upgrading rads

Tabnabs

We have some 1980s rads in the house that I have always suspected are undersized and/or modern ones would be more efficient. I was hoping that it would be a job that I could do myself?

The main question I have is newer rads seem to be a good deal smaller, how do I reconcile this with the location of the existing supply and return pipes coming up out of the floor?

DoneDL

First thing I would do would be to work out the heat requirement of each room then decide which radiator to use as a replacement. But it is well worth looking at your insulation, cleaning and balancing the system will help as will fitting TRV`S.

paddy147

Alloy rads are the way to go.

Less water and better heat.

Simples.:)

Tabnabs

Thanks lads, can anyone answer the question?

DoneDL

Can you be more specific.

aujopimur

If you have ordinary timber floors you can alter the risers under the floor and relocate them to the new positions.
Where there is concrete floors you could chase to the new positions or leave the existing riser in position and run altered pipework behind/under the new rads.

JohnnieK

Or you could get rads that closly match the existing ones and use extentions when connecting them up. They would be well over sized by todays rads but you can fit TRV valves. If you go down that road leave the rad in the bathroom with standard valves to allow circulation on the system if the TRV's shut down. Between the bathroom and the coil in the cylinder it should be enough.

Tabnabs

Thanks JohnnieK, I went down the route of extensions, worked a treat.