C H O O S I N G C O LU M N C A S T I RO N R A D I AT O R S
T O M AT C H YO U R H E AT I N G R E QU I R E M E N T S
Radiators as part of central heating systems transfer
heat or thermal energy, usually from heated water or gas
to air, for the purposes of heating living spaces. The
term radiator is not strictly accurate as they do not
transfer energy by thermal radiation but rather by
convection. No matter what we call them though their
importance to us is based on how well they can heat the
spaces we live in. Radiators circulate fluid through
sections or pipes and have columns to increase their
surface area to allow for the diffusion of heat.
C H O O S I N G C O L U M N C A S T I RO N R A D I AT O R S T O
M AT C H YO U R H E AT I N G R E Q U I R E M E N T S
Cast iron radiators are made up of sections joined by
threaded nipples and each section in turn is divided into
columns. These columns can vary in number and include
4 and 9 column cast iron radiators. The manufacture of
the 4 column cast iron radiators as an Ideal Standard
occurred in the United Kingdom until the 1970’s and is
therefore the most likely to be found in older buildings.
They are often preferred by architects and clients wanting
to use traditional cast iron radiators since they provide
the retro feel but are also economical.
C H O O S I N G C O L U M N C A S T I RO N R A D I AT O R S T O
M AT C H YO U R H E AT I N G R E Q U I R E M E N T S
The period preceding the 1970’s also saw the use of 9
column cast iron radiators in spaces where height
restriction was a factor. For those of you renovating a
period house these radiators add just the right touch.
Radiator heat output is measured in Watts or British
Thermal Units (BTUs) and they represent the same
thing although they use different scales. To convert an
output measurement in BTUs to Watts you should
divide by 3.412.
C H O O S I N G C O L U M N C A S T I R O N R A D I A T O R S T O M A T C H
Y O U R H E A T I N G R E Q U I R E M E N T S
. Retailers will usually specify the output of the radiators
they sell and you will have to determine what your heating
needs are prior to making a purchase or consult an expert.
Usually there is a discrepancy between the heating
requirement and the radiator output so one would need to
purchase a radiator or radiators that exceed the heating
requirement and use thermostatic valves to regulate the
temperature.
C H O O S I N G C O L U M N C A S T I RO N R A D I AT O R S T O
M AT C H YO U R H E AT I N G R E Q U I R E M E N T S
When purchasing a radiator you would also come across
the term delta T. The delta (Δ) T value indicates the
difference in temperature between the water circulating in
the central heating system and the temperature of the
surroundings also known as the ambient temperature. The
temperature of the central heating system running in your
house is usually around 80°C, while you would generally
like to heat your house to around 20°C. Calculation of the
Delta T value would therefore be 80-20 = 60. In the
United Kingdom outputs are usually shown at operating
temperatures using delta T60.
C H O O S I N G C O L U M N C A S T I RO N R A D I AT O R S T O
M AT C H YO U R H E AT I N G R E Q U I R E M E N T S
Knowing the various specifications and terminology
associated with column cast iron radiators is a quick way
to match your radiator to your heating requirements.
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