Central Heating Radiators

Radiators are a major component of any central heating system. Central heating radiators are a metal container that fills with hot water and is a source of heat in a room. The boiler heats up water which is pumped by the heating pump into pipes that are connected to the radiator. The capacity of a radiator to heat a room depends on the material it is made from, the design and its size.
 
Central heating radiators are the most common solution for heating your home or property. With their simple design, functionality and high performance, there are a wide range of sizes which will suit any room or space. They are also available in a wide variety of types depending on the required heat output.
 
What material are radiators made from
Radiators are usually made from steel. However, other materials that work well for radiators include aluminium, copper, cast iron, plastic, brass and copper.
 
While steel radiators offer a cheap and functional radiator solution, cast iron is known to retain heat for much longer even after the central heating system has been switched off. This is because cast iron is dense and heavier than steel. Therefore cast iron radiators are known to be energy-efficient and offer a better energy-saving option compared to steel. Cast iron radiators are versatile and come in a range of depths, widths and heights. 
 
Electric Radiators vs Dual Fuel Radiators
Electric radiators are easy to install and are an efficient heating solution. Using electricity to create heat instead of hot water means they are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional central heating. Its versatility means there are quick-and-easy options that work well with single rooms.
 
Duel Fuel Radiators offer an option to heat the radiator with electric power even if the central heating is off. It lets you switch between cheap, eco-friendly electric rails and gas central heating. The dual fuel radiator is connected to both the central heating system and your electrics using an electrical heating element and a T-piece.
 
Bleeding Radiators
To get the best out of your radiator, bleeding the radiator is vital. Bleeding radiators means letting out air trapped in the radiator system which stops water from heating the entire radiator. This leaves cold spots and the heating has to be left on for longer or increased to heat up a room. Without bleeding radiators, radiators are inefficient thereby costing more in energy usage.
 
A good process for bleeding radiators is as follows

• First turn off your heating systems
• With the radiator key, turn the valve at the top of the radiator
• You should hear a hissing sound which means air is going out.
• When the hissing stops tighten the valve. After the valve has been tightened liquid comes out.
• After a while turn back on central heating system
• Check the pressure of the radiator from the gauge on your boiler.

 
Types of Radiators
This includes:

• Single Panel Radiators – these are the basic white radiators common in most properties. It consists of a single panel that is mounted on the wall facing outwards in a room. Usually slimmer, they fit close to the wall and therefore conserve space.
• Dual Panel Radiators – this is a combination of two single panels joined together and mounted on a wall facing outwards in a room. They give twice the power compared to a single panel. As there are two panels they may stick out a bit further from the wall.
• Column Radiators – are traditionally styled radiators. Commonly made of 2 – 3 columns held together by a central pipe at the top and bottom. For their size, they produce great heat outputs and hold onto their heat for longer than other radiator types. As an alternative to the single panel option, they bring a classic look to any space.
• Heated Towel Rails -  they keep the towels warm and fluffy for your use. They are designed first to dry towels and secondly to warm the bathroom. Heated towel rails warm small bathrooms easily. They give out less heat compared to a radiator but if sized correctly they work very well.

 
Designer Radiators
Designer radiators offer something more unique and are a stunning heating source. They are decorative radiators available in a variety of colours, shapes, design and sizes. Both the vertical and horizontal radiators make a room look modern without sacrificing functionality or space. As designer radiators have become popular, a lot of manufacturers are applying a modern and stylish twist using various materials.  

• Vertical Radiators –  are perfect for rooms with minimal space due to their tall and slim line design style. They work similar to a standard radiator but offer more in terms of style, practicality and value for money. Vertical radiators produce great heat output without sacrificing too much wall space. They come in a wide range of colours, designs and finishes.
• Horizontal Radiators – also known as traditional radiators they now come in a variety of sizes, finishes and designs. They add a lot of flair and warmth to a room. Available as horizontal column radiators they are available in a range of colours which include white, chrome, black and other colours.

 
Bathroom Radiators
Bathroom radiators are a great way to keep the bathroom warm while also drying the towels in the bathroom. They come in a wide range of sizes and finishes. Bathroom radiators are used interchangeably with heated tower rails. The slight difference is that a heated tower rail is designed to warm towels first with a secondary aim of heating the room which means they give less heat output compared to a radiator.
 
There are a wide range of contemporary designs for bathroom radiators and they add that luxurious feel to a bathroom.
 
Radiators are a major fixture in any home or property. They are versatile, functional and add a unique style to a room or space. Better to seek the advice of  the experts so that you get the right fit for your home or property. For instance, vertical radiators are a stylish space saving option great for bathrooms or hallways.
 
In more traditional buildings a decorative cast iron radiator adds that authentic look to your living room or hallway. Whatever the situation of experts have a wealth of experience installing radiators and can give you some ideas and tips for a radiator that improves the aesthetics of your home without compromising on keeping your space warm.