There are hundreds of different types of central heating radiators; over the years, we have seen dozens of new styles and designs used to heat houses. The most popular heaters by far however, are traditional radiators. These radiators are also known as conventional radiators.

Conventional radiators generate heat through a series of pipes that carry heat; these pipes are also known as “ribs”. Many of these types of radiators can still be found in older apartments and homes. Most radiators have several ribs but some smaller one have as few as two. They are best kept alongside a wall or nearby the window.

Other more modern types of central heating radiators are the fan assisted radiator and under-floor heating. Fan radiators are much smaller than conventional radiators and they cause heat by relaying hot water through a heat exchanger, the hot air is then blown into the air. Under-floor heating is the most modern type of heating and they use pipes and cables underneath the flooring to heat the room.  If you are trying to heat an outside space to keep warm and toasty on a cool summers evening why not look at purchasing a patio heater?

Traditional radiators mainly work by forcing hot water through the pipes in radiator or circulating steam in the pipes. There are a few radiators however that uses oil instead of water or steam in the pipe system. This type of radiator is still an electric radiator and can function perfectly without a furnace or boiler system.

A traditional radiator can also be categorized by how big it is and usually its size will correspond with the surrounding room that it is heating. So a very small room will probably only need a two rib radiator while a larger room such as a dining room will require a multi rib radiator.

Older radiators are usually used for their function with little regard to styling. Most of them are basic in structure and do not contain many visual additions. There are however some ornate and decorative radiators as well. The most famous is the Victorian era radiator that is popularly in many households.

The size of a radiator will depend on the preferences of the individual. Some may choose small, short radiators that can easily fit in a corner or under a window while others may prefer tall radiators that have a prominent place in the room. Designs will also depend on the price range and what type of room it is in. Elegant settings will call for a Victorian radiator while simple rooms may be fine with a plain radiator.