7 types of radiators: which ones suit your home?

Header-Image: AI-created (ChatGPT/DALL-E)

Radiators come in different types and designs. Choosing the right radiator can increase comfort in the respective rooms and is also crucial for energy efficiency. The right version can be found depending on individual needs and the requirements of the room. This article provides an overview of 7 different types of radiators with their features, advantages and disadvantages and can make it easier to decide on the right model.

7 types of radiators

1. steel or cast iron radiator

The steel or cast iron radiator is one of the oldest types of radiator. It is still used today in many, predominantly older buildings. The cast iron construction, or nowadays mainly steel, enables long-lasting heat dissipation.

Advantages:

• Steel or cast iron radiators are robust and have a long service life.
• The metal construction ensures that heat is emitted by convection and radiation. The result is a pleasant room temperature.
• As steel or cast iron radiators can be made to measure, they are particularly suitable for old buildings.

Disadvantages:

• If a building is poorly insulated, high flow temperatures are required and this can lead to high energy consumption.
• Due to the material, these radiators are often heavy and require special fixings.

2. Convector

Convectors are usually electrically operated and are often available in compact, mobile versions. They work by drawing in cold air with small fans, heating it and then releasing it back into the room.

Advantages:

• Convectors can be used to heat rooms quickly.
  
• Many models are mobile and can therefore be carried to and used in different rooms as required.

Disadvantages:

• Convectors usually involve high power consumption, which is particularly noticeable during longer periods of operation.
• Compared to other types of radiator, convectors require more electricity to generate the required heat. This makes them less efficient.

3. panel or compact radiators

A particularly common type of radiator is the panel or compact radiator. It consists of several sheet steel panels. The heating water circulates through them. Convection plates between the panels increase the heat and heat the air in the room. Similar to steel and cast iron radiators, the principle is also based on convection and radiation. This results in an even heat output.

Advantages:

• Panel or compact radiators are energy-efficient, as they can also be operated with low flow temperatures.
• They can be adapted to different heating systems and are therefore also compatible with gas heating systems or heat pumps.
• The various designs and sizes available allow them to be adapted to different rooms, including those with a modern design.
  

Disadvantages:

• Although panel or compact radiators are flat, they often take up more wall space than particularly compact models such as convectors.

4. bathroom radiator or tubular radiator

The tubular radiator is commonly known as a bathroom radiator. The typical horizontal heating tubes provide both heat and the option of drying towels or other textiles on them.

Advantages:

• Tube radiators are energy efficient and well suited for use with condensing boilers.
• The dual function of towel radiators offers a practical solution.
  
• The tubes are easily accessible and easy to clean due to their smooth surfaces.

Disadvantages:

• Towel radiators have a limited heating capacity and are often unable to heat larger rooms sufficiently.
• In combination with heat pumps, tubular radiators are not ideally suited as the flow temperatures are lower and they would have to be designed in large dimensions.

5. underfloor heating

As a surface heating system, underfloor heating uses the floor to transfer heat to the room. It can be operated with low flow temperatures and can be used well with renewable energies such as heat pumps or solar thermal energy.

Advantages:

• Underfloor heating is an efficient option when operated with renewable energies.
• Due to the use of the large floor area, heat can be emitted evenly throughout the room.
• Rooms heated with underfloor heating can be designed flexibly, as no classic radiators are required.

Disadvantages:

• Initially, high installation costs may be incurred due to the need to integrate the system into the floor covering.
• Compared to other types of heating, underfloor heating requires more time to heat a room.

6. infrared heating

With infrared heating, electrical energy is converted directly into heat, which is then emitted into the room via infrared radiation.

Advantages:

• By heating the surfaces in the room directly, infrared heaters provide heat quickly.
• Their flat design saves space.
  
• Infrared heaters can be easily integrated into rooms at a later date.

Disadvantages:

• Because they run on electricity, infrared heaters can incur higher operating costs.

7. Bitcoin heating

Also worth mentioning is the innovative Bitcoin heating system, in which special radiators use the waste heat from the Bitcoin mining process to heat rooms efficiently. Waste heat that has already been generated is put to good use, making this type of radiator particularly energy-efficient.

Advantages:

• Excess waste heat is used sensibly to heat rooms - making them energy efficient.
  
• The integration of blockchain technology into the heating system is a future-oriented heating technology solution.
  
• In addition to the heating output alone, additional income can be generated with Bitcoin heating.
  
• Especially in cold regions, Bitcoin heating systems are an innovative option for double profit.

Disadvantages:

• At first glance, Bitcoin heating seems a little more expensive to purchase, but it quickly pays for itself and can then even generate additional income thanks to its dual function.

Tip: Find out more about the Bitcoin heater from 21energy and the different variants here.

Image: 21energy (edited format)

Conclusion: the right radiator type for your needs

Depending on the room size, building condition and personal requirements, there are different types of radiator to choose from. In addition to energy efficiency, comfort and long-term operating costs should also be taken into account. The profitability of a Bitcoin heating system can be quickly determined using this calculator, for example.