Skip to content

What is a BTU?

If you’ve been in the market for a new radiator or heated towel rail, there is no doubt you will have seen the letters B,T and U pop up.
But what exactly do they stand for?

what is a btu?

The BTU rate of a radiator is a quick and easy way of letting you know how much heat a radiator will emit and basically there to help you decide if a radiator is the correct size for your room.

It is important to know just how much heat each room of your home needs in order for your system to work efficiently and for you to have a space that is neither to hot nor to cold.

Design, style and finish are all important factors when purchasing a radiator (it has to match the room after all!) but perhaps the most important part of making your decision is the BTU output of the radiator you need.

So what is it?

BTU stans for British Thermal Unit

A BTU is the measurement used to represent the amount of energy it takes to heat one pound (or about a pint) of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

This measurement is much more commonplace in the UK but is also used throughout the world and is most commonly associated with energy, power, air conditioning and steam generation.

BTU is the standard heat measurement when it comes to the heat output of radiators so you will tend to see it featured on the product spec of any good radiator.

 

Radiators and BTU

If you are looking to buy a new radiator, taking the time to calculate the correct BTU output you will need to correctly heat your room is an integral part of making the correct purchase.

Too little BTU and your room will not reach the required temperature and you’ll end up with a cold and uninviting space.

Too many BTUs and you could find yourself paying increased energy bills for heat that is not required and having a room to warm and stuffy to function properly.

For you to feel the full benefits of a radiator and your central heating system, it is important that you select a radiator or heated towel rail that has the correct heat output for the space is been fitted in.

To put it simply, you wouldn’t install a huge triple columned radiator in a pokey little cloakroom, just as much as you wouldn’t put a small, single-panelled radiator in a huge open-plan sitting room.

Leave a Comment