Frequently Asked Questions
Q How long will delivery take?
A As a general rule, primed radiators take approximately 1-2 weeks to deliver and painted radiators approximately 3 weeks. We will be able to give a more accurate timescale at the point of ordering.
Q Will 21st Century radiators be compatable with my heating system?
A All of our radiators are compatible with the average normal central heating system. All of our radiators have been fully tested and come complete with British standard fitting connections for 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch pipework. Because both cast iron and modern steel radiators can run on the same system, you can replace as many of your modern standard steel radiators with cast iron radiators as you wish.
Q What is a BTU and how do I calculate the quantity I need for my rooms?
A Firstly, when estimating the size of a radiator you should decide what temperature you require your room to be. The most common ideal centigrade temperatures for specific rooms in your house are displayed in the table below as guide:
| Bedrooms |
15 |
| Kitchens |
16 |
| Stairways/Hall |
18 |
| Sitting Rooms/Dining Rooms |
21 |
| Bathrooms/WCs |
23 |
The second calculation is for the heat loss from your room. This calculation will take into account many factors i.e. the size of your windows, whether the room is North or South facing, the numer of doors etc.
An easy way to do this is to first calculate the cubic feet (volume) of the room (length x width x height). Then apply the following calculations to specific rooms:
| Halls/Stairways/Kitchens |
Multiply cubic feet by 3 |
| Bedrooms |
Multiply cubic feet by 4 |
| Sitting Rooms/Dining Rooms |
Multiply cubic feet by 5 |
| Double glazing |
Deduct 10% |
| North facing room |
Add 15% |
| French windows |
Add 20% |
That's it! You now have the approximate output of any radiator in BTUs (British Thermal Units) for your room. If you want to calculate the exact BTUs it would be best to get this checked by your plumber, but this guide is ample for calculating the sizes of radiator you will require.
If you have a large room it is worth considering more than one radiator to minimise the thermal gradient in one room.
Q Whats the difference between a cast iron radiator and a steel radiator?
A Cast Iron radiators do take slightly longer to heat up than modern steel, but they also retain heat for much longer than steel after being switched off, thus your room stays warmer for a longer period .
Q I want to change the colour of my cast iron radiator, what paint should I use?
A Most modern oil or cellulose based paints can be used on radiators, or you can buy specialist radiator paint. All these are available at most DIY stores nationwide.
Q What pipe sizes fit to 21st Century radiators?
A All our radiators fit standard 1/2 inch pipework. The diameter of the pipework you have, will be determined by your system. Most connections are 1/2 inch (15mm) or 3/4 inch (22mm). If your pipe size is different to this, it can be easily adapted by fitting inexpensive copper converters, available from most plumbers merchants and DIY stores nationwide.
Q Do I need a plumber to fit them to my system?
A If you are a competent DIY enthusiast, you should be able to fit our radiators yourself, they are no different to fitting modern panel radiators. If in doubt you should ask a plumber.
Q Do you have a showroom where I can see the radiators?
A Yes, our administrative centre is in Bedfordshire. We would be pleased to show you our current range of radiators and baths. Please call us on 01767 627500 to arrange an appointment from 9am-6pm Mon-Fri.
Q I have microbore pipe work, will cast iron radiators work with this?
A Yes, but with very large cast iron radiators (over 3000 Watts) it can prove problematic on balancing the central heating sytem. Please ask your plumber for advice before installation.
Q Whats the difference between thermostatic and manual valves?
A Thermostatic valves control the radiator temperature via a sensor which senses the air temperature in the room. Once the preset temperature has been reached the valve automatically opens and closes the flow of hot water to the radiator to maintain that temperature. The benefits of a thermostatic valve compared to a manual valve come to the fore when used in a room that is not regularly used. Say for instance you want to heat a spare room to a mimimum temperature rather than the warmer temperature set on your thermostat for the rest of your house, a thermostatic valve is ideal for this. It will ensure that the spare room does have enough heat to protect against dampness but is not wastefully pumping heat into an unused room. A manual valve does not control the temperature of the radiator regardless of how warm the room is already, it is simply on or off and the temperature of your radiator will be controlled by your boilers thermostat, rather than the valve itself.
Q Is the Allegra Valve thermostatic?
A No its a manual valve but the 'Traditional' valve found on our valve page, is thermostatic and comes in a range of brass, chrome, and nickel. We are currently manufacturing a further range of traditional style thermostatic valves, and will be adding these to our range in September 07.
Q Whats the difference between Watts & BTUs?
A They are both measurements of heat output. To convert from Watts to BTU, simply divide by 0.293. To convert BTUs to Watts multiply by 0.293
Q Do you also provide bath taps?
A We don't at the moment but may do in the future
Q Are your radiators and baths guaranteed?
A Yes, they come with a 10 year guarantee against manufacturing defects.
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