WHY CAST IRON RADIATORS ARE BETTER THAN STEEL ONES

If you’re looking for radiators that will really showcase your personality, then look for cast iron radiators and Victorian radiators.

Introduction to Stately Homes and Radiators

Stately homes and period buildings differ significantly from urban homes. Besides the decor, amenities have advanced considerably. The bathrooms and kitchens in these upper-class estates reflect the Victorian era. But, a notable trend is the return of cast iron radiators in modern properties. This raises the question: why are people switching from modern steel to rustic cast iron ones?

The Appeal

The main difference between cast iron and steel radiators is their appearance. Steel radiators are plain, white, and flat against the wall, easily matching any decor. In contrast, reclaimed cast iron radiators have a weathered look and protrude from the wall. Their design has a key advantage: the longer length and shorter width of cast iron radiators free up wall space. This allows for more storage options, like cupboards and wardrobes, or creates a more open feel in your home. If you want to maximize space in your rooms, switching to traditional cast iron radiators is a great choice.

Aesthetic Differences: Cast Iron vs. Steel Radiators

While the look and theme of your home matter, the main selling point of any radiator is its heating efficiency. When it comes to heat, there is a reason why cast iron radiators are far more common in larger buildings. Steel radiators are preferred in smaller homes for their quick heat output and fast cooling. Again, cast iron radiators are completely different. While traditional radiators take longer to heat up than steel ones, their greater weight and density allow them to retain and emit heat for longer. They also take much longer to cool down, meaning rooms will remain heated for longer. Cast iron radiators are a more gradual option for warming a home, and steel radiators are quicker, and designed for a fast warm-up and a faster cool-down.

Heating Efficiency: The Key Consideration

In terms of emissions, heat is a big factor. Due to their material, they can produce a much higher temperature than steel ones; as the heat lasts for longer, they also don’t need to remain on for as long as their steel counterparts. When powered by natural sources such as a ground source heat pump, cast iron radiators are just as energy efficient as environmentally conscious steel heaters.

Emissions and Energy Efficiency

With cast iron radiators, the amount of heat they produce, combined with their early appearance, can give cause for concern in terms of how safe they are. To conform with modern health and safety guidelines, however, most are now complete with a convection fan which will extract any harmful particles from the system and recycle them back out into the air evenly. Although this design has made its way into our homes since the 18th century, the speed in which it has caught up with safety and emission guidelines means there is no reason as to why cast irons should be ignored as a viable option for heating your home.

Safety Features of Modern Cast Iron

When stood up against a steel heat outlet, cast iron heaters match, and in some areas, surpass the models of today. A steel radiator will be more suitable for well-insulated, smaller rooms. However, if you want to lower energy bills without sacrificing warmth in winter, cast iron radiators offer long-lasting heat while remaining environmentally friendly.

Choosing the Right Radiator for Your Home

If central heating would benefit your home and you want an antique finish, consider a reclaimed cast iron from Cawarden. To learn more about our reclaimed items, contact us at 01889 574066 or leave a message on our online form.