How to Select a Radiator
Our step-by-step guide will help you to select the right radiator.
 |
Establish the heat output required for the room. This can be done by using Bisque's Heat loss calculator, or by asking your plumber. |
|
 |
Choose a design from our extensive collection and select a model to match the output required. On the product pages of this website you can enter the required output and see what radiators are suitable. In a larger space you may need to have two or more radiators. |
|
 |
Tests prove that the best place to locate a radiator is in the coldest part of the room, usually near a window. Placing a radiator under the window will counteract the cold downdraughts and prevent condensation. However, with double glazed windows and modern levels of insulation, it is usually possible to locate your radiators away from windows in the position you decide is most pleasing aesthetically. Tall, slim radiators can be installed in areas which are otherwise unusable. For large areas of glazing, which may be prone to condensation, consider using low level radiators. |
 |
 |
Consider having a towel radiator with a supplementary electric heater which will operate in the summer months when the central heating is turned off. This is often referred to as a dual fuel towel radiator. If using an electric towel radiator you will need to consider its location as there are restrictions on where electrical products can be situated. See our Bathroom zoning data sheet for more information. For large family bathroom which require more heat and towel space, consider using two towel radiators. If no central heating system is available you can use stainless steel towel radiators, which can be installed on the hot water system. If you have underfloor heating consider using products such as our Gio and Olga towel radiators, which have lower outputs and plenty of space for towels. |
 |
 |
Consider the colour and finish of the radiator. Most of our radiators are available in stock in at least two finishes and there is a wide choice of others available to order. On this website you can see the radiator model you have selected in all the Bisque colour options. If your preferred colour is not shown, we can arrange for our radiators to be painted in any RAL or NCS colour and we even offer a unique colour matching service. |
 |
 |
Once you have selected the radiator you want, you will need some valves to connect the radiator to the central heating system. There are two types of valves Manual valves: these have no labelled settings ? simply turn the valve head until the radiator is giving out the amount of heat desired. Manual valves are most suitable for use in rooms where your heating needs will be fairly constant e.g. for towel radiators in bathrooms. Thermostatic valves: these come with an inbuilt temperature sensor and have a range of temperature settings. The thermostatic valve will maintain the room at the temperature you have selected, by automatically adjusting the heat output from the radiator. This helps to save energy as it means that you can take advantage of any "free" heat the room receives, such as from the sun or electrical equipment. As standard radiator valves are often ugly and obtrusive, we have chosen a range of discreet, well designed, top quality valves from Europe's leading manufacturers to complement our radiators. On this website you can see the different valve options available with your radiator selection. |
 |
 |
Once you have made your final selection, consult the Where to buy section to find your local supplier. |
|
 |
When installing Bisque radiators, take the trouble to install the valves and pipework to the wall or floor as neatly as possible. Poor installation can easily mar the final look. Often central heating pipes come from the floor and connecting these to a towel radiator, which is positioned higher up the wall, can result in unattractive lengths of pipework. One alternative is to sink the pipework into the wall as you would with electric cables. Your plumber may charge you more for this but the end result should be worth it. For shorter lengths (under 300mm) consider using our chromed pipe and shroud kit. For more information on heating systems and installation, see the information listed under the Technical Data section of this website. |
 |