DESIGNER RADIATOR

Convector radiator

Most boiler powered central heating systems warm a building by using some variation on the convector radiator.

Radiators emit their heat by two methods, the first is radiated heat which generally comes from the front surface of the radiator, whilst the second in convected heat which results from circulating air around the radiator.

How the convector radiator works

The principle of convector radiators is based upon maximising the surface area of the radiator so that it has maximum contact with the surrounding air.

When the air close to the radiator becomes warm, it rises upwards and pulls in new cooler air towards the radiator. This circulation mechanism produces a convection current that circulates warm air throughout the room.

Convector radiator design

In the past the design of convector radiators has been limited. Most convector radiators had a comparatively smooth front surface, but with a series of fins or channels at the back of the radiator. These rear projections acted to maximise the radiators surface area whist providing vertical channels through which the air being warmed could circulate.

This principle still holds true, however by using modern tubular designs and, in the case of flat panel radiators, hiding or disguising the rear fins, modern designs have become much more aesthetic. Most modern designer convector radiators bear no resemblance to their counterparts from the past.

As with so many of today’s products, modern design and a greater understanding of how a technology works has enabled many new and much more appealing radiator designs to be produced – but without any real loss in performance.

To find out where to place a radiator within a room for maximum benefit, go to this where to position radiators page.

If you want to find out how to further boost the efficiency of your radiators and central heating system, go to this Radiator Booster page.