Radiator conundrum

[areyouhavingagiraffe]

Hey guys, moved into my new house in September. Boiler packed up a few weeks later (it was an old boiler with tank, so always intended on putting in combi). Following installation, British Gas came over about a gazillion times to rebalance radiators. They are all hot now which is good news but house is still cold. I've also had loft insulation put in and that has made some difference upstairs but it still takes so long to feel the warmth. I have a bad habit of sometimes resisting putting heating on and then the temp drops so much so I guess it will take longer to warm. It's all open plan downstairs so a large area with a big extension. And semi detached. These are the radiators I have: they are column type, but only 2 columns. Few people have told me that they emit less heat. I have done a bit of research, but am a bit confused, I think it's all about the BTUs and I understand that three column radiators are better, and then regular radiators even better. Anyone clued up on this? Am wondering whether to change them but I don't want to end up wasting money if it will make zero difference

Try 1 of those BTU calculators to see what you'd need, then compare a similar size and column radiator to see how they compare perhaps? If they're undersized, it will definitely make a difference adding an extra column or an extra rad if possible.

Those radiators look quite smart and new, so it would be a shame to replace them unless you need to. They could be the B&Q/Screwfix Acova.

I have similar two-column radiators. They emit less heat than a three column radiator of the same width, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're the wrong size for the room; mine are kind of wide and thin, since that's what I decided would look best in most cases.

As others suggested, I'd try doing some BTU calculations with the online tools. Some take more things into account than others, so the answers can vary a lot, but it's a start. I'd also invest in a portable thermometer and see what the actual temperature in your rooms is. In some of our rooms most of the room is ok, but a draft or a cold floor or something else makes them feel colder than they are. And sometimes the house is actually perfectly warm, but I've just got a bit chilled and then I struggle to get back to warm.

I'd definitely let your thermostat do its thing instead of trying to manage it yourself and then wondering why you're cold. :)

I had the same OP and ended up changing mine for two columns mainly. Also open plan.
I have the single column in a small hall tp utility/ toilet - it's a bit of a waste but previous homeowners had one there and I thought best to keep.
Three of the tall two columns.
Double rad in the porch as gets cold there too.
Also have a gas fireplace. When it's extremely cold I use a plug in oil filled heater which really warms it up. I've been putting the heating on daily however tp maintain a decent temperature which I know is a luxury right now!

Sorry realise you have two columns already!