October 23rd, 2018 by Chris Chapman

Do Black Radiators Work Better and Keep You Warm for Less?

It’s easy to see why many people think black radiators are better. The accepted science is that the colour black retains heat better than the colour white, so black radiators must keep you warmer, right? Well, we’ve been working with radiators and panel heaters for over 15 years now, so we think we’re well-positioned to put this theory to the test.

The Theory

Black absorbs heat, whereas white reflects heat. Therefore, black radiators retain heat better and keep you warmer than white radiators.

Are Black Radiators Better?

No – at least, not in any way you’ll notice. Why is this? If black retains heat better than white, why wouldn’t black radiators be better? The truth lies in how radiators actually work. Radiators (and most modern panel heaters) give off two different types of heat – radiant heat (also known as thermal radiation, which heats objects directly) and convective heat (which warms up the air and circulates it in currents around a room). Black surfaces emit thermal radiation better than white ones, which is why black things seem to get warmer than white things. However, most heaters and radiators only give off a little radiant heat – the vast majority of the heat they emit is convective heat, which isn’t affected by colours. This means that, sadly, black radiators don’t perform better in any way you’ll notice.

So Black Radiators Aren’t Any More Efficient at All?

Matt black radiators are, on average, 1% more efficient than white radiators. It’s a difference that’s so small it isn’t even noticeable in practical terms.

But Can I Paint My Radiator Black and Slightly Improve the Efficiency?

You shouldn’t paint your radiator at all unless you absolutely have to. If you add layers of paint to your radiator, the paint can actually act as a form of insulation which will stop it from working as effectively. Doing this for a 1% increase in efficiency simply isn’t worth it and will likely make your radiator less efficient.

What Does Affect My Radiator’s Efficiency?

The power, size, and design of your radiator or panel heater are the most important factors. Getting a radiator that’s not big or powerful enough to heat a large room means you’ll waste a lot of electricity. A good rule of thumb is that you need 100w of power to heat one square metre (so if you want to heat a 10m² room you’ll need a 1000w heater). You’ll also need to consider what your panel heater is made of – is it filled with thermal oil, sand, ceramic plate, hot water, or another material? Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so to learn more, make sure to read our blog on radiators and panel heaters.

Why Would I Want a Black Radiator, Then?

Because everything looks better in black! Black heaters might not be much more efficient than the standard white models, but they don’t perform any worse, either. If you’d prefer a black heater to fit with your home or workplace décor, then go for it. It’s entirely down to personal taste.

MYLEK Black Digital Oil Filled Radiator with Thermostat & 24 Hour Timer - 2KW

Price: £68.99

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