Bathroom Renovation Supplies Checklist
Planning a bathroom renovation? Our full supplies checklist covers every fixture and fitting so nothing gets missed once the job starts.
Radiator Buying Guide
A practical guide to choosing the right radiator for your home, covering types, sizing and heat output, plus what we stock at our Hereford and Ross-on-Wye trade counters.
- Aqua-Heat Team
- Buying Guide
Choosing the right radiator comes down to two things: getting the heat output right for the room, and picking a type that suits the space and your heating system. Undersize it and the room never quite warms up. Oversize it and you’re paying to heat air nobody needs warmed. This guide covers the main radiator types, how output is measured, and what to think about before you buy.
In This Guide
What type of radiator do I need?
Panel radiators are the most common choice, budget-friendly, widely available, and suitable for most rooms. Column radiators suit period or character properties, and generally offer higher heat output for their size than a standard panel. Designer and vertical radiators work well where floor or wall space is limited, functioning as a feature as much as a heat source. Towel radiators are built specifically for bathrooms, combining heating with somewhere to dry towels.
How radiator output is measured
Radiator output is measured in BTU (British Thermal Units) or Watts, the older imperial and newer metric measurements for the same thing. Most manufacturers list both figures, so you can compare radiators directly regardless of which unit you’re more familiar with.
Sizing a radiator for your room
Getting the size right depends on room dimensions, insulation, window size and count, and ceiling height, so a precise figure needs a proper calculation rather than a rule of thumb. As a starting point:
| Room type | Rough guide | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom | Lower output | Usually one external wall, lower heat loss |
| Living room | Higher output | Often larger windows and more time spent in the room |
| Kitchen | Lower output | Benefits from ambient heat from cooking and appliances |
| Bathroom | Higher output, or a dedicated towel radiator | Tiled surfaces and ventilation increase heat loss |
These are starting points, not a substitute for a proper calculation. Bring in your room dimensions and our team can help you work out actual output before you buy.
Radiator types compared
| Type | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Panel radiator | Most rooms, budget-conscious buyers | Widely available, straightforward to fit |
| Column radiator | Period or character homes | Higher heat output per size, traditional look |
| Designer/vertical radiator | Space-saving, feature wall | Higher cost, doubles as a design piece |
| Towel radiator | Bathrooms | Combines heating with towel drying |
FAQs
Do I need a plumber to fit a new radiator?
Fitting a radiator involves working with your heating system’s water, and usually means draining and refilling part of the system, so it’s best left to a qualified heating engineer, particularly if pipework needs to move.
What's the difference between BTU and Watts?
Both measure heat output. BTU is the older imperial unit, Watts the metric equivalent, and one Watt is roughly 3.4 BTU per hour. Manufacturers usually list both so you can compare either way.
Can I just replace like-for-like without recalculating output?
Usually fine if the room hasn’t changed, but worth checking if you’ve since improved insulation or changed windows, since an older radiator may now be oversized for what the room actually needs.
Need to check what we have in stock?
Call your nearest branch and our trade team will help, Hereford or Ross-on-Wye.
Hereford Branch
Westfields Trading Estate, 1 Faraday Road, Hereford, HR4 9NU.
Mon–Fri 7:30am–5:30pm · Sat 8am–12pm
Ross-On-Wye Branch
Ashburton Ind Est, Unit 1 Great Western Ct, Ross-on-Wye. HR9 7XP.
Mon–Fri 7:30am–5:30pm · Sat 8am–12pm
We don’t list individual products or prices online. Call your nearest branch and our trade team will help. We can check stock and have your order ready to collect.
News & Guides
Trade Accounts Explained
Buying regularly? A trade account changes how you deal with us, trade pricing, credit terms, and a faster counter visit. Here’s how it works.
Radiator Buying Guide
Panel, column, or designer? Getting the size right matters more than the style. Here’s how to choose the right radiator for the room.
Why Buy From An Independent Plumbing & Heating Merchant?
What does buying from an independent merchant actually get you over a national chain? Local knowledge, trade advice, and real flexibility.
Need to check stock or get a price?
Call your nearest plumbing and heating branch. Our trade team can check availability, advise on the right product and have your order ready to collect.