The heating market has seen an increase in demand for blue heat radiators, as they offer supposed improvements over traditional electric radiators. These improvements, together with marketing strategies, have led many to believe that blue heat radiators offer significant savings on their electricity bills. But what is blue heat really and what are the advantages and disadvantages of these radiators?
What is blue heat?
Although the term “blue heat” sounds technical or advanced, It is not a different type of energy, but a marketing strategyBlue heat is based on the Joule effect, discovered by James Prescott Joule in 1841. This effect states that when an electric current passes through a conductor, the electrons generate a portion of energy in the form of heat due to their collisions. In other words, blue heat is simply heat produced in the same way as in many electrical appliances, such as ovens or stoves.
Based on this physical principle, blue heat radiators do not generate heat in a more efficient way, but Yes, they do have additional features which can help to better control consumption. In practical terms, blue heat radiators are simply electric radiators that use certain technological improvements to appear more innovative.
Blue heat radiators
Blue heat radiators are the evolution of traditional oil-filled electric radiators. They use a heat-carrying fluid known as Blue Sun (instead of regular oil) which helps retain heat for longer. The outer structure is usually made of aluminum and many models include a blue digital display to adjust the temperature, which gives greater control over their operation. But even with technological improvements, their basic operation is still through the Joule effect.
Its operation is simple: a resistor connected to the electric current heats the Sol Azul heat transfer fluid, which retains the heat and transfers it to the aluminium of the casing. Thanks to the aluminium, the heat is efficiently distributed evenly throughout the room.
Beliefs about the blue heat radiator
Advertising campaigns for these radiators have led to the belief that they are much more efficient than conventional ones, which is false. Although they include some technological improvements (such as thermostats or timers), They are not low consumption radiatorsGenerating heat through electricity always entails a high energy cost, regardless of the advances incorporated into the device.
Although it is convenient to be able to adjust the temperature or program its operation, these features are not exclusive to blue heat radiators and are already present in multiple heating technologies. Therefore, the true efficiency of the device does not lie in consuming less electricity, but in allowing a more controlled use of it.
Advantages of using the blue heat radiator
Although blue heat is not the revolution that many expect, it does have advantages that can make a difference in comfort and consumption control over time:
- Energy saving: Although this saving is not as significant as advertised, the fact of being able to precisely control the temperature and program its operation using probes can avoid energy waste.
- Greater heat retention: Sol Azul fluid retains heat longer than ordinary oil, allowing for greater efficiency when heating the room.
- Adjustable and programmable: The presence of timers and thermostats allows for greater customization of use, adapting the radiator to the user's exact needs. By being able to program it, it is possible to avoid it being on for longer than necessary.
- Uniform distribution: The hot air comes out from the top of the radiator, which ensures better and Faster heat distribution in the room.
- Simple installation: They do not require expensive or specific installation. They are simply plugged in and ready to go.
- They do not generate odors or waste: They are a clean and ecological option in this sense, compared to other heating systems that emit polluting gases.
Disadvantages
Not everything is an advantage, and blue heat radiators also have important disadvantages that you should take into account:
- Limited energy efficiency: Their efficiency is 100%, meaning they transform all electricity into heat, which may sound good. However, technologies such as heat pumps They achieve 360% efficiency, meaning they consume much less electricity to generate more heat.
- High power consumption: Although they allow for control of usage, producing heat through electricity is always expensive, especially when used constantly in cold climates.
Is blue heat the best heating option?
Heating using blue heat can be interesting in certain cases, such as in homes with small rooms or in warm areas where heating is used punctuallyHowever, for larger homes or climates where constant heating is needed, it can be much more cost-effective and efficient to opt for systems such as heat pumps or even gas radiators.
Additional functionality and features of blue heat
Blue heat radiators are not limited to just heating the environment, but in the most modern models new features have been added that increase their appeal. Many brands incorporate eco-friendly modes of operation that optimize consumption, presence detectors that turn the radiator on or off depending on the occupancy of the room, and even remote control through mobile applications.
These additions offer added comfort to homes seeking a more personalized and adaptable experience with their heating system. Likewise, the aesthetics of these radiators have improved, with more elegant and compact designs that better fit into the home's decorative environment.
While blue heat radiators are not the ultimate solution to all heating problems, they are an interesting alternative for those who require an efficient electrical system, easy to install and capable of offering an acceptable level of comfort in small or medium-sized spaces.
Hello German,
Your article has been very interesting to me but it has generated a doubt.
Could you explain to me what you mean when you say that heat pumps have an efficiency of 360%?
All the best