Radiators are the ideal heating systems for all sorts of homes
Radiators
These have been the mainstay of heating homes and workplaces since the latter end of the nineteenth century. By the beginning of the twentieth century the first mass produced cast iron radiators could be found in many homes as well as public buildings such as libraries and schools. In fact in older British schools you may still find the first Victorian classic cast iron radiators. Whilst the purpose of these types of classic radiators is to heat buildings and homes they should not be confused with the other type of radiator found in vehicles. These have a different purpose and are designed to dissipate heat to the atmosphere to help keep combustion engines cool. A third use of the term ‘radiator’ has coke into use over recent decades. This type is used to keep processors cool in computers and is often referred to as a heat sink unit. Today’s radiators used for the purpose of heating come in many forms. They can be part of a central heating system with a boiler burning gas or oil, but they can also be stand alone units powered by electricity. Whilst the traditional radiators were bulky and heavy, today’s modern designs such as the Zephyr radiators are lightweight and unobtrusive. While classic radiators were often obvious, the modern units can often serve a less obvious purpose such as towel rail heaters or storage boxes. Designs like the Zephyr radiators are often ideal for smaller rooms due to their thin design.
Cooling Radiators
Zephyr Radiators
The latest designs of radiators are constructed from high tensile, lightweight materials. They also tend to be much quieter in use when heating up or cooling down as the materials used do not expand and contract as much as traditional cast iron models. They also use a lot less material and this adds to their efficiency and reduces their weight. This is in sharp contrast to the old cast iron units which were noisy, inefficient and very heavy. A good example of this modern use of materials and technology are the Zephyr radiators. Their light and thin design means they can be wall mounted and are therefore much more understated than classic radiators. These modern radiators are best mounted vertically and this has become a trend in radiator design over the last few decades with more and more wall mounted vertical designs available. Classic radiators were traditionally mounted on the floor and fixed to the wall. Today’s fashions mean that many designs needs to be wall mounted usually several inches from the floor. In fact there are now wall mounted designs that double as mirrors, storage shelves or boxes and even look like curtains. Whilst it is still possible to get the traditional cast iron models many of this type of design are now also made with lighter materials and the design has morphed into radiators that can also be mounted vertically on a wall thus saving on space although wall mounted models are generally single column.
Decorative Heating Radiator
Cast Iron Radiators
This design of radiators was the first and for a long period the only production type available. Sources cannot agree on whether the first was produced in America or in Russia but by the end of nineteenth century cast iron radiators were commonplace. Today the style is still with us and some people still prefer the old cast iron models themselves with their feet to take the weight and often with highly ornate patterned finishes. However, more commonplace today is a mix of old style and new materials. Classic radiators are now available made from stainless steel and aluminium as well as more traditional iron. The finish of a model can range from an ornate and artistic pattern to an anthracite dark grey. These modern classics are also much more efficient than their traditional counterparts and often much more light weight but they still contrast starkly with the newer designs. If you compared old Victorian radiators to today’s modern models such as the Zephyr radiators you could be forgiven for thinking the latter was a completely different device. They both work on the same principle but the Zephyr radiators are made with thin high tensile sheets of stainless steel rather then a cast. Classic radiators have evolved and can now be wall mounted due to the lighter materials used in their construction. Today’s radiators are much more efficient and can also be powered by electricity. Although the design has evolved the principle of heating by convection remains the same.
Antique Victorian Cast Iron Radiator
Classic Radiators
For many the term ‘classic radiator’ conjures up an image of those big cast iron radiators of the Victorian era. These were the mainstay of radiator production for many years until new breakthroughs in materials technology and production techniques were applied to radiators. Classic radiators now come in many forms. Those radiators which have become popular over recent decades are now seen to be classics. Examples could include towel rails which have become an almost essential addition to the modern bathroom. Others could include the Zephyr radiators which use the latest materials for a sleek polished design. So from the old cast iron radiators to today’s Zephyr radiators there are many that can be seen to be classic designs. The latest trend in design has been toward a more unique look. Now there are radiators that could be construed to be works of art. Some are built around mirrors whilst others are designed as heating storage hot boxes and shelves. One of the more unusual designs uses aluminium sheeting to replicate a pair of curtains but heats the room at the same time. There is also a design available that looks like something designed by Picasso and consists of anodised cubes stack on each other which can be wall mounted. There is also an Italian design available which appears to be a series of interlocking coat hangers at first sight. All of these designs may be unique or unusual but have the same purpose of providing warmth.
Classic radiator – heated towel rail
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