How to find the heat output of a radiator?

[Ernie Bilko]

I want to replace the current small single rad in my bathroom with a towel rail rad. Is there any way to calculate/estimate the heat output of the existing rad from it's size?

Thanks

[TheScullster]

"Ernie Bilko" wrote

Check out the various radiator manufacturers' websites - they have charts showing heat output for the various sizes and configurations.

Phil

[Roger Mills]

Yes, there are some rules of thumb for watts per square metre for different types of construction - single panel without fins, single panel with fins, etc.

The output is also dependent on Delta-T (the difference between the mean radiator temperature and room temperature). When comparing your rad with a towel rad, you need to make sure that you're comparing the outputs at the

*same* Delta-T.

What type is your existing rad, and how big is it? Do you have a particular towel rad in mind? [Size for size, a towel rad will have a *much* lower output than a conventional rad because the surface area is much lower - with lots of fresh air between the bars!]

[Andrew Gabriel]

The output of a towel rail when it has towels on it is virtually nothing. The output of a towel rail when it has nothing on it is nowhere near that of a radiator the same size.

If by a towel rail rad, you mean a towel rail with radiator section included, then just compare the radiator section size. If it really is just a towel rail, then consider leaving the radiator too unless it won't fit. Something else which is effective (and I've done a couple of times) is to use a plain unheated towel rail/shelf positioned on the wall above the radiator, although finding decent and functional ones can be hard. Actually, I ended up using an Ikea kitchen shelf made from rails, and only fitting alternate rails -- came out much better than anything I could find which was intended for the job (and much cheaper too).

[YAPH]

Yes, you'll find it in the article on radiators in the uk.d-i-y wiki at wiki.diyfaq.org.uk

[Ernie Bilko]

Thanks for all teh help. Much appreciated.