Around a fifth of homeowners still have radiators which do not have convectors, according to recent research by the Manufacturers' Association of Radiators and Convectors (MARC).
The association estimates that there are 4.9 million homes using finless products. According to Nick Whitwell, managing director of Quinn Radiators, this means that there could be millions of inefficient radiators that need replacing.
Mr Whitwell said: 'If you take a conservative estimate that each of the 4.9 million homes has five radiators, then the MARC research suggests that there could be as many as 24.5 million old steel panel radiators that need replacing, which would help to significantly improve the energy efficiency of these homes. This represents a real opportunity for installers who can educate consumers about the energy saving benefits of new radiators.'
He continued: 'Just because the Green Deal focuses on other measures, such as boilers, doesn't mean installers can't recommend other energy saving products for the home owner to pay for.'
He said that many consumers may be unaware that having older and less efficient radiators means the boiler has to work harder to get the rooms up to the required temperature. 'This means that the new boiler won't be working as efficiently as it could be and therefore won't be meeting its full cost saving potential. Replacing radiators on their own can also be an easier sell because the cost is much cheaper than other energy efficiency measures and the financial payback is much quicker,' he explained.
