What Are The Different Types of Radiator Accessories
This guide covers ten must-have radiator accessories, from the important radiator bleed key to radiator foil, whilst providing you with tips on how to maximise your radiator’s efficiency to help you save on your heating bills.
Radiator Cover
How to cover a radiator
A radiator cover is a safe way to disguise a radiator if you don’t like the way it looks, without stopping the radiator from heating the room. Some radiator covers have a shelf where items can be stored. (Although a radiator shelf or a radiator cover with draws can be purchased separately.) These home radiator accessories can also protect small children and pets from touching very hot surfaces. They come in many colours and sizes to accommodate the wide variety of radiators available. So whether you need small radiator covers, black radiator covers, or modern radiator covers, there will be something for you!
How to measure for a radiator cover
To find the right radiator cover size you will need to use a tape measure. Measure the depth of the radiator from the wall and add 3cm. Then, measure the height of your radiator and also add 3cm. Lastly, measure the width including the valves and add 5cm. This will give the minimum size cover suitable for your radiator. To learn more about how to find the best radiator cover size, see Plumbworld’s 'Radiator Covers Buying & Fitting Guide’. Always remember to check how heatproof and safe each radiator cover is before purchasing, and if it will impact your radiator’s ability to heat a room.
Radiator Paint
How to paint a radiator
When painting a radiator always use radiator paint. This special paint will adhere well to a radiator’s metal surface and withstand the high temperatures that radiators reach. It is especially great at making old radiators look new or giving traditional white radiators a whole new look. So if you want a modern-looking black radiator simply pick up some black radiator paint and get painting, or pick any colour of radiator paint that matches your style!
How to paint behind a radiator
To paint behind a radiator without removing it, start by covering your radiator in masking tape and protective sheets to prevent the paint from getting onto it. This includes covering the back of the radiator as much as possible. Then, use a long-handled paint brush or a long-handled mini paint roller and paint behind the radiator. Once the paint on the wall has dried, remove the masking tape and protective sheet. If you would like to learn more about painting, see our “Interior Paint” buying guide.
Radiator Key
Radiator Bleed Keys
Radiator keys are needed for bleeding radiators. A radiator key also called a radiator bleed key, is specifically designed to turn the valve at the top of the radiator. Bleeding radiators are vital for reducing your energy bills, as it releases the air trapped inside, allowing your radiators to heat up more efficiently. It is recommended that you bleed your radiators at least once a year. If you want to learn more about when a radiator needs bleeding, see Your Repair’s “Common signs that your radiator needs bleeding” article.
Alternatively, if you do not have a radiator bleed key, you can use a flathead screwdriver that fits the valve opening.
Pipe Insulation
What does pipe insulation do?
Central heating pipe insulation is a great way to save on your energy bills. Pipe insulation is a foam tube that covers exposed pipes connected to your central heating system and radiators. This insulation foam covering helps reduce the amount of heat lost through the pipes as the hot water travels around your property. Typically, a central heating’s return feed is 20°C lower than the supply feed as heat is absorbed by the pipes and radiators. Pipe insulation can help reduce this heat loss, increasing heating efficiency. To find more simple insulation tips see our “5 Insulation Tips to Save Money At Home” guide.
Radiator Foil
How to install radiator reflector foil
Radiator reflector foil is placed behind a radiator to prevent heat from escaping out of the room through the wall the radiator is attached to. This can be useful to install if you are trying to cut down on your energy bills. To install radiator foil:
- Measure the distance between the radiator's wall brackets
- Cut the radiator insulation foil to the length of that distance
- Place a line of double-sided tape at the top of the radiator reflective foil
- Stick the foil to the wall behind the radiator, with the shiny side facing outwards/ towards the radiator
Radiator Pipe Collars
What is a pipe collar?
Radiator pipe collars cover the holes in the floor surrounding the radiator pipes. This gives the flooring and pipework a neater finish. These radiator accessories are commonly clipped around pipework for easy installation. Pipe collars come in many styles and finishes ranging from chrome radiator pipe collars to oak and more, so there is sure to be something to suit your home.
Radiator Spanner
What size spanner for radiator valve?
A radiator spanner also called a radiator Allen key is useful to keep. A ½ inch sized radiator spanner is ideal for removing or tightening radiator screws and valves.
Radiator Pipe Cover
How to cover radiator pipes
Radiator pipe covers, also sometimes called pipe shrouds or pipe sleeves provide the finishing touch to your radiator. These heating radiator accessories cover the pipes connected to the radiator and come in a wide range of attractive finishes. So if your central heating pipework is unsightly, you can easily cover them to match your interior decor. Pipe sleeves can also offer some protection to your pipes.
Radiator Feet
What are radiator feet?
Radiator feet support heavy radiators and keep them off the floor. This makes them great for taking weight off of the walls radiators are attached to, especially if the wall is made from plasterboard or is unable to bear heavy loads.
Radiator Extension
What is a radiator valve extension?
Radiator extensions are handy to have on hand when fitting new radiators. A radiator valve extension is used to fill and connect the gap between a radiator and its valve. This means that new plumbed radiators can be adapted using radiator extensions to fit a property's existing pipework.