How Do Radiators Work?
If you live in an older home, there’s a likely chance that you have radiators as part of your heating system. While these classic fixtures might seem like a relic from the past, they continue to provide efficient heat in modern days. Typically made of metal and often large, with a finned or column design, radiators can range from sleek and ornate to simple and functional. Many homeowners may not fully understand how they work, but these durable units have lasted for decades due to their reliability, making them a common feature in older homes.
In this guide, our older home experts at American Vintage Home explain what radiators are and how they work to keep your home comfortable.
What Is a Radiator?
A radiator is a device used to heat a room by transferring warmth from hot water or steam. It works by circulating heated water or steam through pipes inside the radiator, which then releases heat into the room. Historically, radiators were first introduced in the 19th century and became popular in the late 1800s, offering a more efficient way to heat homes.
Today, we have three main types of radiators:
- Hot water radiators: These use hot water from a boiler that flows through the radiator. The water heats up the metal fins of the radiator, which then warms the air around it, providing steady, comfortable heat.
- Steam radiators: These radiators use steam instead of hot water. The steam moves through the pipes and heats the metal of the radiator, releasing heat into the room.
- Electric radiators: Electric radiators are a modern, hassle-free way to heat your space. They use electricity to heat metal inside the unit, and that warmth is then released into the room, warming the air around it.
Key Components of a Radiator System
A radiator system relies on a few key components to heat your home efficiently:
- Boiler: The boiler heats the water or steam that powers the radiator system. It’s the heart of the system, providing the heat needed to warm your home.
- Pipes: Pipes carry the heated water or steam from the boiler to the radiators. They circulate the heat through the home to each radiator.
- Valves: Valves control the flow of hot water or steam into each radiator, allowing you to adjust the temperature in individual rooms or shut off the heat when needed.
How Radiators Work: Step-by-Step
Radiators might seem simple, but understanding how they work, including the key radiator components, is essential for keeping your home comfortable and running smoothly. From the boiler in the radiator system to the pipes and valves, each part plays a crucial role in ensuring efficient heating throughout your home.
Here’s how your radiators heat and warm your home:
- Heating the fluid: The boiler heats water or steam in a sealed tank. For hot water systems, the water is typically heated to around 160–180°F, while steam systems heat the water to the boiling point of 212°F. This process is essential for efficient radiator heat transfer.
- Circulation through the system: The heated water or steam is pumped or naturally flows through pipes to the radiators. The pipes are connected to the boiler and distribute the heat throughout the home.
- Heat emission: As the hot water or steam passes through the radiator, the metal surface absorbs the heat and releases it into the surrounding air. This process warms up the room, often by radiating heat and sometimes with the help of convection.
- Return flow: Once the water or steam cools, it flows back to the boiler through return pipes. The boiler reheats the cooler fluid, and the cycle repeats, ensuring constant warmth in the home.
Schedule Radiator Services With American Vintage Home
Need radiator service? Trust American Vintage Home, the Older Home Experts, to take care of all your heating needs, from classic radiators to smart and energy-efficient radiators. We offer 24/7 emergency service, radiator repair, and radiator maintenance tips for vintage homes, ensuring your radiators work perfectly all year long. Plus, we provide free, no-obligation estimates on installations, helping you find the best solution for your home.
No one services older homes better. Contact American Vintage Home today for radiator services in the Chicago North Shore area.
