Energy Differences Between Radiators – Which is Best?

As the nights draw darker, there’s one subject on everyone’s mind. Energy costs. It seems these rise year after year and we’re quite powerless to do much about it. Would changing your radiators help with costs? As there are now many designer radiators on the market, it can be beneficial for the aesthetics of the home, as well as the enery consumption.

Through our research, here’s what we found.

The Actual Radiator Doesn’t Matter

All modern radiators operate on a simple equation when emitting heat. This takes into consideration the surface area of the radiator along with the temperature on the thermostat. This means that the style of your radiator makes no difference to the energy consumption. For instance, a flat paneled radiator would not necessarily save any money compared to the traditional styled corrugated radiators.

While LST radiators have a lower surface temperature (which is indeed what LST stands for), they still emit the same amount of heat into the walls and the air.

Therefor you can choose a designer radiator with confidence. It’s size that matters when it comes to saving money on your energy bills.

Oil, Gas or Electric, Which is More Energy Efficient?

we’ve determined that the style of the radiator doesn’t matter, it’s time to look at other ways to save money on home heating bills. One way is to look at the type of energy used, such as oil, gas and electricity.

Should I Buy Electric Radiators?

Lately, there have been a lot of advertisements that claim electric radiators to be better value than gas or oil. The truth is, electricity is still the most expensive way to heat a home, and should only be used if there really are no other options. If you must choose electricity, consider moving away from the inefficient Economy 7 heaters. The energy efficient reports don’t take into account the back up electrical heat that is needed to substitute the heat that isn’t gained from these monsters. Instead choose modern electrical radiators, with a thermostat. These will give you control over your heating and keep your costs down.

Electric radiators require little or no maintenance, unlike a gas boiler, so this can be a bonus.

Oil is a Gamble

Oil is the second most expensive heating source, depending on oil prices. Occasionally, those with oil boilers enjoy low prices but these events don’t seem to last for very long. Oil is still more efficient than electricity, for the time being. If you do choose oil, remember that prices do fluctuate rapidly and can double with hardly a moment’s notice. You still need to maintain the oil tank and you need somewhere to store the oil in the garden.

Gas is Still the Cheapest Option for Radiators

Gas radiators are still the cheapest option and the most energy efficient. If you have gas radiators and still want to lower your energy bills, consider investing in better insulation. You can also experiment with dropping the temperature on the thermostat by one degree. Replacing an old boiler can also make your home more energy efficient which in turn cuts down on the bills.

When shopping for radiators, remember that it’s size, not style that matters. This means you can shop with confidence and take advantage of the new designer radiators on the market.