While some may be aware of how these radiators work, others may find the idea more difficult to grasp, despite how important a role they place in heating our homes. In this blog, we’ll have a look at some of the most popular types of radiators and how they function, as well as the different valves that play a key role in their functionality.

We will also have a look at how you can perform basic maintenance on your radiator in order to ensure that it is kept in good shape. This knowledge and maintenance will give you a clearer idea of what could be the problem should something go wrong with your radiator so you can jump straight to identifying the problem.

• Different Types of Radiators
• How do the Valves Work?
• How do I Balance My Radiator’s Heating?
• How Do I Maintain My Radiator?
• Final Thoughts
• What's Next?

There are two main types of radiators that can then split off into subsets of radiators. These subsets are mainly different in appearance, and they will more often than not all function through the following two methods of operation:

Steam

One of the oldest and yet more reliable radiator types in the world, steam radiators still see use up and down the country to this very day. They will usually be connected to a central boiler designed to heat water and turn it into steam. This steam then travels through the piping (which is usually vertical, hence why some boilers are found in the basements of houses) and into the radiator, where thermal energy is given off through the fins. As the heat is lost from the steam, it will once again become water and flow back down into the boiler for heating again. The cycle is then repeated.

Hot Water

While similar in basic functionality to a steam radiator, hot water radiator systems tend to lack pressure created by the steam. Instead, it possesses an inlet and an outlet, with the former taking in hot water and the latter letting it back out again. The water is heated up in a hot water heater, but never reaches or surpasses the boiling point, as this would defeat the objective of keeping the water liquid and getting to your radiator.

It is pumped from the heater throughout the home to all connected radiators, though the further it travels, the less heated it becomes. Through a thermostat that is usually connected to the heater and the pumping system, the water can be automatically returned to the heater once it becomes too cool.

There are also electric radiators, but these can differ massively depending on the brand, and do not utilise a central heater or boiler. Instead, they rely on your house’s electricity.

Furthermore, radiators can be identified visually as one of the following types:

Column

One of the most popular radiator types, column radiators are characterised by their traditional metal column appearance. They can come in many different shapes and sizes and can be placed in more-or-less any room in your house. Modern in appearance and with multiple colours available (though white is the most popular by far), it is excellent for both new builds and renovations.

Compact

You can easily spot a compact radiator due to the iconic ‘fins’ that help to transfer the heat (mentioned above). They tend to be smaller in size than column radiators, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still be purchased in a plethora of different designs, though they are often only available in white. They can also be purchased in either double or single-panel variations, with the latter providing around twice as much heat.

Flat Panel

Due to their relatively basic, box-like design, these radiators are often ideal for installation in smaller rooms or areas of your house that possess limited space. Again, available in multiple sizes, they can be purchased in both horizontal and vertical forms. Electric-powered flat-panel radiators are also available, for those without a gas meter.

Towel 

Much larger radiators that are often used for drying both towels and clothes (towel radiators), these radiators are usually made of stainless steel and are nearly always found in bathrooms. They can be purchased in a range of sizes but are nearly always fairly large in order to support the drying of multiple fabrics.

Knowing which categories your radiator falls into will give you a much clearer understanding of how it works, as well as how to operate it. The other important component found in all of the above radiators, and pretty much any radiator in the majority of households is the valve.

Every radiator, regardless of type, possesses a Lockshield Valve, an innovative device that allows the water to flow into the radiator from the boiler. The purpose of this valve is mainly to control water volume, and also to allow for the balancing of each radiator in your house to ensure they give out roughly the same amount of heat.

Once the radiator has been ‘balanced’ and its heat output set, there is rarely a need to touch the valve again. Thus, a cap will be placed on top of it, ‘locking’ it in place. The only time it’ll need to be used again is if there is a problem with your system or the flow of the water needs to be adjusted.

The Lockshield valve can be found on either side of the radiator, but on the other side you’ll usually find another, visually different type of valve. This is the valve that controls the heat and is used far more often than the Lockshield valve. There are two different types of these valves:

• Manual Valve – A very basic mechanism, a manual valve works in a very similar way to a tap and allows you to control the heat of your radiator simply turning the handle on the device. While not the most accurate of ways to control radiator heat, they are very low in cost and can be bought in all manner of designs.
• Thermostatic Valve – These more complex devices monitor the temperature of your radiator and can adjust the radiator to help keep an accurate and consistent room temperature. While more expensive than manual valves, they are far more precise and due to this can work out to be cheaper in the long run as they can potentially bring down your heating bills.

Where Can I Find my Valve?

There are a few different ways your valve could connect to your radiator. With more modern radiators the valves usually attach to the bottom at opposite ends – a Both Bottom Opposite Ends, or BBOE, radiator. TBOE, or Top and Bottom Opposite End radiators, are usually older, more vintage models. TBSE, or Top and Bottom Same End radiators are unusual in that both pipes enter the radiator on the same side.

This is all-important to note because the pipework in your home will determine where your valve is. There are several different types, with the straight valve design usually being the most common. However, others to note include corner valves, which are used when the pipes leading to your radiator turn at a 90° before going into it.

They are usually present when the pipes come from the wall as opposed to the floor. Another type of valve is the angled valve, which is usually applied when the pipework comes up from the floor yet still comes into your radiator at an angle. All look different visually but will function in a very similar way.

Most pipes possess a diameter of around 15mm, and thus most valves have been designed to suit this size. There could be slight variations, however, especially when it comes to the pipes of older houses and structures, where the diameter may be considerably different. If this is the case, contact an expert when it comes to finding a valve for this type of pipework.

We’ve briefly touched on the concept of balancing radiators already – it is the method of ensuring that any heat created by your heating system is sent around to all radiators in your house equally. From there, you can decide on the actual heat output of every individual radiator via the individual temperature valves present on most radiators.

The process of balancing involves setting how fast hot water flows through your radiators, with a slow flow creating more heat, and a faster flow giving off less. Fully functioning radiators give off around 10°C as water travels from one end to the other before moving on to the next one.

The best way to test this is to leave a thermometer on the inlet pipe of the radiator to check the temperature of the water as it enters, before putting it on the outlet pipe as it leaves. The water should drop around 10 degrees. If it has dropped more, you need to open the valve more to let the water through faster. If it has dropped too little, tight the valve to keep it in the radiator a little longer before moving on.

So, we’ve looked at how radiators work – so it might be worth noting a few ways you can keep your radiator in good condition to allow it to work well for longer. Nothing lasts forever, and radiators are no different – you may find yourself needing to call in a professional at some point in the future to fix a damaged radiator, but keeping it clean yourself is a good way to decrease the chances of this happening more frequently.

You should now have a little more idea about how a radiator works, and be more aware of how you can keep it running that way. The cleaning and maintenance tips above can be applied to pretty much any radiator in your household, no matter their size and style. Knowing how they function will allow you to know exactly what to check and look for if something goes wrong with your radiator, meaning you can get around to sorting the problem or getting the appropriate help as quickly as possible.

Looking for more inspiration? Take a look at our wide range of product and project guides - covering an array of subjects from garden renovations to painting and decorating, installing stunning lighting set-ups to building out a kitchen or bathroom from scratch and much, much more. Take the leap today and start your DIY journey right here. For direct help and advice, you can also contact our award-winning customer service team.