Have you ever wondered why so many of those radiators are painted silver or gold? At first glance, it seems like a historical standard, but if we dig a little deeper we find a fascinating story that intertwines with history and innovation.
The Early Days of Radiators
In the early 1900s, radiators were a new addition to homes. They featured various designs to blend seamlessly with room decor, at a time when central heating was still a new concept. This heating model worked remarkably well and the industry thrived. Radiators were designed not only as functional pieces but as works of art that complemented the intricate details of home interiors.
A Historical Turning Point
Into the winter of 1918, the world was dealing with the Spanish Influenza pandemic. This flu claimed more lives than any war had, creating a public fear of its recurrence. To mitigate this, US health authorities recommended keeping windows open for ventilation, which posed a challenge to the newly popular field of central heating.
Engineering Solutions in the 1920s
By the 1920s, engineering books reveal that heating systems were designed to keep homes warm even on the coldest days with the windows open. This necessity is why old radiators are so large. But with the onset of the Great Depression in 1929 and the diminishing threat of the flu, open windows became an impracticality due to the associated heating costs. Consequently, people started closing their windows, leading to overheated homes.
The Silver Paint Solution
To combat overheating, the government and engineers turned to metallic paint, specifically aluminum paint.
The application of metallic paint on radiators resulted in a 20% reduction of the radiant heat output.
Impact on Heat Output
A 1935 government report advised using metallic paint only in rooms that tended to overheat and suggested painting the back of radiators to prevent excessive heat transfer to walls.
This is why many radiators today are painted silver and gold. If you desire more heat output from your radiators, applying a coat of non metallic paint can increase their efficiency. Additionally, radiator covers were introduced, not primarily for safety, but to decrease heat output. These covers, with their solid tops and perforated fronts, reduce air convection by about 30%.
The Intriguing Ripple Effect of History
This story not only tells us about the practical solutions of the past but also illustrates the interconnectedness of history, technology and design.
Next time you pass by a radiator, take a moment to appreciate the historical and engineering marvel that it is a silent witness to a bygone era and a testament to human ingenuity in solving problems.
