Rules and Guidelines
Want to participate in the discussions? Please read our Community Rules and Guidelines. Need some help? Visit Support and Answers.

  • State Not Answered
  • Locked Locked
  • Replies 27 replies
  • Subscribers 10 subscribers
  • Views 2430 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
You may also be interested in
This discussion is locked.
You cannot post a reply to this discussion. If you have a question start a new discussion

Formulas to calculate the required power output of a radiator for a room of a specific size. Do they exist?

Arran Cameron
Are there any recognised formulas to calculate the required power output of a radiator for a room of a specific size that also takes into account variables such as extra height, large areas of glass, insulation of walls etc? Good quality formulas devised by people who know about thermodynamics as opposed to plumber's rules of thumb passed down from the 1950s.


Numerous online radiator power outlet calculators exist but the formula behind them is not disclosed and the results for the same input variables vary from website to website.
Parents
  • 0
    I suspect most people don't care enough to perform a complicated calculation, based on parameters that are themselves only guesses.  There's no point in having a fancy formula if you don't know the correct values to plug into it.


    What's the result of fitting an over-sized radiator?  It will take up a bit more wall space and cost a few pounds more to buy.  But on a cold day it will warm the room up quicker, and if it's fitted with a TRV, it will still shut off when the room is warm enough.


    So if in doubt, just pick a radiator that your rule-of-thumb says is big enough for the size of the room.  And if in doubt, add a bit.
Reply
  • 0
    I suspect most people don't care enough to perform a complicated calculation, based on parameters that are themselves only guesses.  There's no point in having a fancy formula if you don't know the correct values to plug into it.


    What's the result of fitting an over-sized radiator?  It will take up a bit more wall space and cost a few pounds more to buy.  But on a cold day it will warm the room up quicker, and if it's fitted with a TRV, it will still shut off when the room is warm enough.


    So if in doubt, just pick a radiator that your rule-of-thumb says is big enough for the size of the room.  And if in doubt, add a bit.
Children
No Data

Join us to get the best from IET EngX.

Joining EngX lets you personalise your experience so you stay up to date on the topics that interest you, plus you’ll be able to make connections who are looking to collaborate, exchange ideas and more.

Join us Not now

Community Rules & Guidelines