Which heating systems work best with Type 33 radiators?

What we’ll cover…

• What are Type 33 radiators?
• The advantages Type 33 radiators provide for a home
• Which heating systems to team with Type 33 radiators
• An overview of various compatible heating systems with pros and cons
• How to decide on the best heating system to work alongside Type 33 radiators
• The wide range of triple panel radiators from BestHeating

How to choose the right heating system for triple panel radiators

For an efficient overall home heating performance, it is key to make sure you have the right heating system in place to get the best out of your radiators or alternate devices. Type 33 radiators, or triple panel radiators, are an excellent option for many homes on account of their relatively low cost, high heat output and strong efficiency levels.

But which heating systems work best alongside them? This article will explore the variety of heating systems that Type 33 radiators are operational alongside, so you can come to an informed decision.

What are Type 33 radiators?

Type 33 radiators are convector radiators which feature three convectors in addition to three panels. Their design lends itself to the projection of the highest possible heat output, which makes them a great option for larger houses or properties situated in colder climates. Most commonly, triple panel radiators are used alongside a central heating system, and renowned for their efficiency and effectiveness at the fast heating of spaces.

Advantages of Type 33 radiators

• Impressive heat output – A profile incorporating triple panels and triple convectors guarantees an impressive heat output that will quickly heat up large spaces.
• Energy efficiency levels – Type 33 radiators are designed to offer supreme heat retention attributes, in turn lowering energy consumption.
• Versatility – Triple panel radiators are suitable for pairing with a wide range of heating systems, ensuring they are a flexible option for homeowners.

Understanding efficient heating in UK homes

For the simplest way to understand energy efficiency and the importance of it in UK homes, you can essentially think that the more efficient a heating system is, the lower the applicable energy bills will be in turn.

Several factors can influence the level of heating efficiency in a home. These include the overall level of insulation, whether or not the property has double glazing installed, the type of boiler fitting, and of course the heat output of the radiators or heating devices in operation. The key metrics for the measurement of radiator efficiency are British Thermal Units (BTUs) which indicate the heat output a radiator emits, and SEDBUK or ErP ratings, which rank boiler efficiency. A BTU Calculator can determine what your heating requirements are for a particular room, so you can work out which sort of radiator would be an appropriate purchase.

SEDBUK – Seasonal Efficiency of a Domestic Boiler in the UK

ErP – The Energy Related Products Directive

ErP replaced SEDBUK as the standard directive from 2015, as part of EU plans to phase out inefficient heating appliances. However, many households will still have boilers that feature a SEDBUK rating, ranking the boiler from A down to G for efficiency.

By contrast, ErP is now applicable to all European residential and commercial heating products and offers a couple of key advantages. Firstly, heating devices such as Type 33 radiators require clear energy labelling so customers can select the most energy efficient models, helping them to save on energy costs and cut carbon emissions. Secondly, ‘Ecodesign’ regulations were also introduced by ErP, meaning the likes of boilers need to meet greater energy efficiency standards before they are listed for sale. Boilers that aren’t up to the required efficiency level can no longer be manufactured or purchased.

What to consider when selecting a heating system

Home layout and size

The layout and size of your home will have a sizeable impact on which type of heating system you should opt for. Bigger households might need a more robust system in comparison with smaller properties, which could instead profit from more compact solutions.

Location and climate

The local climate that a home is situated within plays a vital role in identifying the best heating system to suit your specific requirements. Geographical spots that experience harsh winter conditions will need a more powerful system in contrast with places that typically enjoy milder months even towards the end of the year.

Energy efficiency As spiralling energy costs and environmental concerns continue to be a hot topic, energy efficiency levels are a top priority as it pertains to home heating. Choose a heating system that operates with the utmost efficiency to trim energy bills and decrease your carbon footprint.

Different central heating systems

Central heating system overview

Central heating systems offer the most common means for efficiently heating a home, distributing warmth via a central source such as a boiler. The heat is transferred through a pipe network to reach radiators or alternate heat sources such as heated towel rails all around the house.

Type 33 radiator compatibility

Type 33 radiators are greatly compatible alongside central heating systems, delivering a consistent and efficient performance all throughout the home.

Gas Boilers

Gas boilers heat up water by burning natural gas. This hot water is then transported through radiators or alternate heating solutions to warm the home.

Pros:

• Cost-effective and efficient
• Widely available and reliable

Cons:

• Require a gas supply
• Need regular maintenance
• Government schemes favour the phasing out of this type of heating system*

*See our article, The UK gas boiler ban: what you need to know

Electric boilers

With electric boilers, unsurprisingly electricity is used to heat up the water, offering a viable alternative to gas boilers, especially so in homes that don’t have a gas supply.

Pros:

• Simple installation
• Low maintenance

Cons:

• More expensive to run
• Reliant upon electrical supply

Oil boilers

Oil boilers utilise oil for the heating of water, which is then transported to radiators or other hot water systems. They make for an ideal addition to households which aren’t connected to the gas grid.

Pros:

• An effective option for homes in remote locations
• Excellent energy efficiency levels

Cons:

• Volatile oil costs
• A typically bulky storage tank is necessary

Heat pumps

Air source and ground source heat pump options

Heat pumps extract energy either from air or ground sources, transforming it into heat for your home. They are an extremely efficient and environmentally friendly option. Find out more in our full article, The ultimate guide to air source heat pumps.

Pros:

• Extremely energy efficient
• Renewable energy source
• Could be eligible for financial support with purchase cost

Cons:

• Expensive initial purchase price (could be offset with government help)
• Additional insulation might be required

Solar heating solutions

Solar heating solutions utilise solar panels to derive energy from natural sunlight, which is then used for the heating of water or for space heating purposes. They are able to integrate with Type 33 radiators, usually as part of a hybrid system, to improve efficiency.

Pros:

• A renewable energy source
• Lower energy bills

Cons:

• Dependent on weather conditions
• Expensive initial purchase cost

Biomass boilers

For biomass boilers, organic materials such as wood pellets are burned for the production of heat, providing a viable and sustainable alternative option to fossil fuels.

Pros:

• Renewable energy option
• Can work very efficiently

Cons:

• Necessitates fuel storage
• Regular maintenance required

Hybrid heating systems

Hybrid heating systems represent a combination of two or more heating technologies, like a gas boiler and a heat pump for instance, to maximise reliability and energy efficiency.

Pros:

• Very efficient operation that optimizes energy usage
• Flexibility to adapt to various energy sources
• Excellent reliability on account of one or more backup heating sources

Cons:

• High initial purchase price
• Potentially costly maintenance, as more than one system requires servicing
• Compatibility may be an issue with older homes, where retrofitting could be necessary

Underfloor heating

An underfloor heating system will evenly distribute heat across the floor, offering a comfortable and efficient means of home heating. Underfloor heating can be teamed with Type 33 radiators to improve the efficiency of your overall heating setup.

Pros:

• Level distribution of heat
• Efficient operation
• Provide comfortable underfoot conditions

Cons:

• Expensive installation costs (might require significant disruption to existing home layout)
• Take longer to heat up

Radiant heating systems

A radiant heating system will deliver heat directly to the floor or the wall or ceiling panels, providing a comfortable and efficient heating method. Radiant heating options are another type that can operate in cohesion with triple panel radiators for an efficient and balanced home heating solution.

Pros:

• Energy efficient operation
• Even distribution of heat

Cons:

• More expensive initial installation cost
• Proper insulation a necessity

Hydronic heating systems

Hydronic heating systems use water for the transportation of heat. This is transferred via a pipe network that will connect to radiators (including Type 33) or underfloor heating.

Pros:

• Reliable and efficient
• Deliver a consistent level of heat

Cons:

• Higher installation costs
• Boiler requirement

What to consider before buying Type 33 radiators

As much as their design lends itself to an energy efficient performance, there are a few mitigating factors to think about before investing in Type 33 radiators.

One example is your existing heating system. The bigger size and heftier weight of triple panel radiators might mean that adjustments are needed to the heating systems you currently have, or they could even require an overall replacement.

This has the potential to be one of the most significant alterations you are required to make for Type 33 radiators, as they could be incompatible with your current boiler, and a more powerful modern version might be necessitated for optimal performance instead.

You also have to consider the material of the triple panel radiator; typically stainless steel, and the impact that this will have on its heat retention ability. You’ll also need to take care to make sure you select the right size of Type 33 radiator in line with the requirements of the room, to make sure you avoid either overheating or under-heating the space with day-to-day operation.

Additionally, think about what sort of system maintenance will need to be undertaken after an investment in triple panel radiators, to make sure they are working to maximum effect. There’s the possibility that the radiators will need bleeding on occasion to remove air pockets for peak performance, and semi-frequent checks on boiler efficiency.

Also, a limitation might be presented by the aesthetic of Type 33 radiators for some homeowners. Whilst the no-frills profile has its own unique charm, it may be passed over for more attractive designer radiators for those really looking to make a style statement with their home heating.

So, which heating system should I choose for Type 33 radiators?

Selecting the ideal heating system for your Type 33 radiators means taking a wide array of factors into consideration, such as the energy efficiency, climate and size of the home.

From boilers of the gas and electric variety, to air and ground source heat pumps, biomass boilers and other green solutions, there’s an impressive choice of options to suit all sorts of different preferences and requirements.

Our brief overview of multiple system solutions, along with their advantages and drawbacks, should offer an indication as to which heating option will best meet your specific needs and wants. And ultimately, you can reach an informed decision to keep your home warm and comfortable with Type 33 radiators.

Buy Type 33 radiators online with BestHeating

Once you have landed on the perfect heating system, you can select the ideal Type 33 radiators to complete the setup.

BestHeating supply a supreme range of triple panel radiators in all sorts of attractive designs to match up with virtually any interior design scheme.

Shop Type 33 radiators online today, or get in touch with us for any further advice or help surrounding the best option for your household. You can reach us in the comments section below, or contact us through Instagram, Facebook or X.

Frequently Asked Questions