Are Select radiators suitable for my existing central heating system?

Yes. Our radiators work with all central heating systems. All our connections are BSP and work with either manual or thermostatic valves.

Do I need to replace all of my radiators or can I simply replace the radiators in one room?

It is not a problem with replacing individual radiators into your existing system. When new or additional radiators are being installed, the system should be drained, cleaned and flushed in accordance with BS7593 and a good quality inhibitor, suitable for mixed metal systems, should be used to protect the system.

How large a radiator do I need to heat my room?

You can use our simple Heat Calculator in this website to work out how much heat your radiator needs to give out. We list the heat output of each radiator, so it's easy to see which are suitable for you.

In a larger space you might need to have two or more radiators. Just make sure that their combined output adds up to the total you need. Before placing your order, you should confirm your requirements with your plumber or heating engineer.

We have chosen the radiator sizes most likely to match your requirements. If you would like a radiator manufactured to a different height or length, please let the Walney Team know.

Are these radiators suitable for use with a combination boiler?

Yes, you can use any type of central heating boiler with our radiators.

If my installation is already in progress, and I have to wait several weeks for the radiator I want, what do I do?

You can go ahead and have the pipework installed. The radiator can be connected later. Call the Walney Team to discuss the Pipework connections and tolerances.

 Are there any reasons why I cannot change my existing radiators for tall, thin radiators to save space?

No. However, if you have a central heating expansion tank, the top of the radiator must be at least 1 metre (or 40 inches) below it. If you have a combination boiler, there is no problem.

 Are cast iron radiators as efficient as contemporary radiators?

Cast iron radiators are highly efficient heat emitters and hold their heat much longer than standard steel panel radiators.

 Where is the best place to put a radiator?

Tests show that the best place is in the coldest part of the room, usually near a window. Placing a radiator under the window will counteract the cold downdraughts and prevent condensation.

However, with double glazed windows and modern levels of insulation, it is usually possible to locate your radiators away from windows in the position you decide is most pleasing aesthetically.

 Why do some models specify the flow direction?

Some designer radiators have flow diverters inside the water-carrying tubes to divert the water flow around the whole radiator.

How do I convert from Watts to BTU’s

To convert watts to Btu's, multiply by 3.413.

 How do I convert from BTU’s to Watts

To convert BTU’s to Watts multiply by 0.293

 What is the difference between outputs listed at 60Δt and 50Δt?

60Δt allows for older boiler systems, whilst 50Δt is the new European testing standard for modern boilers, such as condensing boilers, with lower flow temperatures of 75° flow, 65° return. For an approximate conversion from 50Δt to 60Δt, multiply the 50Δt by 1.264.

What is the difference between Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRV) and manual valves?

Thermostatic radiator valves control the temperature of the radiator via a built-in sensor, which automatically opens and closes the flow of water into the radiator, maintaining the room at the pre-set temperature. A manual valve can only control the temperature of the radiator regardless of the room temperature.

What happens if I have a water softener on the system that uses salt?

It is important that the salt does not get into the central heating system. In an open or unvented system, if there is a leak, the water in the top-up tank for the central heating system will be automatically topped up with softened water, which will get into the radiators. This must be avoided.
If the central heating system or a radiator has been drained, and is to be refilled, the controls to the water softener must be switched over so that unsoftened water is fed into the header tank.

 What is an inhibitor and why should inhibitor be used in a central heating system?

Inhibitor is a chemical mix that should be added to the central heating system water to prevent corrosion and prolong the life of the system.

 Can aluminium radiators be put on a system with steel radiators?

Yes, aluminium can be put on a system with steel radiators, as long as an inhibitor for mixed metal systems is used. In reality, most systems are mixed metal, as many already have aluminium heat exchangers in the boiler, plus copper pipes and steel radiators.

 How do you vent a radiator?

• Warm up the system by turning the central heating on.

• When the system is fully warm, switch the system off (generally turning the central thermostat to 0)

• Using the appropriate vent key, open up the air vent

• If air escapes with water, leave the vent open until only water escapes

• Close the vent

• Do the same to all the radiators on the system

• Turn the thermostat back on

• If a radiator is still cool and not heating up, repeat the procedure on this radiator