How does radiator central heating work?
Radiator central heating is the classic form of European-style central heating that has been in use for over 100 years.
The system consists of a boiler unit that heats water and pumps it through a network of pipes into radiators mounted on walls throughout your home. Radiators come in a wide variety of styles and sizes to suit your home’s decor and your budget.
Radiator systems are easy to retrofit into most existing homes or include in a new build. They can be combined with underfloor systems to improve heat distribution in multi-storey homes.
The advantages of radiator central heating include being able to expand the system easily, near silent running, and the speed at which they heat the room, not to mention the inherent benefits of radiant heat over convection heat.
Where does the heat come from?
The most common heat source is a gas boiler running on either reticulated (piped) natural gas or LPG. Other sources include diesel boilers, air-to-water heat pumps and even wood burners.
How does it get to all the rooms in the house?
The job of the boiler is to heat water. The hot water is then pumped through insulated pipes into radiators in each room. Once the heat is released through the radiator, the water returns back to the boiler to be heated again. Easy!
How do I control the temperature?
Central heating systems include a nifty little control panel mounted on the wall in a central location, like your hallway. This allows you to program what temperature you want the house to be at ‘peak’ and ‘off-peak’ times of the day.
For example, peak times could be 6am-9am and 5pm – 10pm when everyone’s at home and awake, and you want the temperature a comfortable 21 degrees. Off-peak would be 9am – 5pm when everyone’s at school or work and 10pm – 6am when everyone’s asleep. Each day is different and you can program them accordingly.
On top of that, each radiator has its own thermostat, which you can set independently. This automatically shuts of that radiator when the room hits a certain temperature, so you can keep your bedrooms slightly cooler than your lounge for optimal sleeping, or keep a room cold if its not being used at all.
Why is Radiant Central Heating such a good home heating solution?
Consistent
Central heating systems heat your whole home evenly, so you can use the entire house in winter instead of being confined to a couple of rooms.
Healthy
Radiant central heating gets the heat into every nook and cranny, helping to eliminate drafts and damp. With consistent temperatures throughout the home, your body is less susceptible to colds and flu and, because there is no forced air circulation, central heating is much better for asthmatics and allergy sufferers.
Efficient
Water transfers energy four times faster than air making radiant central heating systems highly efficient and quick to heat your home.
Safe
No naked flames or hot elements. The radiators themselves stay at a safe temperature and won’t burn skin, clothing or furniture. Ideal for children and the elderly.
Controllable
Systems are fully programmable for different times of the day and week. Radiators can be individually controlled in each room or turned off in rooms that are not being used.
Affordable
By using a single powerful heat source, you can heat your entire home for about the same energy cost as you would heat just two rooms with more traditional heaters.
Attractive
From invisible under-floor systems, to modern and retro style radiators, your central heating system can be designed to suit the look of your home.
Quick
With radiator systems, you can warm the whole house within minutes regardless of the outside temperature.
Customized
Every system we install is custom designed for your home and can be tailored to suit a range of budgets.
Flexible
Choose from a variety of heat sources and heat distribution methods to get the best performance for your style of home.
Quiet
Radiant central heating systems are virtually silent, with no noisy fans.