What is the difference between low temperature and high temperature radiators

 To optimally heat an entire room, water radiators are a safe bet. There are two types: low temperature radiators and high temperature radiators. But then, what is the difference between these two models? Which is more efficient or economical? We explain everything to you in this article



Low temperature and high temperature radiator: what are the differences?

The operation of these two types of radiator is the same: the water is heated in the boiler then transferred into the pipes which are connected to the radiators. All this stored hot water will allow the radiators to rise in temperature and heat the room.  

But then where is the difference? Quite simply in the temperature of the water circulating in the radiator.

  • The high temperature radiator requires water heated between 70 and 90°C;
  • The low temperature radiator , also called a gentle heat radiator, works with water heated between 40 and 50°C.

The difference in water temperature between the two types of radiator is significant enough for it to impact energy consumption. In fact, the boiler needs to use much less energy to heat water to 50°C rather than 70 or 90°C!

Another small difference to take into account: the size of the radiator. Low temperature models are bulkier because they need a larger heating surface to compensate for the lower temperature.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the two types of radiators?

The high temperature radiator offers a faster rise in temperature and an inertia phenomenon which lasts a very long time, while being relatively small. Its main disadvantage is that it is quite energy intensive.

For its part, the low temperature radiator has a big advantage: energy saving. It is in fact much less energy consuming than its high temperature counterpart, because it requires less effort from the boiler to heat the water. It also offers better thermal comfort and a very long lifespan, provided it is maintained well. The heat diffused is gentle, constant, uniform and the surface of the radiator less hot, which limits the risk of burns, especially in the presence of children.

However, it is larger than the high temperature radiator, because the heating surface must be larger to deliver the same quantity of heat. It is also more expensive at the time of purchase and cannot be combined with just any heating system.  

To read: What is the main source of energy in France?

What to pair high and low temperature radiators with?

Before investing in any radiator, you must take your heating system into account.

  • Gas, oil or electric boilers are perfectly suited to high temperature radiators, since they provide water at 90°C.
  • You can install soft heat radiators if you have a gas condensing boiler. In fact, it produces water at low temperature and offers a very high efficiency of between 100 and 110%. This is also possible if you have a heat pump, which also produces water at a low temperature and will provide significant energy savings.

It is not prohibited to combine a heat pump or a gas condensing boiler with high temperature radiators. However, this is of no real interest since performance will be greatly reduced. In all cases, a completely low temperature combination will always be more efficient and economical than a completely high temperature installation.

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