1. What is a Stelrad Radiator Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the heat loss of a room to determine the appropriate Stelrad radiator output required for UK homes.

Purpose: It helps homeowners and heating engineers select the correctly sized radiator for efficient room heating.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( HL \) — Heat loss (Watts)
• \( A \) — Room area (square meters)
• \( \Delta T \) — Temperature difference between desired room temperature and outside temperature (°C)
• \( U \) — U-value of the room (W/m²°C)

Explanation: The formula calculates how much heat energy is lost through walls, windows, and other surfaces.

3. Importance of Accurate Heat Loss Calculation

Details: Proper calculation ensures your radiator provides enough heat output to maintain comfortable temperatures while being energy efficient.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Measure your room dimensions accurately
• Typical temperature difference is 21°C (room at 21°C, outside at 0°C)
• Standard UK U-values: 2.5 for average rooms, 1.5 for well-insulated, 3.5 for poorly insulated

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical temperature difference for UK homes?
A: 21°C is standard (maintaining 21°C inside when it's 0°C outside).

Q2: How do I find my room's U-value?
A: Check building specifications or use: 2.5 for average, 1.5 for new builds, 3.5 for older properties.

Q3: Should I add any safety margin?
A: It's recommended to add 10-15% to the calculated heat loss to account for unusually cold weather.

Q4: How does this relate to Stelrad radiator sizes?
A: Stelrad radiators are rated by heat output (Watts) - match the calculated heat loss to the radiator's output.

Q5: What about rooms with large windows?
A: For rooms with significant glazing, increase the U-value by 0.5-1.0 or calculate window area separately.