Radiators in Belgium
Radiators that stay cold at the top, heat unevenly or knock are rarely broken: usually the circuit is out of balance, holds air or the emitters no longer match the room heat loss. A new panel under the window does not fix that if the pipe is too small or the boiler already runs at its limit. Van Dijk Home starts from heat loss per room, advises the right type (panel, designer, low-temperature or towel rail) and placement under windows or along outer walls, and checks boiler capacity, pipe diameter and hydraulic balance before anything is fitted.
- Final price given before we start
- Up to 2 years warranty on labour
- Emergency line available 24/7
- Direct phone contact: +32 2 000 00 00
Our approach
Installing radiators in fixed steps
We always follow the same order: heat loss and type, check boiler and pipes, install with TRVs, then vent, pressure test and balance hydraulically until return temperatures line up.
- 01
Heat loss and output per room
We record volume, insulation, orientation and use of each room and estimate the output required. Those figures are compared with what existing radiators actually deliver, which shows where an emitter is undersized or receives too little flow in the current circuit.
- 02
Choose type and size
From the heat loss we recommend panel, designer, low-temperature or towel radiators and the matching size. Placement follows where cold enters, usually under the window or along the outer wall, without losing sight of furniture or the pipe route.
- 03
Check boiler, pipes and balance
Before adding a radiator or a wide replacement we read boiler output, pipe diameter and return temperatures per zone. That prevents a new emitter from starving the rest of the circuit or pushing the pump beyond what it can sustain.
- 04
Fit, connect and TRVs
The radiator is fixed to bear its weight when full, connected with isolating valves and fitted with TRVs where they add real control. Every joint is checked for tightness before the circuit is filled again.
- 05
Vent, pressure test and balance
After filling we vent in the correct order, bring the circuit to working pressure and measure return temperatures on each radiator. That hydraulic balance spreads heat evenly and allows lower flow temperatures for more efficient condensing operation.
Common causes
Why radiators disappoint
Wrong sizing or a type that suits high flow temperatures leaves rooms short, especially after renovation or with large glazing. A designer radiator can look right yet deliver too little output if the water volume does not match the need.
Air in the circuit, sludge or a poorly set pump causes cold tops, knocking and uneven returns. Replacing the emitter without venting and balancing simply moves the problem to the next floor.
Extending the system without checking boiler output and pipe diameter can unbalance the whole installation. Old high-water-content radiators can force a low-temperature source to run hotter than needed; sometimes replacement helps, sometimes balancing is enough. We say clearly which applies in your case.
Related work
From emitters to controls and upkeep
Installation, bleeding, repair or a full circuit depends on what we measure on site. We link the right next step to your emitter type and controls.
- Radiator bleeding - remove air with a pressure check afterwards
- Radiator repair - fix leaks, valves or connections
- Central heating installation - full circuit from pipework to emitters
- Underfloor heating - low-temperature emitters with manifold and balancing
- Thermostat and controls - weather curve and zones matched to emitters
Warning signs
When radiators need a closer look
These signs point to sizing, air, sludge or a circuit that no longer works as a system. The earlier we measure, the smaller the intervention stays.
- Top of a radiator stays cold while the bottom is hot.
- One floor or room stays structurally colder than the rest.
- Knocking or gurgling in pipes on startup or while heating.
- Return temperatures widely different between radiators in the same zone.
- New or larger glazing without updating emitters.
- Plans for a heat pump or low-temperature boiler while radiators are old and heavy.
Before the visit
What you can prepare
A few preparations make measurement and installation smoother. Do not adjust boiler settings or balancing valves you are unsure about.
- 01
Clear access to the rooms
Ensure we can reach each radiator, under window sills and along outer walls. Move furniture or curtains that block placement.
- 02
Note symptoms and recent work
Write down which radiators stay cold at the top, where you hear knocking, and whether pipes or floors were changed recently. Mention planned renovations with extra glazing.
- 03
Have boiler details ready
Keep the boiler nameplate or service book and a recent pressure reading on the gauge. That helps judge whether an extension is realistic.
- 04
Call us to schedule
Say whether you need installation, replacement or balancing only, and how many emitters are involved. Our line is open 24/7; we schedule depending on the area and availability.
Transparent pricing
What determines the price
Installation on quote: we set the price after a visit on site.
Price depends on the number of radiators, type (panel, designer, low-temperature, towel rail), pipe access and whether the circuit needs balancing or flushing.
You receive an agreed price after a site survey or a short description with photos, before we open pipework or remove emitters. Call for an initial indication; larger projects can be phased.
Benefits
- Heat loss calculated per room before type and size are chosen
- Placement under windows and outer walls matched to output and comfort
- Boiler capacity, pipe size and balance checked before extending the system
- TRVs, venting, pressure test and hydraulic balancing in one workflow
Equipment & techniques
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Question not on the list? We answer it by phone, no obligation.
+32 2 000 00 00How much does radiators cost?
Installation on quote: we set the price after a visit on site. Price depends on the number of radiators, type (panel, designer, low-temperature, towel rail), pipe access and whether the circuit needs balancing or flushing.
How do you pick the right size per room?
We start from heat loss: volume, insulation, orientation and use. That output is compared with what your current radiators deliver and with the type you want, panel, designer, low-temperature or towel rail.
Must I replace radiators for a heat pump or low-temperature boiler?
Not always. Sometimes balancing and lower flow temperatures are enough; sometimes old high-water-content radiators emit too little at low temperatures. We measure and advise honestly room by room, without unnecessary replacement.
Why check boiler capacity before adding a radiator?
An extra emitter draws flow and power from the circuit. If boiler or pipe size is already at the limit, other radiators stay cold. That check avoids an expensive install that does not improve comfort.
What is the difference between bleeding and hydraulic balancing?
Bleeding removes air so water heats the full height of the emitter. Balancing adjusts flow on each radiator until returns align. Both are needed after installation or major changes.
Do you fit designer and towel radiators too?
Yes, provided calculated output is correct and pipes can carry the flow. Looks matter, but output and placement under windows or outer walls still drive comfort.
Is there warranty on fitted radiators?
Up to 2 years warranty on labour; parts carry the manufacturer’s warranty.
When should you call a heating engineer straight away?
If you smell gas, leave the building and call 112 before doing anything else. Other signs also call for action: a carbon monoxide alarm going off, soot marks or fumes around the boiler, a lockout that keeps returning, or a leak on the heating circuit. Avoid resetting the boiler over and over, as the lockout protects the installation and points to a fault that needs tracing.
Present in Brussels, in Wallonia and in Flanders
42
cities served · heating
Click a marker to open your city page.
Cities we serve
Related services