Did you know that when you buy a new radiator they come with a basic coat of primer but that you should really give them another coat of paint to prevent corrosion? Most people don’t.
Paint
It’s the bottom edges of radiators that are generally most neglected, so check them regularly. If they look a little rusty, rub them down and paint them as soon as possible.
The best paints to use are enamel or specialised radiator paints.
If you don’t maintain your radiators and they corrode, then they begin to leak and are no longer efficient as heat emitters.
And if you don’t want to be mopping up water from your floors, or replacing the radiators in your home too often, make sure sure you fit the best from the start.
Calls for Zero Tolerance on Standards Dodgers Led by MARC
According to MARC, the Manufacturers’ Association of Radiators and Convectors, buyers should look for radiators that have the British Standard BS-EN442 stamped either on the box or on the radiator itself to protect consumers from standards dodgers. Full details can be found on the MARC site.
Tests they conducted on behalf of the industry highlighted that imported radiators often mislead consumers, making claims for power output and capacity that are not accurate. Buyers think they are getting a better deal than they actually are.
MARC recommends that customers – whether trade, retail or private consumers – who come across products that do not conform to British Standards should report the manufacturer to the local Trading Standards authority.
What Should You Look for When Purchasing New Radiators?
Aluminium radiators are extremely efficient heat conductors and are ideal if you want to warm the house quickly, as they heat up almost immediately.
They also contain less water than cast iron or steel varieties, are lighter and easier to install, are more responsive to thermostat changes and tend to be more cost-effective to run. They don’t corrode either.
Finding one is easy, with the option to choose an aluminium radiator from Apollo or from similar specialists.
At the end of the day, if you don’t want rusty, leaky radiators:
– Buy aluminium ones
– Make sure you paint and maintain your radiators to prevent rust and leaks
– Buy radiators that have the British Standard mark