Heating radiators are found in almost every house. Standard radiators gradually turn from just a heating body hanging on the wall to an actual work of art. Nowadays, we can see radiators that look like actual sculptures or even a painting. We can even find radiators made of glass, wood, or stone. These modern radiators are called ‘designer radiators’ and are slowly replacing the old radiators we are used to.
A bit of history
The history of the creation of radiators is far back in time, several thousand years ago, when people began to think about how to make their homes warm and comfortable to live in the cold season. The first heating battery came out in ancient Rome as a furnace with a tube. The interesting thing is that even to this day, this type of heating system is widespread in many homes.
In 1855, the German entrepreneur Franz San-Galli created the first cast-iron radiator and called it a “hot box”. Cast iron radiator is widely adopted all over the world, and it is used in steam heating systems. This is a serious start for new inventions in the field of heating.
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Radiators as part of the interior
Due to the variety of shapes, designs and colours, radiators have been a part of the interior for a long time, and they can emphasise the style and sophistication of any room. Today, heating equipment stores offer a huge number of design structures made of various materials and in their beauty no less than artistic works of art, which can create a favourable indoor temperature.
Decorative radiators can be installed on the wall, vertical and horizontal, in the form of a spiral, etc. They are assembled in the form of beautiful frames from the profile, imitating wood or panels on the wall. They can be made in modern or retro styles. Some manufacturers create interesting models of drying racks, clothing racks, shelves, and decorative statues.
Most common materials used in the manufacturing of radiators
- Steel
Designer radiators have high strength and aesthetics. Compared to other devices made of other materials, these products have several advantages: low oxidation when using low-quality water, durability, lightness, and reasonable price.
- Aluminium
Aluminium radiator models are produced in two ways: by casting and extruding aluminium on an extruder (extrusion method). Such devices cannot withstand hydraulic shocks but are characterised by good heat dissipation and efficiency.
- Bimetallic
This version is made of a copper or steel tube core with an aluminium body. The advantages of bimetallic batteries are that this type can withstand pressure up to 100 ATM and does not corrode.
- Cast iron
The budget option is cast iron batteries. However, this does not apply to designer models. Cast iron radiators are practical and have a high heat output, but they are very heavy, which causes inconvenience during installation.
- Copper
Copper models are non-corrosive, durable and have an attractive appearance. Among the minuses, their high price and the need to use special equipment during installation can be noted.
- Stone
Stone radiators are real architectural works. The stone can radiate heat at low temperatures without emitting harmful substances.
- Glass
The principle of operation is as follows: a plate of durable glass is connected to the power supply. When heated, heat is transferred to the second plate. This is the second plate of special decorative glass that serves to decorate the room.
- Wood
Wooden batteries turned out to be as good as traditional options and even better in some ways. Their beauty is incomparable to classic batteries, and they can be made in different colours, including gold and silver. Radiators made of wood will fit perfectly into wooden houses made of oak or timber.
How to choose the right radiator for our home and needs
Radiators differ in the following parameters:
- working pressure and power
- design and dimensions
- materials for production
How is radiator efficiency defined
The heat transfer efficiency from the radiator depends on its power, and how efficient a radiator depends on several factors.
- building type (panel, brick or wood)
- number of windows in the living space
- thermal transmittance of windows (are your window frame made of wood, PVC or aluminium)
- number of walls and doors
Final thoughts,
Throughout the history of radiator development, experts have understood the properties of the battery manufacturing materials and customer needs. Thus, today, in the first place, radiators are effective and efficient as well as stylish and a great addition to the interior design of our homes.
