Two Things to Bear in Mind When Using a BTU p/h Calculator

BTU p/h calculators are brilliant for the consumer. They allow us to calculate roughly how much heat output our radiators need to provide in order to maintain a specific temperature. However, it’s important that you understand the following two concerns when using a BTU p/h.

If you do not address these concerns correctly, then you can end up with estimates that are widely inaccurate. In turn, this can mean that you buy the wrong radiator for the room, which in turn can prove costly in terms of your energy bills.

1.       You must provide accurate dimensions

The first thing that you need to bear in mind is the exact measurement of the room. Do not use a BTU calculator and just guess the figures. Unless you're lucky, or you have an unbelievable eye for measurements, then you are highly likely to get it wrong. If you get it wrong, the BTU p/h calculator will return an inaccurate result.

When taking your measurements, take the length, height, and width of the room. You should have three measurements.

NB: make sure that you are using the correct measurement system. Double check to make sure that you and the BTU p/h calculator are using either the metric system or the imperial system.

2.       You must make allowances for insulation differences between the room and the variables on the calculator

 

While a BTU calculator will usually make some allowances for these differences – for example, they’ll ask which room the radiator is to go in, they don’t necessarily make enough allowance. For example, in a room that has triple glazing and cavity wall insulation, you will need around 10% fewer BTU p/h to keep the room warm than a double glazed non-cavity wall insulated room.

Now that you understand a bit more about the considerations you should be taking when using a BTU p/h calculator, you should be able to get a much more accurate reading. If you have any questions about the issues raised here, then please visit http://www.designerradiatorsdirect.co.uk/

How Size, Water Content, and Material Affect Radiator Efficiency

Before you rush out and buy yourself a new radiator, it’s important that you understand how size, water content, and material affect their efficiency. This way, you can make an informed decision about which radiator to buy. If you don’t realise that these things make a difference, you might end up buying a radiator that is unsuitable, or expensive to run.

Surface Area

Surface area has a huge impact on the radiator. With all things being equal (e.g. Water content, design, etc.) the radiator with the largest surface area would be the most efficient. If you need to choose between two different radiators and they are the same in every way except size, then the larger of the two will provide the most heat.

Water Content

According to some experts, radiators with lower water content are actually more efficient than those with more water are. This is because the more water there is, the longer it takes to heat up. For each individual radiator, that might not prove too much of a difference, but as you move through the system, it does add up.

In other words, you should try to ensure that all of your radiators have less water volume if you want the entire system to be efficient. One or two radiators with higher content won’t make much difference, but if they all have more water, then that will make a difference.

Material

The material of the radiator does make a difference, but they are good or bad depending on how you use the system. If you want a highly responsive system, i.e. one that comes on quickly once you turn it on, then choose either aluminium or steel, such as Aeon Radiators. However, if you want a system that is slightly more efficient and that can retain its heat longer, choose cast iron.

If you would like to buy radiators, then please visit http://www.designerradiatorsdirect.co.uk