you get a radiator you are happy with installed and working.

 

What type of radiator is right for you?

Firstly you have to identify what it i syou want from your new Designer Radiator. Obviously you are looking for something that looks good, something different from the traditional white panel radiators most of us have in our Central Heating system. Where in your home are you going to site the new product?

Do you have any space constraints? Do you prefer a Vertical Radiator or Horizontal, would you like a Ladder styling? What about the finish - should it be white, chrome, stainless steel or a different colour or finish? How important is the heat output? At Style Radiators we give the heat output of all our products on each product page We also select our ranges with the widest tubing available to maximise heat transfer - bear this in mind when making your choice, afer all the last thing you want is a beautiful radiator but a cold room! We have also put our ranges into distinct categories to help you go directly to the areas of most interest to you. We also have sub-categories in most areas these are designed to take you directly to the area that most interests you.

Finally you need to make sure that the product you choose is underwritten by an extensive manufacturer's guarantee. Always try and get the maximum length available.

At Style Radiators we give all of our Designer Radiators a 25 year guarantee irrespective of the duration of the manufacturers guarantee. We also offer the longest guarantees in the Industry for towel rails and panel radiators. This is to give you peace of mind and also choices to suit your budget. Here Style Radiators have introduced the Price Match    this means we guarantee to match any other price for the same product you might find on the internet in order to give you the customer maximum protection and minimal risk with your product choice.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of different types of radiator?

The starting point to bear in mind is that all radiators of whatever style, material and construction or all made with the objective of emitting heat for domestic living spaces. Like any type of appliance there are a wide range of design and performance characteristics to look out for, and as the customer you are able to make choices as to what (if any) premium is worth paying for the various attributes. This is always a matter of individual preference.

Stainless Steel Radiators

Generally speaking Stainless Steel Designer Radiators are more expensive than the Chrome alternatives. This is a reflection of the durability and quality of the material. Radiators often come into contact with corrosive elements notably within the plumbed central heating environment. The natural resilience of the material provides a perfect antidote. Additionally the beautiful appearance and lustre that Stainless Steel can add is something that can set the product apart and elevate it to that central focal point you are looking for.The heat transfer properties are also superior to most materials.

Chrome Radiators

Chrome Designer Radiators are often more competitively priced than the Stainless Steel counterparts, but this need not be at the expense of quality, design and choice. Heat output is relative to more generous sizing of component tubes, always check heat output of your radiator in either watts or btu's. Although more likely to corrode than Stainless products this can be minimised by use of the correct water treatments. For examples look in our Valves and Accessories section. It is perhaps with this type of product that the Style Radiators 25 year guarantee has most effect as it means that you can choose a Chrome Designer if it better suits your budget, safe in the knowledge that we will give you the comfort of a guarantee beyond that of the manufacturer that matches most Stainless Steel product guarantees.

Towel Rails

Ideally suited to bathroom, shower or wetroom environments, many towel rails and warmers also come with towel hangers so as to give greater drying capacity. Within the plethora of Towel Rail designs some lend themselves  to greater drying capacity than others - again it is a matter of individual choice.

Vertical Radiators

Inevitably more dramatic than the more normal horizontal stylings, some can also come with built in miroring qualities that can further enhance the practical nature of the product. Giving an impression of height and in a bewildering array of styles these lend themselves to become focal points or the manifestaion of 'something different'. Vertical Radiators come in a variety of materials to suit all surroundings.

When selecting a style of radiator always check available sizes (you usually have a choice) and that this will fit well into the area you have designated. Also plan out if you are having more than one installed to get them fitted at the same time as this reduces disruption in your home and keeps the installation price down. You can also select products that will work in summer when your central heating is turned off or onl;y on for limited periods. This is particularly useful in wet areas where towels still need to be dried.Take a look below at our fuel selection section to determine which products fit the bill.

Finding the right installer

This is absolutely key to making sure that your selected radiator is fitted properly and works as it should for many years. In all cases it is best to find an installer who's work you are familiar and happy with. This is not always possible so the next best thing is to have an installer recommended by someone who's judgement you trust - and you may have seen the installer's work in their homes.

If you can't find an installer via these routes - don't worry, there are lots of organisations that can recommend qualified tradesmen to quote you for the work to be carried out such as the Institute of Plumbing. Despite the TV shows depicting 'Cowboy Traders' the vast majority of installers are experienced and professional and povide an excellent job. But you have to feel comfortable with who you decide upon to come into your home.

For more information please contact us on 0845 4592015  and we will try to assist you in finding the right installer for you. Also ensure that your system is cleaned and treated when your radiator is installed.

We also recommend that you have bought your product and taken delivery before you book your tradesman to fit it to avoid any delays or inconvenienece.

A key decision, if not the key decision you have to make is how much you are prepared to pay. From here you can then examine the different choices of style material and output. In realising your budget you may have to compromise as to the material of your product, but there is no reason to compromise on design or quality particularly with Style Radiators 25 year guarantee and Price Match.

You will also have to allow for the installation of your product and any associated materials required in your installation - all products should be purchased with matching valves of appropriate styling and build quality to set off the appearance of your radiator.

Beware of Web Sites with offers that are 'too good to be true' as they usually are! There are many competitive and reputable sites to view and choose from, we recommend that you err towards specialist sites - they usually have the product and technical knowledge together with the passion for their subject.

Generalist sites often go for low cost, lower quality 'own branded' products that can sometimes sacrifice quality. Always check for technical specifications to protect your purchase. As always shop around.

Choosing your fuel type

Basically there are 3 fuel type choices available:

 

           Plumbed

           Electric Only

           Duel Fuel

To help you make your choice we split our products by each of these options and we also highlight with our easy to spot logos the category that each product falls under. If you are still not sure why not give us a call on our customer service number where our freindly staff will be happy to help.

Plumbed.

This type of radiator can be easily plumbed into your central heating system in the same way as the panel radiators you probably have already. Our products in this category should be chosen in the same way regarding heat output and pipe sizes, although hopefully you will take advantage of the aesthetic choice our extensive range of Stainless Steel, Chrome Designer and Traditional Style radiators offers you.

Electric Only.

This type of radiator operates as a stand alone unit and can be installed in homes without central heating or an area of your home not directly serviced by the central heating system (bathroom, conservatory etc). For Electric Only Radiators you can have a choice of heating elements.

Standard Element - with a standard heating element the wattage of the element is matched with the size of the radiator. It will then heat the liquid inside the radiator (this is factory filled) and the heat is dispersed by the surface area of the radiator. It has the protection of a 'thermal cut out' should the element become too hot. However there is no control over either the radiator or the room temperature.

Regulator Element - this element has an on/off button and a dial to adjust the surface temperature of the radiator to the desired level.It has a two hour override mode which allows the radiator to work continually for two hours (ie. select this mode if you want to dry towels or clothes) *Only available from the Elegance Range - see accessories

Thermostatic Element -the thermostatic element has an on/off button and a dial that allows you to control the room temperature.

Infrared Element - this consists of a controller and receiver unit. The controller has a digital thermostat for easy controlling and display of the ambient room temperature. It has 3 pre-set drying cycles and can operate within 10m of the receiver. * Only available from the Elegance Range - see accessories

Dual Fuel.

Certain products within the range are suitable for both plumbed (central heating) and element heating. Typically this is where a Central Heating installation is switched off during summer months but towel warming or localised heating may still be required. In these instances, where applicable a dual fuel kit can be purchased and chrome tee piece to allow the product to run with both fuel sources. We strongly advise that you consult with your installer before purchase.

 

Once you've decided

OK so you have decided on your budget, the type of radiator apliance you want, together with any linked or accessory products you might need.

• you know where you want to locate the radiator and how many you require.
• you have an idea of the cost of installation and therefore total budget
• you know the style of radiator you want and you have identified the its material and finish
• you probably know which web retailer you prefer - so what are you waiting for? go ahead and order your beautiful new designer radiator.

 

If you are still  not sure, please give us a call 0845 459 2015 - we are always available and happy to try and help you make the right decision - for you.