There's no denying that cast iron radiators look fantastic no matter what room you install one in. As with buying a type of radiator, it is helpful to know the advantages and disadvantages of a particular style in order to make an informed decision. If you've thought about taking a risk and replacing old radiators with something more sophisticated (i.e. cast iron radiators), what should you know before buying?
Let's take a look at some of the key points to consider when shopping for cast iron radiators online and what you should know when buying this type of cooler for the first time. I would like to specifically address some of the most common misunderstandings regarding costs and maintenance. First, let's examine why some people believe that their use is more expensive.
Cast iron radiators are not expensive to operate
While cast iron radiators are traditional and have an antique design, you'll find that the internal plumbing is exactly the same as you would expect if you break open and look inside (which you should never do, by the way) of modern radiators. Although it has an old school style, it does not heat a room that way. You shouldn't expect to pay much more with a cast iron radiator than with other designs that offer the same heat output.
You are like a slow cooker
A cast iron radiator may take longer to reach temperature. Cast iron is a highly conductive material, but does not react to heat as quickly as aluminum. While it takes a little longer, you don't have to worry that a cast iron cooler will quickly lower the temperature when you turn it off because it has enormous heat storage. If you have a cast iron cooler and a normal convector next to each other and run the same time, the cast iron cooler stays hot longer when switched off.
Cast iron covers a larger surface
It's a little strange that we categorize cast iron in its own way when we don't normally do it with other radiator materials like stainless steel and aluminum. You can argue that it would be best to present cast iron radiators as column radiators that happen to be made from this material. Why is that important? The shape and design of a cast iron radiator allow it to cover a larger surface area, which means that it draws in a higher volume of cold air in a room to heat it up. I would always recommend using radiators that cover a larger area. Even if you have not bought a cast iron radiator, you can create a larger surface with a double panel radiator or a slat section in the middle without having to choose a larger radiator.
They require maintenance (if polished)
When designing the radiator, the most striking feature when choosing cast iron is that most cast iron radiators are not painted and polished instead. The idea is that you want to show how complicated the detail of the design is. This does not mean that the cooler is bulletproof. Scratches and stains can still appear from time to time, so it is helpful to maintain the polish every few months. You do not need any special cleaning products. WD40 and linseed oil do the job when you notice traces. Polishing also prevents oxidation of the cooler and extends the service life.
Basecoats are your friend
If cast iron is not polished, a radiator is supplied with a primer to ensure adequate protection. If you're the type of person who doesn't like the idea of polishing your radiators regularly, stick to the primers. You just need to know that you have to treat the cooler like a standard cooler if (and when) you have stains or scratches on the cooler.
Cast iron is very heavy
I know it sounds like a stupid point, but people often forget that cast iron is a much heavier material than other radiators. When choosing the location, remember that you cannot move it around much or place it in high-traffic areas. You should also make sure that it hangs on walls that can support the weight.
Cast iron tends to last longer
Cast iron radiators take a long time to manufacture, and part of their desirability is the fact that they last longer. You pay a bit more to get a product that lasts at least ten years on average. If you consider your radiators to be an investment and not something that you think will last only five years before causing problems, cast iron is the way to go.
Find your ideal cast iron radiator now
I hope you found these tips helpful enough to let you know what type of cast iron radiator you should get. I recommend taking a look at the selection of cast iron heaters at Trade Radiators to find out what styles, colors, finishes and shapes you can choose from. They even have some unique cast iron electric radiators that you can attach to the wall and work without hot water.
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