Blue heat radiators: what are they and what are the advantages

Blue heat radiators are a top trend as an alternative when it comes to dethroning traditional radiators. This efficient alternative is also safer and kinder to the environment when compared to other types of heaters. However, that doesn't mean they're suited to every type of home. Read on to find out everything you need to know about blue heat radiators.

What is blue heat?

So-called blue heat is a fluid or heat transfer oil called "Blue Sun", this type of liquid is able to generate, extend and maintain heat It can be found inside blue heat radiators that, when connected to the electrical network, heat this liquid by distributing the heat throughout the device and thus increase the temperature of the room where it is located.

What are blue heat radiators?

A blue heat radiator is an electric radiator that has been rated as more being efficient as it consumes less than a standard energy-efficient radiator.

However, even though they are an efficient and low consumption alternative, all electric radiators can generate significant energy outgoings and, therefore, have an impact on your bill. With this in mind, they are best suited to homes with small rooms, which require very high consumption, or houses located in warm places, which do not need to maintain very high temperatures.

Even though blue energy radiators are not the best source of heat for all consumers, they are still a great solution when compared to other electrical alternatives.

However, if you're still in doubt about what type of heating is best suited to you, below is an explanatory guide containing all the different types of system on the market, meaning you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

How does a blue heat radiator work?

Blue heat radiators operate in accordance with a phenomenon known as the Joule effect. It sounds complicated, but it isn't. Wherever there is electric current there are electrons moving at high speed and colliding in such a way that they generate heat.

Where blue heat is concerned, the heat is concentrated in an electrical resistor that in turn heats the fluid inside the radiator. The temperature of this oil increases and heats the outer casing, heating the house just like any other radiator does.

In addition to this basic operation, some improvements have been made that optimise performance. A material that conducts heat well, such as aluminium, is generally chosen to make the housing. The designs of blue heat radiators usually include a slit through which the air is expelled and this helps to accelerate the heating of the room. This enables the optimisation of heat dissemination by means of an enveloping convection system, as the heat not only disseminates through the front, but also through the sides of the stove.

Many of the most recent models of blue heat radiators have incorporated innovations that increase efficiency, including timers and presence detectors which enable them to work only when necessary.

Advantages and disadvantages of blue heat

As is the case with all heating options there are advantages and disadvantages of choosing blue heat radiators.

Advantages of using blue heat in radiators

• They are efficient from the point of view of electricity consumption: All the energy they consume is transformed into heat, making them more efficient than other stoves based on older technology.
• They are fast: The way they work means that they are able to heat a room in just a few minutes. This means that they do not need to be turned on long before you get home.
• They do not generate bad smells: Unlike other types of stoves (oil, for example), they do not emit unpleasant smells. They also do not emit polluting gases or generate waste, making them a sustainable alternative.
• They can be programmed and regulated: With a timer or Smart system you can even optimise their operation remotely, something that is not possible with older stoves.
• They are silent: They do not make any noise.
• They are easy to install: Although there are mobile models that can be moved from one room to another, there are also models that can be installed in a home as a radiator. They are especially suitable for houses without gas.
• They are versatile: The mobile models can be moved from one room or home to another and they are easy to store during the months when they are not used.
• They are safe: As they run on electricity, they are a safe heating system which is suitable for homes with children and pets.
• They are inexpensive: They cost less than other heating systems. Between about €60 and €70.

Disadvantages of using blue heat in radiators

They are do not offer value for money in medium or large houses, or if you need to switch on the heating every day over winter. They can have a considerable impact on your electricity bill. With this in mind, to save more on your electricity bill, we recommend the Tempo Tariffs, where you choose the hours of the day when electricity is free. 

• The cheapest blue energy radiator models tend to be less efficient and come equipped with worse technology; getting an optimal solution could cost you up to 500 euros per radiator.

In short, our conclusion is that blue heat radiators are not a valid economic option for all homes. They are value for money on account of their ease of installation, or as a "quick fix" in flats or second residences, or properties where heating is barely used, but not in the vast majority of homes.

"Blue heat radiators are an alternative to traditional radiators in second residences or in hot climates."

Are blue heat radiators energy efficient?

As we have seen above, blue heat radiators are not the most cost-effective solution for very large homes or rooms. They are a very good resource, however, when it comes to heating rooms and small rooms quickly, with no odours or residues.

Its consumption, as in the case of all electrical options, is high. It is 100% efficient meaning that for every W you need, you spend one W. That is why prolonged use is recommended, saving it for specific moments, just like the other electrical appliances you have at home.

The monthly consumption of a high-capacity blue heat radiator is approximately 1.6 kW compared to other efficient heating systems such as large electric heat accumulators, which can reach up to 2kW per month.

Blue heat or accumulators: which is better?

The most commonly known example of electric heat accumulator are "estufa" heaters, which usually store heat on their surface (usually aluminium or ceramic), meaning their effect is more long-lasting. However, as they use charge and discharge cycles, their performance is less efficient, as they cannot be connected for too many hours at a time.

When comparing the use of a blue heat radiator to electric heat accumulator, the accumulator retains heat for longer on its surface, although is less autonomous and, depending on the model, is not suited for large spaces.

In contrast, a blue heat radiator, as it heats oil, can disperse more energy, meaning heat is better distributed and more constant.