Radiators: function, regulation & types

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Radiators are a central component of the heating system. They transfer the generated heat to the living space via the heating medium of water. However, even if the functional principle is always similar, there are several different types. That which distinguishes all Viessmann Vitoset radiators is their high quality. The use of tested materials and the high quality workmanship ensure that every solution can be efficiently and reliably implemented.

How does a radiator work?

The function of a radiator follows a simple principle: A pump transports the heating water from the central heat generator to the radiators. There, the warm water flows in at the inlet valve. During the flow, heat is released into the room via the heating surfaces, whereby the water cools down. It flows back out through the return and is brought up to temperature again by the connected heat generator. The cycle begins again.

In addition to Vitoset radiators for central heating systems, Viessmann also offers electric heaters or radiators. The Vitoplanar electric heaters are also suitable for decentralised heating of living areas – i.e. independent of a central heat generator and in individual rooms.

The thermostat regulates the temperature

How much heat is delivered to the room can be regulated via the thermostatic radiator valves. The valve installed inside the thermostatic head controls the water flow rate in relation to the room temperature. If this is too low, the thermostatic valve opens and water flows through the radiator. Five levels are available to set the temperature required. Each represents a certain room temperature. Read more about the function, numbers on the thermostat and how to set it in the section on setting the thermostat correctly. Viessmann thermostatic heads can be used in conjunction with any radiator from our radiator range.

Viessmann thermostats for radiators

What types of radiators are there?

There is a wide choice of modern hot water radiators. This is also evident in the Viessmann radiator range. In addition to panel radiators, the range also includes tubular radiators.

The widely used panel radiators demonstrate the latest evolution from the original sectional or ribbed radiators. Unlike those, they do not consist of individual links, but of one or more smooth or slightly profiled heating plates through which the warm water flows. Between these are convection plates, past which indoor air flows.

The type designation of the radiators depends on the design. It consists of two numbers, the first indicating the number of heating plates and the second the number of convection plates. A type 21 model, for example, consists of two radiator plates and one convector plate. The basic principle here is: the higher the number of convection plates, the higher the proportion of convection heat. Viessmann offers corresponding radiators as universal radiators as well as panel radiators. The latter are best characterised by their smooth surfaces and visually slim design. The radiators are basically available in different connection variants, for example as centre connection radiators. This offers even more flexibility.

Tubular radiators consist of many vertically or horizontally arranged tubes through which the heating water flows. These radiators are particularly popular for bathrooms, where they also serve as towel holders and dryers. A large part of the heat is emitted via convection. Viessmann radiators for the bathroom are suitable for the conventional heating connection, but can also be equipped with an electric heating cartridge. This makes it possible to heat the rooms independently of the central heat generator, especially in summer.

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