Electric Designer Radiators
Designer Radiators
In situations where additional heating is required, options used to be limited to inefficient electric space heaters or costly extensions to existing central systems. Today, many manufacturers offer safe, comfortable, and convenient radiator units that operate independently of central heating systems. Electric-only designer radiators are ideal for heating lofts, conservatories, or other home extensions that require heating but are difficult to integrate into existing systems. They provide warmth and style to your living spaces without the high cost of integration with the plumbing of central hydronic or ductwork of forced air systems. Electric-only units can be installed individually or in multiple locations where advanced control options can provide you with all of the benefits of a central hydronic system without the cost of installing a central boiler or pipe work. Advanced materials make these units lightweight and offer greater options for placement than traditional radiators . Design options range from the classic to chic. You can choose an elegant Victorian unit for your period home’s conservatory or a subtle, low profile unit for your den. Or make a statement with designs that embrace the essence of functional art. There is a design for every taste and décor. Electric-only units provide warmth and style with an absolute minimum of maintenance and fuss. Enjoy the gentle warmth of radiant heat without the dust and noise of forced air, or the pinging and clanging of steam systems. Electrical units are the perfect choice for safe, efficient, and comfortable warmth from an independently operating unit.
How they work
Like whole-house central heating systems, the electric radiator works on the same basic principles of hydronics. Electric radiators act as independent mini-systems independent of central boilers and pipe work. Inside the self-contained unit is typically an immersion heater, circulation pump, and either treated water or an oil medium. When oil is used inside an electrical unit, it is typically mineral oil. It has excellent thermal qualities as well as being non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Water based designer radiators typically have the necessary antifreeze and anticorrosive additives present which eliminates contamination or clogging. The heating fluids are added during manufacturing and require no topping up or other maintenance for the life of the unit. The heater brings the fluid inside the heater to the required temperature. The internal circulation pump then distributes the heated fluid inside of the unit for effective heat transfer to the heater’s metal. Control units turn on the immersion heater until the ambient room temperature reaches the temperature desired. Once the temperature is achieved the unit shuts off until needed again. The radiator uses no fans to circulate air through the room. Instead the warmed air from the surfaces of the heater rises and cooler air is pulled up to replace the rising warmer air creating thermal convection to transmit the heat throughout the room. The heating unit also heats adjacent surfaces such as flooring and walls. The overall effect of these designer radiators is identical to central heating units with the benefits of being an independent unit.
Safe and Convenient Warmth
One of the most obvious benefits of electrical radiator heaters is their inherent safety. Liquid filled heaters have all fluids sealed within during manufacturing. Since the unit never burns the fluids inside it, there is no need to fill or make contact with them for the life of the unit. The immersion heaters and circulation pumps are also sealed within and require no servicing. This makes electrical designer radiators virtually zero-maintenance devices, which saves time and money. Electrical units work on the same principles as central hydronic heating systems. There are no noisy air blowers or circulation of dust and allergens throughout the house that you have with forced-air systems. This makes electric-only heaters ideal for allergy or asthma sufferers. While the surfaces of designer radiators can be hot to the touch, control units ensure the heater produces the appropriate amount of heat and limit how hot the unit will become. This reduces the risk of burns for children and pets. Some units have heat shield covers for households with small children or elderly persons. With independently operating units, there is no central boiler system to install. This eliminates the risk of carbon monoxide emissions or other harmful gases produced by fossil fuel combustion that can accumulate in your home. There is also no risk of a central boiler failure or explosion from the buildup excess of pressure that can occur with steam hydronics. Electric-only units provide all of the benefits and none of the risks of central hydronic systems.
Installation and Design Options
Options for installing electrical radiator units are amazingly diverse. Models come in a variety of sizes and outputs suitable for small spaces such as bathrooms or larger loft or conservatory extensions. With a multitude of styles and designs that suit everything from period homes to modern flats, electric designer radiators are becoming very popular these days. Choose from towel rails for the spa-experience luxury of heated towels, or choose a stylish unit that doubles as a mirror in the bathroom or for creating the illusion of space. For an elegant unit that will blend seamlessly with period home décor, you can choose a vintage inspired cast iron design. Forms range from vertical to horizontal shapes for ease of placement as well as contemporary designs that make a statement in any room. Electric contemporary radiators are usually very simple to install. Many electrical units require only an accessible electrical outlet and mounting. Some are designed for portability and can be moved from room to room. Or, permanent wall-mounted models can be wired into your existing electrical wiring by a professional electrician. If your home already has a hydronics system installed, there are hybrid models that will run independently as well as in concert with your existing central heating system. Hybrid units are a highly efficient heating solution as they provide the option of heating only one room instead of the entire home. With so many choices it is no wonder why designer radiators are a top choice for home heating solutions.
