Cold rooms, higher bills: The radiator trap every homeowner should avoid

Most people never give radiators a second thought – until winter hits and the house still feels chilly. But experts are warning that some radiators being sold in the UK don’t heat as much as the label suggests, meaning households could be left out of pocket and out in the cold.

Rob Nezard, Managing Director of UK Radiators, says shoppers are being misled by “bigger numbers” on radiator labels that don’t actually reflect real home heating.

Why it matters
Radiators are meant to be tested at certain temperatures to show how much heat they can give off. But some companies are either using unrealistically high test temperatures to make radiators look more powerful than they’ll ever be in your home, or not testing them at all..

That means:

Colder rooms – radiators don’t live up to the promise.

Higher bills – because you turn the heating up to compensate.

More wasted energy – bad for your wallet and the planet.

Rob Nezard, Managing Director of UK Radiators explains:
“When you buy a radiator, you expect it to keep you warm. But if the figures are exaggerated, you’ll never get the heat you’re paying for. It’s like buying a jumper labelled ‘extra thick’ that turns out to be paper thin. Always check the radiator is tested at the same temperatures your home runs on – otherwise, you could be left cold and paying more.”

What to look for when buying a radiator

Check the small print – radiators should show heat output for Delta T 50 (normal heating) or Delta T 30 (for heat pumps). Ignore higher numbers.

Look for Watts (W) – this is the standard way heat should be shown.

Ask for proof – a Declaration of Performance (DoP) shows the radiator has been tested properly.

Don’t fall for “bigger number” marketing – it won’t mean more heat in your living room.

Backed by regulators
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is already working with industry bodies to make sure radiator advertising is accurate. Companies found to be exaggerating could face action from watchdogs.

For simple guidance on choosing radiators that actually heat your home, visit UK Radiators.