What size radiator

[Steve Bullman]

I did start a topic a while ago but can't find it, so....

 

I was considering getting a fireplace in my new office but think I am now leaning towards an oil filled radiator. Really not sure what size I should get though. 2500kw means zilch to me.

 

Its going to be a small room, approx 3.8m x 2.5m. 3rd of a wooden cladded garage. It will be insulated but utlimately is still going to be an outdoors office. I don't want to boil in there and am quite happy to be cold, just so long as I can feel my fingers to type. What power would you recommend?

 

Looking at something like this

 

Amazon.co.uk: oil fired radiators

AMZN.TO

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Amazon.co.uk: oil fired radiators

 

[topchippyles]

Its all to do with the output of the heater steve,You cube the size of the room then work out how many btu/or kw per cubic metre the device gives off.

Guide below for an example 

BTUs are ‘British Thermal Units’, the unit in which radiator efficiency is measured. Factors such as room dimensions, window size and wall material are used to calculate the required outputs of radiators, in order to adequately heat a room.

Use our BTU Calculator to determine the heat requirements of your room. Simply enter the details in the corresponding fields and we’ll show you how many BTUs you need to ensure your space is always warm, cosy and inviting.

 

Free Online UK BTU Calculator | Find Required Radiator Size »‎Free Online UK BTU Calculator | Find Required Radiator Size »‎Free Online UK BTU Calculator | Find Required Radiator Size »‎

Edited October 15, 2019 by topchippyles

[Steve Bullman]

excellent link, thanks

[Squaredy]

1 hour ago, Steve Bullman said:

I did start a topic a while ago but can't find it, so....

 

I was considering getting a fireplace in my new office but think I am now leaning towards an oil filled radiator. Really not sure what size I should get though. 2500kw means zilch to me.

 

Its going to be a small room, approx 3.8m x 2.5m. 3rd of a wooden cladded garage. It will be insulated but utlimately is still going to be an outdoors office. I don't want to boil in there and am quite happy to be cold, just so long as I can feel my fingers to type. What power would you recommend?

 

Looking at something like this

 

Amazon.co.uk: oil fired radiators

AMZN.TO

---

Amazon.co.uk: oil fired radiators

 

Steve the answer is really really simple.  As long as you make sure the heater has a thermostat (most do) it will be fine.  Most electric heaters are 2kw which should be enough unless you leave the windows open to admire the snow drifts.

The type of electric heater makes little difference, they are all the same efficiency pretty much.

[eggsarascal]

I've got a 2kw oil filled heater in my box, it keeps it around 25 degrees. It can always be turned down mind. If I was buying new I'd buy one with a built in fan, I think they call them turbo fans.

[topchippyles]

You have both made a fair comment but why have calculation charts if no purpose,When i fit a new central heating system the correct radiators have to be the right sizes (quite simple) 

[Steve Bullman]

1 hour ago, eggsarascal said:

I've got a 2kw oil filled heater in my box, it keeps it around 25 degrees. It can always be turned down mind. If I was buying new I'd buy one with a built in fan, I think they call them turbo fans.

25 degrees??? Why would you want it that hot 

[eggsarascal]

2 minutes ago, Steve Bullman said:

25 degrees??? Why would you want it that hot 

It's not always that hot, it's only 24.1 according to the digital thermometer ATM, Alex came round on the weekend and commented on how warm it is in here. I won't be cold, or hungry, been both in the past, never again.

[Squaredy]

12 minutes ago, topchippyles said:

You have both made a fair comment but why have calculation charts if no purpose,When i fit a new central heating system the correct radiators have to be the right sizes (quite simple) 

I think the charts are more intended for central heating rads.  Steve mentioned an oil filled radiator which of course is just a plug in electric heater.  So as long as it has a built in thermostat it will regulate the temp nicely.

[openspaceman]

1 hour ago, Squaredy said:

The type of electric heater makes little difference, they are all the same efficiency pretty much.

I agree with you that as long as it has a thermostat 2kW will be okay for a small space, I also agree with @eggsarascal that a fan will help in quickly heating up the air space in a little used room.

 

but do consider a reversible air conditioning unit that can take ambient air, cool it and dump the colder air outside whilst adding heat to the air inside. This can gain a bit more heat than a purely resistive heater in moderate temperature differences between out and in. It can also cool a small room in summer. A disadvantage is constantly as noisy as a fan heater.