Are you looking for a comfortable and economical alternative to heat your home? A radiator seems to be a good idea! This type of device is highly appreciated for its simplicity and its ability to evenly heat spaces. In what follows, A2O Performance reveals the advantages and disadvantages of this device.

The advantages of radiators

Radiators are known for their practicality, as they can be switched on and off easily and even remotely via smartphone and tablet, or even only in the rooms of your choice. Discover their advantages with A2O Performance :

They do not require a lot of maintenance

Although there are some cases where radiators need to be serviced by a professional, they require little maintenance most of the time.

They are reliable

Radiators are extremely durable and reliable, since their housing is usually made of porcelain, cast iron or ceramic, they can withstand wear and tear without being damaged. In addition, since they do not contain many moving parts, they are unlikely to suffer mechanical breakdowns and stop working even after years of use.

They perform well

One of the great advantages of radiators is the fact that ceramic, cast iron and other materials used in their manufacture will retain heat for a long period of time, which means that your radiator will continue to heat the room in which it is installed even after it has been switched off.

Disadvantages of radiators

Now that we have listed the advantages of radiators, it is time to discuss their disadvantages:

They can be noisy

Some types of radiators can be noisy when in operation, usually caused by air in the pipes. It is therefore recommended that you check whether the radiator in question is too noisy or whether you can tolerate its noise before making the purchase.

They require good ventilation

For a radiator to work properly, it needs sufficient air flow in the room where it is installed. Otherwise, heat will build up around the unit, which can reduce comfort in the home and create cold spots and even drafts.

They can be warm to the touch

A final drawback of some radiators: if you have children or pets at home, A2O Performance’s advice may be to place the device out of their reach, as some types of radiators can become extremely hot when in operation and therefore risk burning the hands of the smallest ones or the paws of your pets when touched.

Criteria for choosing a heater

Buying a radiator is no easy task, especially since the large number of offers makes the selection process a bit difficult. So here’s how to choose a radiator properly.

Before choosing a radiator, you should note the measurements of the space in which you intend to place it, using a tape measure. This way you can be sure to choose the right heater for your space.

Price is certainly a determining factor, but what price? The price of operation or the price of installation? Although some types of radiators can be expensive, it is possible to make their cost profitable, since they are seen as a long-term investment and consume little energy, thus saving money.

Also, the way in which the radiator diffuses heat is a very important factor in the choice. According to A2O Performance, radiators that radiate heat continuously but slowly produce gentle heating because the heat is distributed evenly throughout the room. Conversely, when the radiator heats intensely but at a discontinuous rate, it produces a temperature that could be described as very high.

What are the different types of radiators?

There are many different types of radiators.

Electric radiators

In the category of electric radiators we find in particular :

• The convector

The convector operates according to the convection phenomenon. The convector takes the fresh air that is close to the floor and heats it up by means of an electric resistance. This type of radiator has the advantage of heating very quickly, as soon as it is switched on. And unlike other radiators, the resistors are in direct contact with the air.

On the other hand, the great disadvantage of this type of heater can be its high consumption, which in some cases causes very hard and localised heat.

• Radiant panel radiators

According to A2O Performance, radiation is the most comfortable form of heating for humans because it heats the room evenly. Even though this type of radiator heats rooms partially by convection. They work mainly by radiation. The principle is simple: this type of radiator has a panel that is heated by an internal resistance. This resistor diffuses infrared radiation in all directions. As a result, the room heats up uniformly. It can therefore be said that this type of radiator offers more comfort than a convector.

Inertia radiators

In contrast to convectors that heat quickly but strongly, inertia radiators heat gently and non-stop. Inertia can be defined as the tendency with which the temperature of a material can change. So a material that has a high inertia will require a lot of heat to heat up, and therefore take a long time to cool down. This is why inertia heaters are reliable, robust and economical. They can heat at night and release heat during the day without consuming electricity. The only drawback is that they can be heavy, which makes them difficult to install.

Water radiators

These radiators are still the most popular, as they present no installation difficulties, at the same time they are very similar to the electric models in their operation. Water radiators also work on the principle of inertia, except that this time. Once the water is heated, it transmits its heat to the radiator. The only downside is that this type of radiator can be expensive to buy, but its day-to-day performance is worth it and saves energy and money in the long run. It is a 100% profitable investment.

Storage heaters

The storage heater is based on the same principle as the inertia heater. Equipped with an accumulator material heated by an electric resistance, this type of radiator manages to store a quantity of heat, which it diffuses for several hours later, without even consuming electricity. It can therefore be said to be the predecessor of the inertia radiator, since its operation is based on the same principle.

However, the biggest difference between the two models is the weight of the storage heater, which can reach about 150 kg.

How to install a radiator?

Installing a radiator is not really complicated, especially if you follow the steps and have the right equipment.

First of all, to install your radiator you will need the tools mentioned below :

• A tape measure
• A pencil,
• A spirit level,
• A wrench,
• A drill,
• Screwdrivers.

A2O Performance also recommends that you purchase a few screws and plugs, even if they are supplied in most cases by the manufacturer. You never know, it’s always good to have a few extra screws on hand.

As far as installation is concerned, the easiest models to install are water radiators and electric radiators :

Water radiators can be very simple to install. To get started, refer to the manual and read the instructions. Normally, you will need to drill a hole in the wall to fit the mounting brackets. Next, check that your appliance is tilted towards the drain valve.  Afterwards, screw on the bleeder and supply valve, as well as the drain plug and fitting. Now connect your appliance to the piping system.

For the installation of an electric radiator, you must first choose the appropriate screws and plugs according to the nature of the wall to be drilled.

Then drill the wall and place the fixing brackets. Then you can place the heater. Don’t forget to switch off the electrical power before you switch on the radiator.

For the installation of other types of radiators, A2O Performance recommends that you refer to the installation manuals to view the steps and see if you can install the radiator by yourself. Some appliances are complicated in their installation and require the intervention of qualified personnel. If you think you cannot do it alone, do not hesitate to contact your supplier.

How do I maintain my radiator?

In order for your radiators to function properly, it is essential to ensure that they are properly maintained. To do this, it is advisable to clean them regularly, but especially before the onset of winter, when your radiators will be heavily used. Maintenance can vary depending on your heating system. A2O Performance’s experts are of the opinion that there is different maintenance for an electric radiator and a hot water radiator. Let’s find out more about the right steps to take for regular maintenance.

On the one hand, for electric radiators, it is first of all essential to turn off the power before attempting any manipulation. If the radiator is in operation, it is best to wait for it to cool down slightly. Then, you can then use a vacuum cleaner to remove any accumulated dust. Finish dust removal with a feather duster for the hardest to reach areas. And finish with a thorough cleaning with a damp cloth and a cleaning product, rinse and dry your radiator to avoid streaks.

On the other hand, for hot water radiators, it is advisable to switch off the boiler to avoid any risk during cleaning. Then, just as with electric heating, it is necessary that it is cold before you want to clean it. Then repeat the same actions as for the electric heating, dusting it with a vacuum cleaner and then with a feather duster. It is also possible to purge your radiator in order to maintain your heating system properly.

Finally, if you wish to buy a radiator we recommend that you take a look at A2O Performance’s selection. Not only are its appliances completely safe to use, but they are also under warranty.