Are you wondering how white radiators compare to chrome and colour radiators?
This is something you may have heard from your heating engineer, or a friend. However, you’d be surprised how many of my customers are unaware that the colour of your radiators can really make a difference to how hot a room gets.
It’s not something everyone thinks of when buying new radiators for their home. And with so many colours and options available these days, people are starting to branch out and choose radiators that make more of a style statement.
With that in mind, I’m going to explain below how chrome and colour radiators fare against standard white radiators.
Does the colour of your radiators really matter?
Yes, unfortunately it does matter. Although 95% of radiators in domestic households are currently white, things are changing. Now people are waking up to the reality that they have options! They can pick their radiators in a various of styles, shapes and sizes – not to mention colours!
People are now choosing their radiators in black, graphic grey, or chrome finishes. Some are even choosing their own custom colours to match their rooms!
The problem is this; black and chrome radiators simply don’t give off the same heat as white radiators.
White radiators
If you want maximum heat output, standard white pressed steel panel radiators are your best bet. Just be sure to order them from a reputable brand, like Stelrad or Delonghi. Your chosen heating engineer should be happy to supply and fit these for you.
Chrome and graphite grey radiators
Graphite grey or chrome radiators (or towel rails) typically give off about 5% less heat than white radiators. It’s a difference, albeit a negligible one. Still, that 5% could just be the different between being cool or warm enough.
Black radiators
Matte black radiators tend to be the worst in terms of heat output, with around a 10% difference. I’m pretty sure it’s related to how much hotter you feel in the sun wearing a black t-shirt compared to a white one. Black just tends to retain heat better rather than reflecting it out.
When I check some of the charts, it’s quite disturbing to think of the difference in heat output, which is why I always advise my customers about this before they order.
Colour radiators
Colour radiators can brighten up any room! However, there can still be a difference in heat output, depending on the colour you choose. To give you a better picture, a copper radiator will happily just emit heat. Put a coating of paint on it? It won’t give out the same heat.
Advice from an experienced heating engineer
At the end of the day, it’s each to their own! A few of my customers have ordered colour radiators such as pink or yellow. What I did – and what any engineer should do – is to ensure they’re going to be providing enough kW to heat your home. I’d rather overheat than anyone feels cold because of me.
Double-checking the order is right happens to also be incredibly important, because when you order custom colours of radiators, you can’t send them back!
Although this post is mainly about paint, there are other things that can affect heat outputs of radiators, too. For example, if you were to install radiator covers or panels, it can lower the overall heat output to the room. Just think; if different colours of paint lose heat, imagine how much heat you’ll lose with a box panel!
One of my customers had vertical radiators, but put a copper box over the top. It looked very nice, but they were losing another 10 – 15% of heat because of the panel. Then, they were wondering why their room wasn’t getting hot!
If you have heavy curtains in a material like velvet covering your radiators, you’ll find the same thing.
Conclusion
I hope you’ve found this blog helpful when learning more about colour radiators vs. chrome, black and white. If you’re worried about ordering something different from the norm; don’t be. Just consult with your chosen engineer and be sure that he’s measured the outputs you required – and double checked the sizes, too!
Do you have any questions about colour radiators vs white, black, chrome or graphite grey? Let me know in the comments. I’m always happy to help!
