Even the most modern and expensive central heating will not operate economically and efficiently or provide optimal thermal comfort if it is not properly adjusted. Do you want to learn how to effectively increase the heating power of a radiator? In the case of a central heating boiler, you can increase the temperature of the heating medium. On the other hand, with an installed heat pump, a proven idea is to introduce forced air circulation. Find out when it is necessary to increase the supply temperature and how to effectively and safely increase the heating power.
Check out the radiators at the Onninen wholesaler
When do radiators require increased heating power?
The central heating system designer usually decides how much power the radiators should have. The calculations take into account the heat losses in a given room and the maximum temperature of the heating medium (e.g. water) supplying the radiator interior and returning to the heat source. Low-temperature heating , based on a heat pump or a modern condensing boiler, will require lower power than high-temperature heating.
Of course, there are situations when the originally set power of the radiators must be changed. This most often happens when, at the stage of building a house or finishing the interior, modifications are made to the heating system design, which affect the room's demand for heat. For example, there is a change in the parameters, heating device or location of the radiators, an increase in the number/size of windows or the unplanned equipment of radiators with thermostatic radiator valves.
In the latter case, the power of the radiators should be increased by 10-15%. The power of the radiator is also corrected when it is built in, but this is consistently avoided. Actions that may require increasing the heating power should always be consulted with the installation designer.
Increasing heating power and central heating installations
There are two leading ways to effectively increase the power of radiators in central heating systems. We have already mentioned them at the beginning. The first is to increase the temperature of the heating medium (usually water), and the second is to intensify the air circulation around the radiator. In addition, to maximize the efficiency of radiators, several important rules should be followed.
First of all, you should not cover the radiator with furniture, because most of the warm air will be absorbed by it. The material from which the radiator is made is also important. Radiators made of stainless steel or aluminum heat up the fastest. To control the temperature in the interior more effectively and increase the efficiency of the radiators, it is worth equipping them with precise thermostatic valves.
Increased supply temperature and forced air circulation
Increasing the supply temperature by 1°C will increase the heating power of each m² of the radiator surface by about 10 W (regardless of its type). The larger the heating surface of the radiator, the more pronounced the heating effect will be. This method is used for electric, oil and gas boilers with a wide range of heating power. In the case of a low-control system based on a heat pump and low-temperature heating, forced air circulation, i.e. the ongoing removal of heated air from the radiator's surroundings, helps to increase the heating power - even up to 60% (!)
An excellent solution is to add controllable forced air circulation thresholds. Importantly, in this method there is no need to change the size of the radiator. Modern low-temperature radiators with built-in fans are available on the market. However, a special fan can also be purchased separately and mounted under the radiator. It is worth knowing that forced air circulation is a condition for effective cooling.
Professionals who specialize in the sale, installation or servicing of heating systems are invited to familiarize themselves with the offer of the Onninen electrical and hydraulic wholesaler. Our assortment includes all elements of the heating system, including modern and proven radiators in over 50 thousand variants. You will find among others panel, channel, column and decorative radiators , aluminum, copper-aluminum, cast iron and steel radiators , as well as thermostatic heads and valves. Onninen technical and sales specialists answer questions and help to complete the order in accordance with the needs of demanding b2b customers.