We’ve all come home and switched on our heating, never really giving it a second thought. But have you ever wondered how does a radiator work?
In this guide, we review some of the science behind how radiators heat your home and what you can expect from an electric radiator.
Radiators have two types of heating functions. Radiators primarily heat your room using convection. This convection pulls cool air from the bottom of the room and as it passes over the flutes, the air heats up and rises. This circular motion helps block out cold air from your windows and ensures your room stays toasty and warm.
Secondly, the surface area of the radiator radiates heat into your room. Have you ever wondered what those flutes were for? They’re not just a design choice, these folds help increase the surface area of your radiator so that you get more radiated heat than if it were a flat surface. Top of the line electric radiators like ELKAtherm have welded flutes of only 1cm apart on both sides of the housing so that even more heat is radiated throughout the room.
We’ve answered how does a radiator work – so what’s the difference between an electric radiator and a wet system radiator?
Gas radiators, or wet system heaters, heat the radiator by filling it with hot water. This hot water, delivered by a boiler in one part of your house, travels throughout your entire home, supplying hot water to each radiator. It’s a lot of work, and you might notice that radiators that are further away from your boiler might take longer to heat up because of this.
Gas system heaters need to be on the entire time you require heat. This means that in order to maintain your room temperature, your radiators will need to be switched back on after any heat has escaped. This is due to the fact that water loses its heat while it passes through radiators and continues to lose heat until it’s pumped back into your boiler again to be warmed up.
Electric radiators act very differently than wet system heaters which makes them much more energy efficient. Unlike relying on water to heat the aluminium casing to radiate and convect heat in the room, ELKAtherm radiators have a non-porous, ceramic core (a Chamotte block) which contains up to 20 heat plates. Because the heating element is directly embedded into this core, the radiator is able to heat up quickly, and more importantly, retains its heat within this block so that your radiator continues to convect and radiate heat long after the electrical unit has been switched off. Because your heat doesn’t have to travel the entire length of your home first before it reaches your radiators, electric radiators are able to heat up to maximum heat in just five minutes and stay warm long after. For instance, our independent tests show that with an outside temperature of 6 degrees, an ELKAtherm radiator would only need to be on a third of the time to maintain 21 degrees in your room.
We hope this guide has given you some insight into how radiators work, and the differences between a wet radiator and an electric radiator. If you would like to learn more about how electric heating can transform your home, fill in the form on the side of this page or call us on 0800 011 9085.
When it comes to heating a home, there are many options available. One option that has been around for a long time is the radiator heater. These heaters are often found in older homes and buildings, and while they may not be as popular as they once were, they still have many advantages. But which things should people know about radiator heaters in houses? Here are some ideas.
A radiator heater is a heating system that uses hot water or steam to heat a room. The heat is generated by a boiler, which heats the water or moisture and then sends it through pipes to the radiator. The radiator then releases the heat into the room, warming it up.
Radiator heaters work by using convection to heat a room. Convection is the transfer of heat through a fluid (in this case, water or steam). The hot water or steam flows through the pipes to the radiator, heating the air around it. As the air heats up, it rises, and cooler air moves in to take its place. As a result, it creates a convection current that circulates warm air throughout the room.
The boiler is the heart of the radiator heating system. It heats the water or steam that is used to heat the room. Boilers come in different types and sizes and can be fueled by gas, oil, or electricity. Each fuel type has advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right kind of boiler for your home will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Fins and coils are used to increase the radiator’s surface area, allowing it to transfer more heat into the room. The fins and coils are typically made of metal, such as aluminum or copper, which are excellent conductors of heat. Increasing the radiator’s surface area increases the heat transfer rate, which means that the room can be heated more efficiently.
Fins are thin, metallic plates attached to the radiator’s surface. They protrude from the radiator’s surface, creating a large surface area for heat transfer. Coils, on the other hand, are typically used in hot water radiators. These are cylindrical tubes that are wrapped around the outside of the radiator.
Pipes are an essential component of any heating system. They are responsible for transporting the hot water or steam from the boiler to the radiator, where the heat is distributed throughout the room. Two pipe types are used in heating systems: copper and steel.
Copper pipes are the most popular choice for heating systems. They are highly durable, easy to install, and corrosion-resistant. Copper pipes can withstand high temperatures and pressures, making them suitable for heating systems. They are also flexible, making them easy to bend and shape according to the system’s requirements.
Steel pipes are another popular option for heating systems. They are strong, durable, and can withstand high temperatures and pressures. Steel pipes are also corrosion-resistant, making them suitable for use in areas with high humidity or moisture. One of the significant benefits of using steel pipes is that they are highly resistant to damage and wear and tear.
Valves are essential to any heating system, whether for residential or commercial purposes. These valves are designed to regulate the flow of water or steam through the pipes and can be adjusted to control the temperature of a room or zone.
A thermostat is a device that is commonly used to control the temperature of a room or building. It is a small electronic device near the heating system, such as a radiator or furnace. The thermostat works by monitoring the room’s temperature and adjusting the heating system to keep the room at a desired temperature.
Radiator heaters are a reliable and efficient way to heat a home. They may not be as famous as they once were, but they still have many advantages. Radiator heaters are easy to install and maintain, providing consistent and even heat throughout a room.
They are also quiet and do not require any ductwork, making them a good option for older homes and buildings. If you are considering a radiator heating system for your home, consult a licensed HVAC professional who can help you choose the right design for your needs.
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