Radiator upgrades should you replace or refurb?

Could old radiators be driving up bills and compromising comfort? Serial renovator Kate Sandhu reveals the smartest upgrade routes – and what to budget

Made in Olycal stone and hand-painted, Dune by Cinear is both artwork and modern radiator. With a rated output of 6,278 BTUs (1,840W), the central heating version features a core of heavy copper tubes, while the panel’s large surface area allows for low-temperature heating. From £6,585, The Radiator Centre (theradiator centre.com)

When planning a renovation or new heating system, the humble radiator is often an afterthought. Yet upgrading or refurbishing them can boost efficiency, cut bills, add a stylish statement and prepare your home for low-carbon heating technologies. Whether you’re restoring beautiful old cast-iron models, replacing dated panels or simply planning for the future, thoughtful radiator choices will pay you back in looks, performance and day-to-day comfort. So, does it make sense to upgrade or are you better off refurbishing or retaining what you already have? Here’s what to consider before you commit.

When to upgrade

Radiators are rarely the stars of a renovation, but they play a vital supporting role. If you’re renovating and already intend to upgrade insulation, windows or your heating system, then emitters should form part of the overall strategy. Replacements don’t come cheap, though – so how do you know when to upgrade? Signs that your radiators are reaching the end of their useful life include: l Visible wear, corrosion or even leaks from the existing panels. l Cold spots on the surface or long warm-up times. l Frequent air build-up (listen for tell-tale gurgling noises) that won’t clear by bleeding. l You’re running tired single-panel units that struggle to heat rooms evenly.