A recent study by BestHeating has found that one in six plumbers have had an increase in callouts to rectify the botched installation of a vertical radiator in the last year. Further data showed that one in three homeowners admitted to attempting to fit one without professional help, causing damage to their walls.

Installing vertical radiators incorrectly can lead to problems such as reduced efficiency, improper operation, and, in some cases, pose a safety hazard.  

Incorrect positioning

Installing the radiator in a position that obstructs airflow or doesn’t allow for proper heat distribution can reduce its efficiency. 

Radiators should be installed at least 100mm (4 inches) off the floor and 150mm (6 inches) from any windowsills to ensure efficient circulation of heated air. This positioning also reduces the risk of dampness and mould growth around the radiator. 

You should also advise customers to avoid blocking the radiator with curtains or furniture to allow its heat to radiate freely. 

Choose the right wall

Vertical radiators can be very heavy. Make sure the wall your customer chooses can support the weight of the radiator. Solid brick or concrete walls are ideal, but plasterboard walls can also be used with the right fixings. 

For solid walls, heavy-duty wall plugs and screws are sufficient. For plasterboard walls, you’ll need to use specialised plasterboard fixings or toggle bolts that can spread the weight more evenly across the wall.

Uneven placement 

Always check the floor level, especially in older homes, to ensure the floor is level before deciding on the placement. An uneven floor can make a securely mounted radiator appear wonky, and ensuring the radiator is level prevents uneven heating and potential damage. Use a spirit level the double check everything as you go.

Don’t attempt installation alone

As already mentioned, vertical radiators can be very heavy, with some of the larger ones weighing around 50kg before they are even filled with water. 

So, consider having someone to help you lift it into place, and avoid injury to yourself or damage to the radiator.

Regular maintenance

Once installed correctly, it’s important to advise your customers to regularly service the radiator to ensure its continued efficiency and longevity. Neglecting maintenance tasks, such as cleaning, bleeding, and checking for leaks will help prevent problems over time. 

Here are some regular maintenance cleaning tasks your customers should be performing:

• Dusting – Regularly dust the surface and between the fins of the radiator using a soft cloth, duster, or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to prevent dust accumulation
• Cleaning behind the radiator – Dust can build up over time behind the radiator so it’s important to regularly clean using a long handled duster
• Check the valves – Valves are often neglected and can seize up if dust and debris builds up so make sure to clean them and occasionally turn them on and off.

Insufficient insulation

Always ensure you install the radiator with sufficient insulation to help retain heat within the room, ensuring that the warmth generated by the radiator is not lost through walls, floors, or ceilings. Proper insulation enhances the overall efficiency of the heating system, and will save the customer money on their energy bills.

In conclusion, when completing a vertical radiator installation, it’s important to avoid making mistakes for several reasons. Ensuring correct installation means that the radiator will operate at optimal efficiency, providing consistent and effective heating throughout the home. Proper positioning and secure attachment to the wall will prevent potential safety hazards, such as the risk of the radiator falling or causing wall damage. 

Additionally, accurate installation will reduce the need for costly repairs and callouts to fix botched jobs, saving homeowners time and money. By avoiding these common mistakes homeowners can enjoy the full benefits of their designer vertical radiator, ensuring comfort, safety, and longevity.