Convector radiators

[samsong7]

I need to have a radiator fitted in to my new conservatory, and as I was looking through the brochure I came across Double Radiator, Single Convector, and Double Radiator, Double Convector.
Can anyone tell me what the difference is please?
(Other than one is single and the other is double !! )

[Steviegb]

A convector radiator has what they call fins on the back of it. A normal radiator dose not have these. A convector radiator will throw more heat out than a normal one. A double convector is like 2 single convectors stuck back to back Depending on the size of your conservatory ,it is wise to get the radiator measured up properly, as the heat loss from from your conservatory could be greater than what the radiator gives out . One of those oil fired portable heaters you get from argos are just as good, and probably a lot cheaper and a lot less mess.

[samsong7]

Thanks Stevie

[gucciman]

i dont know if you aware of this but i believe it to be true as my brother had a conservatory built last year and wanted us to fit a radiator in it.
apparently a conservatory doesn't need planning permission as its not deemed to be a permamant building but if you install a radiator connected to the heating system then it is a permanant building and you then need planning permission with all the complications that ensue.

[samsong7]

Thanks for the advice gucciman. I must admit I did not know you needed planning permission for the conservatory if I put a radiator in it.
I will have to look into it further. (or fit one and tell nobody !! )

[tboo]

Conservatories
When considering a conservatory you need to apply for planning permission:

If your property is a flat or maisonette (including those converted from houses) or a commercial property, such as a shop or public house.
If the conservatory, or any part of it when built, would be nearer to a highway than the nearest part of the original house unless there is at least 20 metres between the conservatory and the highway.
If the property is a listed building.
If more than 50 per cent of the garden excluding the area of the original house would be covered by extensions (including the conservatory) or other buildings.
If the conservatory is higher than the highest part of the roof of the original house.
If any part of the conservatory is more than four metres high where it is within two metres of the boundary of your property.
If for a terrace house (including an end-of-terrace) - or any house in a Conservation Area, a National Park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or the Broads � the volume of the original house would be increased by more than 10 per cent or 50 cubic metres (whichever is the greater).
If for any other kind of house outside those areas, the volume of the original house would be increased by more than 15 per cent or 70 cubic metres (whichever is greater).
If, in any case, the volume of the original house would be increased by more than 115 cubic metres.
and also building regs

Conservatories are normally exempt from building regulations when:

They are built at ground level and are less than 30 square metres in floor area
At least half of the new wall and three quarters of the roof is either glazed or translucent material
The conservatory is separated from the house by external quality door(s).
Glazing and any fixed electrical installations comply with the applicable building regulations requirements

[gasman]

A double radiator, single convector has only one set of fins between the panels where as a double radiator, double convector has two lots of fins in-between the panels. the later will give you more heat output than the single convector type. If you are going to put a radiator in there then get the biggest double radiator, double convector you can physically fit in there with a good thermostatic radiator valve on it, as heat loss is tremendous in the winter months in conservatories. Or get a heating engineer round to size it up for you.