Radiators – Everything You Need To Know

For many people, buying a radiating unit may seem like a simple task. With the advent of a global marketplace, there are thousands of options available for consumers looking to buy radiators. The radiator was originally invented in the 1800s by Franz San Galli, a Russian businessman. It was originally used in many Russians homes to provide central heating, quickly spreading in popularity around the world.

There are several types of radiators currently available for consumers: steam units, oil powered units, electric units, and hot water units.

Steam Radiators:

A steam radiating system usually consists of a central boiler, powering many radiating systems throughout a home or building complex. A steam radiating unit is often found in apartment buildings and condos, providing a centralised and cheap form of heating for tenants. Many steam powered units don’t have thermostats, and can’t be adjusted to fit environmental temperatures. The tenant or apartment-renter usually has the option to turn off steam flowing into a unit, in the event that a room is adequately warm.

Hot Water Radiators:

A hot water radiating unit works like a steam unit, powered by water from a central boiler. Many hot water units are used in smaller buildings and individual homes. A hot water radiating unit usually can’t pump water to a high altitude, making it inefficient for use in large buildings or apartment complexes.

Electric Radiators:

An electric unit is portable, allowing it to be used anywhere around a home. Electric units can be used as towel radiators one day, and used to provide heating in a bedroom the next day. Many modern electric units are built to be water resistant, allowing them to be safely used in bathrooms as towel radiators.

When buying a radiating unit, it’s important to find one that fits a specific need in the home. An electric radiating unit can be a great way to provide heating for a large portion of a home, with smaller units providing heating for specific rooms in a home.

When installing a portable electric radiating unit to heat an entire home, it’s important to place to unit on a ground floor. Since heat rises, a radiating unit installed in an upper room can allow residual heat to escape through the attic and room. Conversely, putting a radiator in a basement or recessed area in a home can lead to heat loss through the ground.

Oil Powered Radiators:

Portable electric units radiate heat through one of two mediums: oil, or a heat-retaining solid. An oil based radiating unit pumps oil over an electric element, providing continuous temperatures across the entire unit. A radiating unit with a solid heat transfer medium usually contains granite, or another ceramic material. A series of heating elements are usually embedded throughout the ceramic material, and can retain heat for hours.

A radiator can be a great way for homeowners to save money on their electricity bills, provide localised temperature control for rooms, and add a stylish appliance to a home.

Company Profile:

Screwfix is the UK’s largest direct and online supplier of trade tools, accessories and hardware products. With over 30 years’ experience in the industry, we despatch tens of thousands of parcels every week for next day and weekend delivery to tradesmen, handymen and serious DIY enthusiasts all over the UK.

To view the full range of radiators from Screwfix customers can visit our website here – http://www.screwfix.com/c/heating-plumbing/radiators/cat830960.