Question 1

What are smart heating controls?

Accepted Answer

Smart heating controls work alongside central heating systems or boilers to provide an unrivalled level of control over your home heating.

They allow you to alter the level of heating remotely via a tablet or smartphone, based on factors such as outdoor weather, the time of the day and other factors.

Read our Ultimate Guide to Smart Home Heating Controls for a better insight into smart heating controls.

Question 2

What is a heating system flush?

Accepted Answer

A heating system flush is a chemical solution that removes sludge, rust and other unwanted debris from within a central heating system or boiler, helping it to perform to its full capacity.

Also known as a ‘power flush’, the solution essentially combats blockages and central heating inefficiency.

Find out more in our full Advice Centre blog, What is a Heating System Flush?

Question 3

What is a 'condensing' boiler?

Accepted Answer

A condensing boiler is a water heater that is powered by oil or gas.

Condensing boilers offer excellent energy efficiency by condensing water vapour in the exhaust gases.

It therefore recovers the excess energy emerging from vaporization, which otherwise would have been lost.

Question 4

Can electric radiators plug into a normal socket?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can hang an electric radiator nearby a standard plug socket and connect it as you would with any electrical device.

Question 5

Why are some of my radiators hotter than others?

Accepted Answer

There could be several reasons why some radiators are hotter than others in the home. It might simply be the case that certain radiators have higher heat outputs than others.

Or, if you know the radiators to have identical heat outputs when working properly, it is likely that trapped air is present in the colder models, which can lead to reduced heating efficiency.

The solution is to bleed the colder radiators, which can be done relatively simply by following the steps in our guide on how to bleed a radiator.

Question 6

Why do all my radiators heat up except one?

Accepted Answer

It is likely that the radiator that isn’t heating up properly has trapped air inside it, leading to cold spots.

You can bleed the radiator to release trapped air, following the steps listed in our guide on how to bleed a radiator.

Question 7

Who should install radiators?

Accepted Answer

In some cases, you might be able to fit new radiators yourself, especially if they are to operate with existing pipework. Our guide on how to fit a radiator can help.

For a professional job, grab a quote from a plumber or a central heating engineer.

Question 8

Why do you need to bleed a radiator?

Accepted Answer

Radiators need bleeding to release trapped air, which can prevent hot water from travelling around the radiator.

Essentially, you need to bleed a radiator when necessary to ensure your heating is working as efficiently as possible, and that your radiators are warming up your chosen space in adequate time.

Our guide on how to bleed a radiator will guide you through the process.

Question 9

Do you bleed radiators when the heating is on or off?

Accepted Answer

Off. You should never try to bleed radiators with the heating switched on for safety reasons.

Potential injury risks attached to the spilling of hot water include burning and scalding. Check out our guide on how to bleed a radiator to perform the task safely.

Question 10

How to determine radiator size?

Accepted Answer

You should use a BTU Calculator to find out what size radiator you need to heat your chosen room to a comfortable temperature.

After you have worked out how big a radiator is required from a heat output perspective, you can select the perfect design to match the layout of the space.

Question 11

Does the size of a radiator matter?

Accepted Answer

It is vital to get the correct balance with the size of your radiators in relation to the heat output they offer.

If your radiator is too big, it will minimize essential wall space and use excess energy whenever it is in operation. By contrast, if your radiator is too small, it won’t have the capacity to properly heat your space to the required temperature.

Our BTU Calculator can help you work out what size radiator you need.

Question 12

Should radiators be placed under windows?

Accepted Answer

Underneath the window is usually an excellent location to place a radiator, especially considering it will often be the coldest area of the room.

Also, the space beneath a window will typically be plain in the absence of a radiator, so it provides a good chance to add a touch of style to the space in the form of home heating.

To find out more about heat conduction and how it relates to the space beneath a window being a good place to fit a radiator, take a look at our full guide on where to position a radiator.

Question 13

How much does it cost to move a radiator?

Accepted Answer

You can move a radiator yourself free of charge if it’s not a major switch, and will continue to operate with the same existing pipework.

If you need to move the radiator to a location with alternative or new pipework, a plumbing professional will probably charge between £150-200 (not including the radiator).

Question 14

Can you bleed a radiator when the heating is on?

Accepted Answer

You should never bleed a radiator when the heating is switched on, as it could be too hot to touch and result in scalding or burning.

There is also the potential for hot water to spurt from the radiator. Detailed tips for safely bleeding a radiator can be found in our guide on how to bleed a radiator.

Question 15

What are the different radiator colour options?

Accepted Answer

BestHeating offer an excellent selection of radiator colour options, ranging from standard black, white and anthracite styles to modern designs in pink, red, blue, green and many more shades.

Explore the full range of coloured designer radiators at BestHeating.com.

Question 16

Is there anywhere I shouldn't put a radiator?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the layout of the room, there are many less than favorable areas to position a radiator. The main thing to consider is the distribution of heat, and whether surrounding fixtures and fittings will prevent it from travelling freely around the room.

In smaller spaces, it might be unavoidable to fit a radiator nearby to large furniture, but try to leave as much space as possible between your radiator and a sofa, for example. Our blog on where to position a radiator offers further guidance.

Question 17

Why do chrome radiators have lower heat outputs?

Accepted Answer

It purely comes down to the emissivity value of chrome. In general, chrome will trap warmth, which makes it difficult to emit or radiate heat.

As such, chrome radiators don’t tend to kick out quite as much heat as similar models with alternative finishes.

Question 18

Can I paint my radiator?

Accepted Answer

You can, but it’s not quite as simple as grabbing a paintbrush and a tin and setting to work.

The more involved process involves sanding and priming your radiator, and you might want to use specialist paint to get the job done as well.

Everything you need to know is covered in our Advice Centre guide on how to paint a radiator.

Question 19

What is the difference between a radiator section and a column?

Accepted Answer

A radiator section can be defined as the individual parts that, when teamed together, make up a radiator. A radiator column is understood to be the amount of vertical columns contained within each section.

Question 20

How do I clean my column radiator?

Accepted Answer

Firstly, fill up a bucket with hot water and washing up liquid. Soak a dishcloth in this solution, before wringing it out. Then, position a towel beneath the radiator to catch any excess water that may trickle down.

Use the dishcloth to reach into every nook, cranny and crevasse between the radiator columns from top to bottom, giving it a thorough wipe down across the entire surface.

Should you require it, there’s more radiator cleaning advice in our blog on how to clean a radiator.

Question 21

Do aluminium radiators cool better than copper radiators?

Accepted Answer

An aluminium radiator would cool better than a copper radiator.

Essentially, on a base level, aluminium is lightweight, offers a higher level of efficiency, and a typically longer lifespan in comparison with copper brass.

Question 22

What are the advantages of aluminium radiators?

Accepted Answer

One of the biggest advantages provided by aluminium radiators is their propensity to transfer heat from the water to the room significantly quicker than steel radiators. As such, they don’t need as much heated water from the boiler.

They will also react quicker to shifts in room heat requirements, cutting the level of wasted heat significantly. For further insight, take a look at our Advice Centre blog, Why Buy Aluminium Radiators?

Question 23

How do I know if my Radiators need bleeding?

Accepted Answer

There can be audible indications that your radiators require bleeding in the form of gurgling noises. Another sign is when a radiator is taking longer than usual to heat up.

And you should feel all the radiators in your home for cold spots – usually the top section will feel much colder than the bottom if bleeding is required.

The radiator or radiators could even be completely cold in extreme cases. Our guide on how to bleed a radiator can help you rectify the issues.

Question 24

Can you put furniture in front of a radiator?

Accepted Answer

You shouldn’t place furniture directly in front of a radiator. The furniture would prevent heat from being distributed freely throughout the room, and could be damaged over time from the close exposure to heat.

Question 25

Can you put a sofa in front of a radiator?

Accepted Answer

It’s not a good idea to place a sofa, or any other large furniture, in front of a radiator.

A sofa would block heat from travelling freely around the room, and could suffer potential long-term damage from a close level of heat exposure.

Question 26

How far should a socket be from a radiator?

Accepted Answer

There are no rules or regulations outlining a set distance a socket should be from a radiator. However, you should consider the impact that the transmitted heat could have on nearby cables, wires and other electrical equipment.

Question 27

How far from the floor should a radiator be?

Accepted Answer

Radiators should typically be mounted so that the foot of the radiator is positioned a minimum of 150mm from the floor.

The height of nearby floorboards could influence how high a radiator is fitted, if only for aesthetic reasons.

Question 28

Where is the bleed valve on a radiator?

Accepted Answer

The bleed valve can be found at the top of a radiator, at one of the sides. It has the appearance of a round hole with a square inside.

For further help with regards to bleeding radiators, visit our Advice Centre guide on how to bleed a radiator.

Question 29

Can I order by phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can order by telephone!

If you can't find what you're looking for, or you want a little heating advice, just pick up the phone and give us a call.

UK customers can call - 0344 417 2563

Customers calling from Ireland can call - 1800 937 124

Find inspirational home heating orange banner

Question 30

Can I order online?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can order online at BestHeating.com

BestHeating is an online retailer. That means we don't have a showroom for you to come and look around.

Instead, we have an easy-to-use and secure website where you can browse an array of luxury designer radiators, towel rails and more and select from a range of delivery options.

You will be able to access most areas of the website without having to log-in or register, but there are some areas of our website that require registration before you can access them.

For full terms & conditions on using our website and details about how we protect your personal data, please visit the links below.

Our privacy policy.

Our terms & conditions.

Question 31

Do you have a showroom?

Accepted Answer

No, we don't have a showroom.

As BestHeating operates exclusively online and via the telephone, we keep our costs lower by not having to pay for expensive showrooms, stores or physical shops.

We have a range of customer images available to view in our Advice Centre - so you can see what our radiators and towel rails look like in 'real' homes and each of our product pages has extensive imagery and information about the technical specifications of our products.

Check out some of our customer images and get inspired!

dog sat next to a small Milano Capri radiator — @the_chapel_conversion

narrow anthracite column radiator in a small boot room — @the_chapel_conversion

Question 32

Do you have a brochure?

Accepted Answer

We do not have a brochure as our website is the best place to find up-do-date information about all things BestHeating.

It includes our entire product collection, with each listing accompanied by detailed descriptions and specification information.

To learn more about our products, visit our Shop By Brand pages or find a wealth of tips and buying advice with our Ultimate Heating Guides.

Question 33

Should TRVs be installed on the flow or the return pipe when fitting a radiator?

Accepted Answer

Most modern thermostatic radiator valves are bi-directional - so can be fitted on either the flow or return pipe of your radiator.

However, it's always best practice to fit the TRV on the flow pipe that enters your radiator.

If a non-bi-directional thermostatic valve is fitted to the return side of the radiator, it can make a loud vibrating noise when water tries to pass through it.

It's best to check the product thouroughly before installation and look for flow indicators where possible.

To discover more about thermostatic radiator valves, take a look at our complete range of TRVs and learn why they're important in our ultimate guide to TRVs.

Question 34

Should I consider changing my existing TRVs?

Accepted Answer

You should replace your TRVs, or at least upgrade the TRV heads, if they are 10 or more years old.

TRVs can decline in terms of performance and accuracy over time.

To learn more about what TRVs are and why they may be beneficial, check out our guide to Thermostatic Radiator Valves.

And, if you;re considering changing yours, take a look at our full range of TRVs.

Question 35

Can TRVs reduce my heating bills?

Accepted Answer

can TRVs reduce my bills FAQ header image

Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) offer several benefits, assisting your radiators to operate in an energy efficient manner for long-term savings on your heating bills.

Find out more in our Advice Centre blog, What are Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs)?

Question 36

What is a lockshield valve for?

Accepted Answer

What is a lockshield valve FAQ header image

A lockshield valve is the valve on a radiator that is usually covered with a plastic cap.

Lockshield valves need to be adjusted when balancing radiators in individual rooms.

A lockshield valve will balance out each radiator within your heating system, ensuring they all heat up at the same rate.

To learn more about balancing radiators, check out our ultimate guide on how to do it.

Question 37

Can a TRV be fitted to a towel rail?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

A thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) can be attached to a towel rail, and will offer the same functionality as it would when teamed with a radiator.

Question 38

When is the best time to change my radiators?

Accepted Answer

when is the best time to change a radiator FAQ header image

You can change your radiators at any time of the year, but there are many reasons to suggest the summertime is as good a time as any.

Find out more in our Advice Centre blog, Summertime – the best time to change your radiators.

Question 39

Why are radiators placed under windows?

Accepted Answer

radiator under the window FAQ header image

Usually, underneath the window is considered the coldest area of the room, thus making it one of the best areas for a radiator installation.

A more detailed explanation as to why this is the best place for your radiator can be found in our guide on where to position a radiator.

Question 40

How do you mount a radiator on the wall?

Accepted Answer

How do you mount a radiator FAQ header image

Everything you need to know to complete a successful radiator fitting is covered in our guide on how to install a radiator.

Or, alternatively, take a look at our helpful video guides on YouTube.

Question 41

Should I choose electric or plumbed radiators?

Accepted Answer

There are a multitude of benefits to both electric and plumbed radiators, with both types offering unique properties and advantages.

Consult the BestHeating Radiator Buying Guide to help you decide on the perfect style of radiator to suit your space.

Question 42

What are electric radiators filled with?

Accepted Answer

Our electric radiators are supplied pre-filled with glycol, a rust and corrosion-resistant heating solution.

The glycol used in the Milano range of electric radiators is PM20 Solaris Inhibited Heat Transfer Fluid.

If you want to know more about electric radiators and how they operate, check out or guide on what's inside an electric radiator.

Question 43

Are Electric Radiators Expensive To Run?

Accepted Answer

The running costs of electric radiators may vary, depending on a number of factors.

Many electric radiators usually feature in-built thermostats, so will shut off automatically to preserve energy when not in use.

But your electrical charge tariff, that is set by your energy provider, will have an impact on the cost of running an electric radiator.

For further information, take a look at our Advice Centre blog, What are the running costs of Electric Radiators?

Question 44

Where should I position a radiator in the kitchen?

Accepted Answer

where should I position a kitchen radiator FAQ header image

Traditionally, radiators would be fitted in the coldest part of a room.

There’s no hard and fast rule though, and especially in kitchens, the layout and design of the space will largely influence what is considered the best spot for installation.

Find out more in our ‘How To’ Guide to Kitchen Heating.

Question 45

Can I put a vertical radiator behind a door?

Accepted Answer

Yes, provided there is sufficient space to open and close the door without coming into contact with the radiator.

You might have little choice when installing a radiator in a compact space.

To discover more about the best place to position a new radiator, check out our radiator positioning guide.

Question 46

Where to put a radiator in a hallway?

Accepted Answer

There’s lots of options depending on the layout of your hallway, and what style radiator is best suited to the space – vertical or horizontal? Discover a world of hallway heating tips in our Advice Centre guide on how to heat a hallway.

Question 47

How many radiators in a room?

Accepted Answer

There’s plenty of factors at play in determining how many radiators are required for a room.

Personal preference, budget, available space and your required BTU output are all among them.

You can use our BTU Calculator to work out how many radiators you’ll need to kick out your desired level of heat for a particular room.

Question 48

Where is the best place to position a radiator in my room?

Accepted Answer

The best place is to position a radiator in your chosen room is the coldest part of the space, whether that be beneath a window or nearby an entrance door.

It is all related to heat conduction and convection - better explained in this guide on where to position a radiator.

Question 49

Can I order by phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can order by telephone!

If you can't find what you're looking for, or you want a little heating advice, just pick up the phone and give us a call.

UK customers can call - 0344 417 2563

Customers calling from Ireland can call - 1800 937 124

Question 50

Are Electric Radiators Expensive To Run?

Accepted Answer

The running costs of electric radiators may vary, depending on a number of factors.

Many electric radiators usually feature in-built thermostats, so will shut off automatically to preserve energy when not in use.

But your electrical charge tariff, that is set by your energy provider, will have an impact on the cost of running an electric radiator.

For further information, take a look at our Advice Centre blog, What are the running costs of Electric Radiators?

Question 51

Should I consider changing my existing TRVs?

Accepted Answer

You should replace your TRVs, or at least upgrade the TRV heads, if they are 10 or more years old.

TRVs can decline in terms of performance and accuracy over time.

To learn more about what TRVs are and why they may be beneficial, check out our guide to Thermostatic Radiator Valves.

And, if you;re considering changing yours, take a look at our full range of TRVs.

Question 52

Where should I position a radiator in the kitchen?

Accepted Answer

Traditionally, radiators would be fitted in the coldest part of a room.

There’s no hard and fast rule though, and especially in kitchens, the layout and design of the space will largely influence what is considered the best spot for installation.

Find out more in our ‘How To’ Guide to Kitchen Heating.

Question 53

Do you have a brochure?

Accepted Answer

We do not have a brochure as our website is the best place to find up-do-date information about all things BestHeating.

It includes our entire product collection, with each listing accompanied by detailed descriptions and specification information.

To learn more about our products, visit our Shop By Brand pages or find a wealth of tips and buying advice with our Ultimate Heating Guides.

Question 54

What are smart heating controls?

Accepted Answer

Smart heating controls work alongside central heating systems or boilers to provide an unrivalled level of control over your home heating.

They allow you to alter the level of heating remotely via a tablet or smartphone, based on factors such as outdoor weather, the time of the day and other factors.

Read our Ultimate Guide to Smart Home Heating Controls for a better insight into smart heating controls.

Question 55

What is a heating system flush?

Accepted Answer

A heating system flush is a chemical solution that removes sludge, rust and other unwanted debris from within a central heating system or boiler, helping it to perform to its full capacity.

Also known as a ‘power flush’, the solution essentially combats blockages and central heating inefficiency.

Find out more in our full Advice Centre blog, What is a Heating System Flush?

Question 56

What is a 'condensing' boiler?

Accepted Answer

A condensing boiler is a water heater that is powered by oil or gas.

Condensing boilers offer excellent energy efficiency by condensing water vapour in the exhaust gases.

It therefore recovers the excess energy emerging from vaporization, which otherwise would have been lost.

Question 57

Can electric radiators plug into a normal socket?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can hang an electric radiator nearby a standard plug socket and connect it as you would with any electrical device.

Question 58

Why are some of my radiators hotter than others?

Accepted Answer

There could be several reasons why some radiators are hotter than others in the home. It might simply be the case that certain radiators have higher heat outputs than others.

Or, if you know the radiators to have identical heat outputs when working properly, it is likely that trapped air is present in the colder models, which can lead to reduced heating efficiency.

The solution is to bleed the colder radiators, which can be done relatively simply by following the steps in our guide on how to bleed a radiator.

“OK BestHeating!”

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