What are the most common radiators?

Author: Jaycee Beahan Sr.  |  Last update: Thursday, July 24, 2025

Single/Flat Panel or Double Panel Radiators - These are the most commonly used radiators for central heating systems. Central heating radiators come as either one slim single panel that fits closely to the wall or double panels with a gap between them that helps give out more heat.

What is the most common type of radiator?

The most common type of radiators for passenger vehicles are currently plastic / aluminium, meaning the core materials (fin and tube) are aluminium and the tanks are made of plastic.

What is the most effective type of radiator?

Aluminium radiators are best. So, why is this? Well, aluminium is an excellent conductor of heat. This means these radiators can heat rooms up quickly.

What are normal radiators called?

The most common radiators types are steel panel central heating radiators. These often come in single panel (type 11), double panel plus (type 21), and double panel (type 22) varieties.

How do I tell what type of radiator I have?

Indicators of hot water heating systems:
  1. Two pipes. Hot water systems will always have two pipes coming from the radiator — not necessarily from different corners. ...
  2. Circulating pump. If a circulating pump is attached to your boiler heating system, it usually means you have a hot water system. ...
  3. Expansion tank.

Which Heating System Is Best in 2024?

How do I know what radiator to buy?

Use a BTU calculator to work out what heat output the room needs. Then match the BTU number given with the BTU of the radiator. You can get to the required BTU for the room with just one radiator or add up the BTU of more than one radiator to get to the right amount of heat output that's required.

What are the two types of car radiators?

There are various types of radiators, that is, cooling, heating, and climatic radiators. Each of them has a specific purpose but still, works using the same principle. However, there are two main categories of radiators in the automotive industry: tubular-lamellar and tubular and tape.

What's the difference between a Type 21 and Type 22 radiator?

The difference between Type 22 and Type 21 convector radiators is that in Type 22 radiators, there are two sets of convector fins inside the radiator. These push out more heat and are thicker than your average Type 21 radiator.

What is an old fashioned radiator?

When people talk about old fashioned radiators, they are usually referring to the column style which was popularised in Victorian times. They are constructed from rows of tubes that connect top to bottom to form a single section. Water flows around these tubes or 'columns' to heat them up.

Are oil-filled radiators cheap to run?

Oil filled radiators work in a very energy efficient manner, so can be considered cheap to run in comparison with many alternative designer radiator styles.

Are radiators standard sizes?

Standard radiator sizes are no more thanks to the different types – vertical, horizontal, column and trench all fit into different spaces.

How long do radiators last?

Age. The average lifespan of modern radiators is between 10 and 15 years. Older radiators become less efficient, and even if they are still working perfectly after 15 years, they are more likely to develop problems, for example, internal corrosion.

Which radiators stay hot for longer?

Cast Iron radiators take longer to heat up and cool down, so they'll stay warm long after you turn your heating off. These features make cast iron radiators a great choice for rooms with high ceilings. Cast iron radiators will look great in a period home, or when added as a contrasting feature in a modern space.

What are the most efficient radiators?

Aluminium radiators are considered one of the best options for the environment. Because they heat up quickly and require less water, your boiler doesn't have to work as hard so your greenhouse gas emissions will be lower.

What does K2 mean in radiators?

K2 also known as Type 22, is a type of radiator with 2 radiator panels and 2 sets of convection fins. K3 also known as Type 33, is a type of radiator with 3 radiator panels and 3 sets of convection fins.

Are electric radiators expensive to run?

That all depends on your current electricity price and the exact size and type of heater you have. However, to give you a general steer, you can expect to pay around 25p per hour to run an average-sized 1000W electric radiator. The same costs apply to an oil electric radiator.

How do I tell what kind of radiator I have?

Existing radiator system: Check whether you have a steam or hot water radiator system. Steam systems will have a sight glass on the boiler, and hot water systems will have a circulating pump and expansion tank.

Are old radiators worth any money?

A cleaned radiator can bring in a nice bit of cash as metal recycling values continue to climb worldwide. With scrap metal prices fluctuating daily based on demand, a little time invested in dismantling old items like radiators can pay off.

What are poor radiators?

Hence, a shiny or silver-coated surfaces are bad radiators of heat.

Do Type 22 radiators use more energy?

A double panel convector radiator (also known as a Type 22) is an even more efficient and effective way of heating a room because it features two panels and two sets of convector fins, so the surface area of the radiator is vastly increased.

What is a Type 20 radiator?

Steel panel radiators of type 20 Compact with side connection are hygienic. This means that the radiators consist only of heating panels.

Can you mix radiator types?

Yes, it is possible to mix radiators that are constructed from different types of metal on the same system. Essentially, your central heating system or boiler will accommodate a mixture of materials over the course of its lifespan. As such, combining radiators made from different metals will pose no sort of issue.

How do I know what radiator fits my car?

The following factors will help you narrow down your choices when choosing a radiator:
  1. Space available within the engine compartment.
  2. Compression ratio and engine size.
  3. The performance of the engine in terms of horsepower and torque.
  4. The purpose for which the vehicle is being used.
  5. The type of fan—electric or flexible.

What type of radiator is the best?

Aluminium radiators are usually the cheapest, although they hold less heat, so heat up rooms less; Cast iron radiators, much used in the past, are more expensive but heat up much more. Lastly, steel radiators are an excellent compromise between cast iron and aluminium.

What type of radiator is automotive?

Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, aluminum radiators are popular for their durability and ability to withstand high temperatures. They are often used in high-performance vehicles where weight reduction is crucial. Steel: Steel radiators are more common and offer a balance between cost and performance.

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