A Beginner’s Guide to Radiator Heaters

It can be so exciting when someone prepares to move into a home of their own for the first time. However, they often find themselves surprised by just how much they need to learn. Regardless of how many furnishings and appliances they purchase beforehand, they will likely and repeatedly realise that they forgot something. Regardless of how much they already knew about maintaining and cleaning a living space, they may discover much more happening under their noses.

A specific example of both experiences may occur when winter rolls around. As temperatures drop, the new tenant or homeowner may realize that they may need to set up a heating system to stay warm. If this happens to you, then keep reading for more information on a classic and effective piece of household equipment: radiator heaters.


What are Radiator Heaters?

Radiator heaters may look familiar to you because they are perhaps the oldest of all modern heating systems. These heaters, developed in the late 19th century, resemble a row of connected vertical tubes pressed or recessed against the wall. You may have seen such appliances decorating homes in period piece films set during the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

Radiator heaters of that time were typically made from cast iron and powered by steam. Modern incarnations may instead use electricity, and they may be made from ceramic, especially if used in the home. Both of these types and others are designed to generate heat within a home, keeping the rooms warm and cozy even in the bleakest winter weather. They have proven so enduring precisely because they are highly effective.


How Do Radiator Heaters Work?

Radiator heaters may utilise a few different means of creating heat. In all of them, the central idea is convection — the ingredient to be heated will emit thermal energy from the heater and its fins. The particulars may be a bit more complex, so here is some information on how different types of radiator heaters work.

Steam

As one might expect from the technology’s Victorian origins, the oldest radiator heaters — as well as newer models steeped in tradition — harness the power of steam. The water inside the pipes gradually turns gaseous because of the radiator’s connection to a boiler. As heat from the steam escapes the heater through the fins, it raises the temperature of the room.

Hot Water

Some radiators, though they still make use of water and boilers, stop just before said water reaches its boiling point. These heaters continuously circulate water until it is near-boiling, then shift it to the radiator itself. Its heat radiates out into the rest of the house — at least until the water cools down too much. At that point, it naturally returns from that inlet to an outlet, where it can be boiled once more.

Electricity

Lastly, one particularly modern type of radiator heater does not depend on a flow of H2O, in one state or another. Instead, it counts on a special kind of “thermal oil” with an unusually high boiling point. Underneath the reservoir containing the oil is a metal coil, which heats up when electricity flows through it. Contact between the active coil and the reservoir heats up the oil. Some of that heat gets transferred via the heater to the rest of the room.


Column-Style vs. Designer Radiators

Another way to classify radiator heaters is by design. Practicality and functionality are all well and good, but the appearance of the appliance may be just as essential. Only the homeowner can choose which radiator heater they prefer. After all, they will have to live with it. Here is a brief comparison between column-style and designer radiators.

column radiators

Column

Column radiators are just how they sound: radiators whose pipes are lined up like columns. The style is undeniably vintage, which is not necessarily an issue. In fact, plenty of people treasure that quality. These appliances do not even need to be rusty antiques. Anyone interested in adding a touch of the old-fashioned to their home can still find column-style radiators made with modern technology.


Designer

“Designer” does not exactly refer to a different style from “column-style” so much as a different stylistic approach. There is no uniform appearance among designer radiators: they may resemble large panels or disappear into the wall. Trendy homeowners may select a designer radiator that perfectly matches the aesthetic of their home. After all, some people prefer the contemporary over the vintage, and everyone wants a warm place to live.


Pros of Using Radiator Heaters

Radiator heaters are not the only option that people have for their keeping their home from getting cold. With that said, there are plenty of reasons why people still use these systems nearly two centuries after they were first developed. Here are some of the benefits of using radiator heaters.

Highly Safe

If you need to keep something in your residence capable of building up intense amounts of heat, it should be as safe as possible. Radiator heaters have far fewer safety needs than other types of heaters. Their included ventilation features remove the risk of noxious chemicals and gases entering the room alongside the heat. Plus, even if something tips the radiator over, internal sensors can shut off the system, minimizing risk.

Extended Longevity

Radiator heaters do not simply endure on a larger scale, but also on the individual scale. Purchasing one today guarantees you an efficient and excellent heating system in your home for many years to come. Parts may need replacement from time to time, and the exact lifespan may vary depending on which type you use. Still, other kinds of heaters often fall short in comparison.

Appealing Appearance

Other types of heating appliances are just that: appliances. Their rather utilitarian design means they are simply machines, only taking up space in an otherwise smart environment so they can do their job. Radiator heaters, on the other hand, can carry a vintage quality (column-style) or blend into a room when covered (designer). Either way, they are more capable of aesthetic appeal than those other types of heaters.


Radiator Heaters from Eastgate Radiators

Here at Eastgate Radiators, we offer many different types of radiator heaters. They come in all types, shapes, sizes, and appearances, but all of them are made with recycled materials and meet our high standards of quality. Visit our inventory, peruse the many products on offer, and discover which of our heaters is best-suited for your home.

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