Is It Worth Replacing Old Radiators?

Let’s face it, none of us actually give too much thought to those pieces of metal that sit on the wall gathering dust and to some extent rust! Until the dreaded cold winter arrives and we all expect the radiators to play their part to heat our homes. So do I really need to be replacing old radiators after 20 years of good service?

When it comes to heating our homes in the UK, radiators are a still a very popular choice. They provide a reliable and efficient way to heat your home, but like any other appliance, they do have a lifespan. If you have radiators that are over 20 years old, you may be wondering if it’s worth replacing them. In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of replacing old radiators and help you decide if it’s the right move for your home.

The Benefits of Replacing Old Radiators

One of the main benefits of replacing your old radiators is the much improved energy efficiency. Radiators manufactured before 2000 can be up to 50% less efficient than newer radiators. This is mainly due to the increased surface area of newer radiators and the improved convection fins.

Modern radiators are more energy efficient and they tend to heat up more quickly due to the lower water content which is typically around 24% less than that in radiators manufactured prior to 2000.

Another benefit of replacing your old radiators is improved aesthetics. Older radiators can look outdated and detract from the overall look of your home. By installing new radiators, you can give your home a fresh new look while also improving its heating capabilities.

Finally, replacing old radiators can also improve safety in your home. Over time, older radiators can become corroded or develop leaks which can cause water damage or even electrocution if not addressed quickly enough. By installing new models, you can ensure that all safety concerns are addressed and that your family is safe from harm.

The Cons of Replacing Old Radiators

One of the main drawbacks of replacing old radiators is the cost. Installing new models can be expensive depending on the type and size of radiator you choose to install in your home. Additionally, if there is any damage to existing pipework or walls caused by removing the old radiator then this will add further costs to the project as well as additional labour time for installation professionals.

Another potential drawback is disruption during installation process as walls may need to be opened up in order to fit new pipework or access existing pipework for removal purposes which could cause disruption in other areas of the house such as bedrooms or living rooms while work is being carried out on them elsewhere in the house.

How Much Does it Cost For Replacing Old Radiators ?

This depends on what size of radiator that you want to have installed and which company you choose. For example a small radiator including a new valve set and labour should cost you between £180 to £220. A medium sized radiator would set you back around £220 to £250 including new valve set and labour and a larger radiator would cost you north of $400.

Prices may vary from location around the country but you should shop around and get a couple of prices from local reputable heating emgineers before deciding to commit.

Conclusion

Ultimately, whether or not it’s worth replacing 20 year old radiators depends on several factors such as budget constraints and how much disruption you’re willing to tolerate during installation process but generally speaking if they are still functioning properly then it may not be necessary unless there are aesthetic reasons for wanting a newer model or safety concerns due to corrosion/leaks etc…

We hope you got some value from this blog post and would appreciate it if you share with friends and family. If you need a quote for new radiators, please contact us here.