Radiators have a habit of breaking down at the most inconvenient—and coldest—of times. If you’ve noticed a drop in your home’s temperature and suspect your radiators might be to blame, the time may have come to replace them.
In this article, we’ll examine the cost of replacing your radiator and the factors influencing its price, from installation to energy efficiency, so you can make the most cost-effective decision possible and, most importantly, get your home back up to temperature!
Let’s dive in.
in this article
Different Types of Radiators
As you’d expect, there’s not just one type of radiator to choose from. While plumbed central heating radiators are by far the most common in the UK, it’s a good idea to check out the other varieties to ensure you’re choosing the right appliance for your needs.
So, how much do new radiators cost?
Central Heating Radiators
If you look around a residential UK property, you will likely find standard central heating radiators in most rooms. Traditionally, central heating radiators use corrugated metal panels to distribute heat and have water flowing through them.
When in use, the water is heated by either a boiler, heat pump or solar thermal heating. This type of radiator has the highest heat output and the greatest heating efficiency while being the cheapest radiator in our range, making it an ideal choice for those on a budget.
Small units (40cm x 60 cm) cost between £20 and £40, and large units (80cm x 180cm) cost between £85 and £120. While there can be some variation in price due to brand type and design, you’re far more likely to find a cost-effective model with this radiator style than you are with a bespoke, designer radiator - which we’ll get onto next
Designer Radiators
Depending on your style, the look of a standard central heating radiator might not fit the vibe - which is where designer radiators come in. Available in plenty of contemporary designs, designer radiators are great for injecting personality into your home in an unconventional way.
Designer radiators offer dual-purpose functions, with some models also serving as mirrors or contemporary art pieces. As you’d expect, these attributes come at a price - small designer radiators can cost between £180 to £300, while large designer radiators can range from £350 and upwards of £500 depending on the brand of designer and complexity of the design.
Electric Radiators
Unlike standard central heating radiators, electric radiators are powered solely by electricity and do not involve plumbing, instead heating up an element inside the radiator. As a result, they are more costly to run than plumbed radiators, costing around £0.66 per kWh.
However, they are useful for homes without a gas supply and, as such, are more environmentally friendly. Prices can range from £140 for single-panel electric radiators to £660 and beyond for more sophisticated models with contemporary designs and built-in programming functions.
Towel Radiators
Towel radiators are great additions to bathrooms. They offer space-saving solutions for tight spaces, are inherently practical, and reduce the likelihood of encountering an already wet towel when you step out of the shower.
Prices for towel radiators can vary greatly depending on their size, design and material. This means that you’re likely to see prices range from £25 to £150 for small towel radiators, while larger units can cost anywhere from £75 to £500.
What Affects the Cost of a New Radiator?
When considering radiator prices, you also need to bear in mind the radiator’s material, size and output, as well as the brand and complexity of the design. To recap, here are the estimated supply costs for a range of radiator types:
| Radiator Type | Supply Cost for Small (40cm x 60cm) | Supply Cost for Medium (60cm x 100cm) | Supply Cost for Large (80cm x 180cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Heating Radiator | £20 to £40 | £40 to £80 | £85 to £120 |
| Designer Radiator | £180 to £300 | £200 to £450 | £350 to £500 |
| Towel Radiator | £25 to £150 | £50 to £300 | £75 to £500 |
| Electric Radiator | £100 to £140 | £220 to £250 | £300 to £660 |
Although these are the baseline estimated costs, your choice of material can further affect the radiator price. Radiators need to be made from conductive metals to allow for rapid heating, and these materials commonly include aluminium, steel, and cast iron.
Choice of Radiator Material
Aluminium is a popular material for radiators. It has excellent thermal conductivity while being extremely lightweight. The material allows for efficient heat transfer, which in turn gives a consistent flow of warmth.
It’s also corrosion-resistant, which is especially useful in rooms with high moisture content, such as bathrooms or kitchens. Once an aluminium radiator has reached the end of its lifespan, it can be fully recycled and made into new products, giving great green credentials.
Small aluminium radiators can start at £135 for simple designs, while more bespoke styles can cost upwards of £750.
Steel radiators also have high thermal conductivity and are durable and long-lasting, as they are resistant to corrosion and rust. One key attribute of steel radiators is their ability to have incredibly slim profiles–especially when compared with cast iron radiators–which can be a significant pull for homeowners wishing to achieve a contemporary style in their homes.
These radiators can start at around £180 for simple styles and upwards of £680 for more complex designs.
Lastly, cast iron is perhaps the material most synonymous with radiators. With a classic and timeless design, cast iron is popular among homeowners wanting a traditional look.
Cast iron has excellent heat retention, even once the heating system has been turned off, making it a great choice if you want to keep your heating costs down. However, it heats up slowly and isn’t as fast as aluminium and steel.
Being incredibly durable, cast iron radiators can cost anywhere from £400 to well over £1,000 for bespoke designs.
Standard Brands vs. Designer and Premium Brands
The costs we have just listed are for standard brands found in popular DIY shops, but new radiator costs will rise if you choose a designer or more premium brand. For the most cost-effective choice, it’s best to opt for a well-performing radiator material and make.
If you have more money in your budget for something bespoke, there are plenty of designer radiators to choose from with inventive finishes and styles to suit your home’s decor. These typically start at around £500 and creep upwards as the size and intricacy of the design evolve.
Size and Output
Choosing your radiator isn’t just based on how it looks–you need to consider its size in relation to the room it will be situated in and if the heat output is adequate for the space.
To find this out, you need to calculate your British Thermal Unit (BTU) rating. This handy calculator on B&Q can help you do this.
Generally speaking, the higher the BTU, the more expensive the radiator will be, as it will tend to be larger and require more manufacturing materials. To make a cost-effective decision, it’s essential that you calculate your BTU rating before buying new radiators. Having a BTU that is too high is unnecessary and will end up costing you more money than if you bought the correct output.
Energy Efficiency Rating
Considering your new radiator’s energy efficiency rating is paramount when looking at your options. While higher-efficiency models may be more expensive upfront, their long-term savings can help mitigate this initial cost and save you money on your energy bills.
Energy-efficient radiators work by heating your home quicker than other, less-efficient models. This means they use less energy to reach the same level of warmth, therefore performing better both environmentally and economically.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a New Radiator?
Now that we understand more about what affects the cost of a new radiator, let’s examine the associated installation costs. Depending on the type of radiator you are having fitted or removed, you’re likely to need a plumber or heating engineer present for the job.
| Task | Time Required | Estimated Labour Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Install New Radiator (small) | 2 to 3 hours | £250 |
| Install New Radiator (medium) | 3 to 4 hours | £300 |
| Install New Radiator (large) | 4 to 5 hours | £350 |
| Remove Radiator (small) | 1 hour | £80 |
| Remove Radiator (medium) | 1 to 2 hours | £100 |
| Remove Radiator (large) | 2 hours | £120 |
| Replace Radiator (small) | 1 hour | £150 |
| Replace Radiator (medium) | 1 to 2 hours | £200 |
| Replace Radiator (large) | 2 hours | £250 |
Installing a new small radiator will usually take 2 to 3 hours and cost around £250 in labour fees. A large radiator will take 4 to 5 hours and cost around £350.
If you need to remove an old radiator, a small model will take around 1 hour and cost £80 in labour fees, while a larger model will take up to 2 hours and cost £120.
Lastly, if you want to replace a radiator with a like-for-like size, a small radiator replacement costs £150, while a large radiator replacement can cost £250 in labour.
Of course, these installation costs will vary based on the job's complexity. For example, if your existing radiator is hard to access, this will increase both your labour charges and the time required to complete the job - but if it’s a straightforward like-for-like replacement on a large open wall, the costs will reduce.
If you are adding additional radiators, you will need additional pipework fitted. This will again increase your timescales and add more costs to your project, both in supply and labour.
With this in mind, let’s look at the additional costs you may encounter when replacing your radiators.
What Additional Costs Should I Bear in Mind?
In addition to the standard supply and cost to replace the radiator, there are some other expenses to consider. When it comes to replacing your radiator, be sure to bear these additional costs in mind:
| Task | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) (supply costs only) | £5 to £40 |
| New Thermostat (supply costs only) | £150 to £280 |
| Power Flush of Existing System | £350 to £650 |
| New Boiler (supply and installation) | £900 to £3,500 |
| Water Tank (supply and installation) | £150 to £600 |
| Additional Pipework (supply and installation) | £900 |
| Bleed Radiator | £100 |
Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) can help to give you greater control over your radiator’s heat output. They are small devices, bought separately from your radiator, that attach to the unit and act as mini thermostats.
The TRV has an internal sensor which can detect how warm or cold a room in your building is. You can set the TRV to your desired temperature, and when the room reaches that temperature, the TRV will then close the hot water valve to stop the flow of hot water into the radiator.
This is ideal for automatically adjusting temperatures in different rooms. It can help with cost-saving efforts, as you can set each room at a different temperature and control the heat in each room separately rather than from one thermostat that affects the entire house.
TRVs cost between £5 and £40 for supply costs only, and they can be fitted as a DIY task if you are comfortable with basic plumbing. If you prefer, you can also enlist the help of a heating engineer.
You can also have a new thermostat installed, which will give you greater control over your home’s heating. If you opt for a smart thermostat, you can benefit from heating zones and location-based intuitive heating, which only heats for the time you’re in the house–meaning there will be no more instances of leaving the heating on by accident when you’ve gone away.
Depending on the type and brand, new thermostats can cost anywhere from £180 to £280, with more sophisticated models commanding higher prices.
While having new radiators installed, it can be a good idea to power flush your existing central heating system to clear it from sludge, rust and other debris that may have accumulated over the years. This will improve the efficiency of your central heating by allowing the water to flow freely within the system, often resulting in faster heating times - this will also help save you money on your heating costs, as a blocked system will not be performing efficiently.
It’s also a good maintenance option to ensure your system works as it should, helping preserve your equipment's lifespan. A power flush can cost between £350 to £650, depending on the size of your home and the condition of your central heating system.
If you want to upgrade all your heating equipment at once, you can opt for a new boiler and water tank at the same time as your radiator replacement. Supply and installation of a new boiler can cost between £900 to £3,500, and a new water tank can cost £150 to £600. If you require any new pipework as a result, it can cost around £900, with prices fluctuating based on your system’s size and requirements.
A quick job that you can do yourself is bleeding your existing radiators. Before replacing them, you should always complete this step to see if this simple task rejuvenates your radiators.
Having a heating engineer or plumber do this for you will cost around £100, but you can attempt it yourself if you have access to a radiator key, some old towels, and a bowl. If you are unsure about the task, it’s best to get a professional to help you.
How Your Radiator’s Energy Efficiency Rating Can Yield Savings
As we’ve already mentioned, an energy-efficient radiator can help you save money on your heating bills in the long term. While these are potentially more expensive upfront, the return on investment is worth the initial higher price.
While exact savings will vary based on regional differences, the size of your home and your overall heating habits, the Energy Saving Trust averages that replacing an old gas boiler with an energy-efficient model can save homeowners up to £340 per year.
To help with these initial costs, Gov.uk has several energy grants available via its ‘Help to Heat’ scheme to subsidise the cost of energy-efficient heating. This can range from support from energy suppliers via the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) or through your local council.
It’s worth investigating to see if you are eligible for any schemes or grants, as you could miss out on a discount otherwise.
Money-Saving Tips
While your radiator’s efficiency is one factor to consider, your home’s overall energy efficiency is important to include in the equation. This concerns things like ensuring your roof or loft space is adequately insulated, using a chimney balloon to fill an open and unused chimney to reduce heat loss, and installing smart thermostats and TRVs to gain greater control over your heating.
Ensuring all these areas are well-maintained will help reduce your overall heating bills, as less heat will be lost through the gaps. With the help of smart thermostats and TRVs, you can heat just the rooms you need instead of your whole house, helping to save yet more money.
One of the best ways to save money on your new radiator is simply shopping around for deals. If you have the time to do so, try to buy your radiators during seasonal sale periods when shops offer discounts on their products, and try to avoid shopping last minute for these items where possible.
When the time comes to replace your old radiators with new ones, give yourself the time to make a well-informed decision. Be sure to consider the radiator’s size and BTU output, material and energy-efficiency rating to ensure it’s a good fit–both aesthetically and practically–and then look forward to the warmer days ahead!
Sources
https://heating-style.co.uk/blogs/news/what-material-should-your-next-radiator-be-made-from
https://www.theradiatorcentre.com/the-news-centre/save-bills-energy-efficient-radiators