Do I need to replace my radiators?

If you've decided it's finally time to replace your old boiler and give your heating system a much-needed upgrade, you might be wondering if you should also replace your radiators. Is this, however, the most cost-effective strategy to make your home more energy efficient? Read on to see what the staff at J. Wheatley Gas, Plumbing & Heating Ltd thinks you should do! 

Why is it a good idea to replace your radiators?

If you've decided to replace your boiler and upgrade your heating system at the same time, it's a good idea to consider updating your radiators as well, since this will cause less difficulty and cost. Let's have a look at some of the reasons why updating your radiators together with your boiler is a smart option. 

Energy bill savings and increased efficiency

You may believe that all radiators are created equal, but you would be incorrect. In response to legislative quality and performance regulations, radiator performance has dramatically improved in recent years. Radiators nowadays might be up to 50% more efficient than their counterparts from the year 2000. Your new radiators will ultimately pay for themselves in decreased energy bills due to their increased efficiency.

Modern radiators also channel water more effectively, allowing hot water to reach a larger surface area of the radiator while using substantially less water. You may use a BTU calculator (British Thermal Unit) to ensure you have the proper size radiator to efficiently heat your room and eliminate the ambiguity from the calculation. 

Over time, sludge accumulates inside your radiators

Metal pipes and radiators in your heating system can rust over time; the rust is caught by the water travelling through your system and returned to the boiler, where it may build. Sludge is a phrase for a buildup of debris, and it's a great incentive to replace old radiators. Sludge can build up in old radiators, preventing them from heating to their maximum capacity. 

In the image above, you can see a radiator heat map, which shows a snapshot from a thermal imaging camera, similar to the ones used by our heating professionals to determine whether your radiators require a powerflush. The image above demonstrates very substantial corrosion and deposit build-up within the radiator since there is a noticeable temperature change when you gaze from left to right of the radiator, as it transitions from hot to cold. This indicates that your radiator is functional and does not need to be replaced, but it does require a powerflush.

How to get rid of sludge without having to replace your radiators

Powerflushing can occasionally eliminate sludge buildup, but it's an expensive treatment with no assurance of success. Because corrosion in your old radiators will still be present after the powerflush, sludge formation will restart. System filters, which employ powerful magnets to collect sludge as it flows through your boiler's return pipes, can be fitted. The filter and installation might cost between £150 and £200. Many boiler manufacturers will extend your warranty if you install a system filter with your new boiler.