Science Behind Heatkeeper Radiator Reflector Panels


Boost Your Radiator's Efficiency: The Science Behind Heatkeeper Air Pockets

The unique design of Heatkeeper radiator reflector panels isn't just about reflecting heat? The saw-tooth pattern formed into the panel creates air pockets that act as an extra layer of insulation, further enhancing your home's energy efficiency.

How Air Pockets Supercharge Heatkeeper

  • Trapping Warmth: These air pockets create a barrier, reducing the amount of heat that escapes through your walls. Air, being a poor conductor of heat, helps keep the warmth generated by your radiator where it belongs – in your room.
  • Minimising Heat Loss: Imagine the air pockets as pockets of resistance against heat transfer. This minimizes the amount of heat conducted through the wall, maximizing the warmth.
  • Enhanced Heat Distribution: The saw-tooth design not only reflects heat but also scatters and redirects it more effectively. This ensures the heat is evenly distributed throughout the room, minimizing cold spots.

Cross section image of heatkeeper radiator panel showing insulating pockets insulating wall

Factors That Maximise Insulation

  • Pocket Size Matters: The air pockets within the Heatkeeper panel translate to better insulation.
  • Wall Insulation: The impact of the air pockets is most noticeable in homes with less-than-perfect wall insulation.
  • Perfect Fit: For optimal insulation, ensure the Heatkeeper panel fits snugly against the wall. Use the adhesive tape included to minimise any gaps that could allow heat to escape.

 

Cross section image of heatkeeper radiator panel showing saw toothed profile and heat circulation

How Sawtooth Radiator Reflectors Work vs. Flat Panels

Understanding Heat Distribution

Radiators primarily heat a room through two mechanisms:

  • Conduction: Heat is transferred directly to the air molecules in contact with the radiator.
  • Radiation: Heat is emitted as infrared radiation, which travels through the air and is absorbed by objects in the room.  

Flat Reflectors:

  • Simple Design: A flat sheet of reflective material (usually aluminum foil) placed behind the radiator.  
  • Function: Reflects some of the heat that would otherwise be absorbed by the wall behind the radiator back into the room.  

Heatkeeper Sawtoothed Reflectors:

  • Angled Design: Features a series of angled "fins" or "teeth" that create air pockets behind the radiator.  
  • Function:
    1. Reflection: Like flat reflectors, they reflect heat back into the room.  
    2. Convection: The angled design creates air circulation. Cool air enters the pockets, is warmed by the radiator, and then rises, creating a convection current that helps distribute heat more evenly throughout the room.  

Efficiency Comparison

  • Generally, sawtooth reflectors are considered more efficient than flat reflectors. The combination of reflection and enhanced convection leads to better heat distribution and potentially greater energy savings.

Image of Heatkeeper Radiator Reflector Panel fitted to wall with cut through of Radiator

In general, covering the entire wall behind a radiator with a Heatkeeper Radiator Reflector panels can lead to a greater increase in heating efficiency compared to just using radiator foil between the brackets. Here's why:

  • Larger Reflective Surface: A full wall panel covers a significantly larger area than just the space between the brackets. This means a greater portion of the heat radiated backward is reflected back into the room.  
  • Reduced Heat Loss: A full panel minimizes heat loss through the wall itself, as the entire wall surface is insulated.

Conclusion:

Heatkeepers innovative design goes beyond simple reflection. The air pockets provide an extra layer of insulation, working in tandem with the reflective surface to maximize your radiator's efficiency. By minimizing heat loss through your walls, Heatkeeper helps you save on energy costs and enjoy a warmer, more comfortable home.