The Old Radiator Company

Buying A Cast Iron Radiator

So you want to go ahead and buy a restored cast iron radiator. It really could not be simpler. Follow the steps below. To make life even easier, print out this page and enter your details on the Order Form below for your own record.

1. Take rough measurements of the room, or area you want to heat - width, length and also the ceiling height. Ask your plumber to calculate the BTU that you need or simply call us and we will do the calculation for you. When you call us we will also ask you whether your room has double glazing, outside doors and whether your room is a bedroom, hall etc.

For example: 12ft x 8ft x 9ft bedroom = 3456 BTU

2. Choose the radiator style that you like, ie Princess, 4-column. Photos of the different radiator styles can be found on our PRICE LIST.

3. Decide on the height that you would you like your radiator. In some cases this is restricted by windows.

4. Divide the total BTU that you need (see 1. above) by the BTU per section of the radiator height and style that you have chosen. This will determine the number of sections that will be needed to provide the amount of BTU required to heat your room. Details of the amount of BTU provided by each section and each height is listed in the PRICE LIST.

For example: 4 column radiator is the chosen style and 36" is preferred height. Divide 3456 BTU by 499 (the BTU output per section taken from the price list) = 6.9. Therefore, 7 sections will be needed to ensure sufficient BTU to heat the bedroom. However, other heights of the same 4 column radiator will need more sections as follows:

3456 / 411 = 8.4 (decide on whether you need to round down to an 8 section or round up to a 9 section).

5. Now measure the wall to see whether there is sufficient wall space to accommodate the radiator. The PRICE LIST lists the section width of each radiator style. Simply multiply the width of one section by the number of sections needed. Add an allowance of 3" (75mm) at either end if you intend to buy valves from us.

For example: the 4 column radiator 36" high that has been chosen has a section width of 2", so multiple 2" by 7 section to get a section width of 14". Now add 6" (2 x 3" per valve) to get an overall width of 20". This is the wall space that is needed in order to accommodate the radiator.

6. Should you find that the wall width space is smaller than that needed for the radiator, you will need to consider a taller radiator, i.e. fewer sections and therefore not as wide. If, however, you cannot accommodate a taller radiator because of a window, then you may need to consider a different style that has a greater BTU per section. In this example a 4 column radiator was the preferred radiator, so a 6 column radiator is the alternative style. But do give a thought to having 2 smaller radiators rather than 1 radiator if you really are limited on wall space. Under no circumstances would be recommend that you simply buy a small radiator to fit a confined space if the BTU is insufficient to heat the room. However as cast iron radiators really do kick out heat, it is highly unlikely that space will be an issue.

7. Having selected the radiator style you like and calculated the height and number of sections needed, you now need to decide on whether you would like to have your radiator painted & hand polished. Select the PAINT FINISH that you would like, or call and ask us to send a few samples.

8. Your final choice is now for the style and material of valves. View our VALVES to decide whether you would like brass or chrome valves, and whether you would like one valve to be a thermostatic valve. Now consider whether you would like to order feet, if you radiator style does not have feet. Lastly, choose whether you would like to order a wall stay.

9. Consider when you would like to have the radiators delivered, ie once your new floor or carpet is fitted. Then pick up the telephone and call us on 01233 850082 or send an email to info@theoldradiatorcompany.co.uk . At this time you will be asked to pay 50% deposit by credit card over the telephone. The balance of the payment will be collected as cash or cheque on delivery of your radiator.

THE OLD RADIATOR COMPANY

Buying A Cast Iron Radiator