The Radiators Resource

Modern cast iron radiators combine all of the strengths of vintage styled radiators with the technical knowhow of modern science and engineering. These devices are a bit harder to come by, since most people seem to be switching to forced air units to heat their homes, but they are still out there and work well. There are many occasions where a modern radiator system will reduce your heating bills and save energy, truly the green solution.

Advantages Over Forced Air Systems

Modern radiator systems hold huge advantages over forced air systems which knowledgable engineers and architects use when designing homes and heating systems. For one thing, you never need to worry about getting hot spots or cold spots due to wierd air flows inside your home. The heat provided by the radiator flows outwards in a controlled space and does not rely on these currents. In addition, you’ll never get that drafty feeling you often get in forced air heated homes. The lack of a draft is also a strong advantage when it comes to odors, pollon, smoke, or any other particulates within the house. Because there’s less drafts, there’s less movement of these undesirables around your home.

The Benefits of Zoning

With modern systems you could set up zoning in your home. This means that each radiator can be controlled seperately, or several could be chained together (not literally) to form a ‘zone.’ A single thermostat could control the entire zone. By controlling the heat in each room or floor of your home seperately, you could tailor the heating of specific rooms at specific times to your specific needs. There’s no need to heat the downstairs if you’re upstairs in bed reading a book, for instance. Similarly, why waste energy heating the bedrooms when everyone’s downstairs for dinner? Zone control lets you save on energy costs which means a little more green in your pocket at the end of the day.

Modern Systems with Vintage Radiators?

So is it possible to set up a modern system but with vintage style radiators? Absolutely, although you’ll likely need the help of your local professional. Many people love the advantages of modern systems, but are also attracted to the ornate metal work of Victorian style radiators. So why not go with the best of both worlds? There are companies that refurbish vintage cast iron radiators to make them as good as any modernly manufactured unit. After you have the units, setting up the zones and reaping the benefits takes no more than a simple phone call to your local pro.

Cast iron radiators can get extremely hot. Especially so when the weather is cold outside and you have the thermostat raised. The fact of the matter is that they will be safety hazards at this point, especially to small children and pets. Kids ages five or younger may not quite understand the whole “don’t touch the radiator” rule that you have, so it’s up to you to make sure that they are safe. This safety hazard is only made worse if you have lots of dust and clutter around the home. Getting a central vacuum may take care of the mess, reducing the fire hazard that cast iron radiators pose, but they keep your loved ones away from danger.Here’s a couple of basic safety tips you can use to make your radiator less of a hazard.

Radiator Covers

The best, most efficient way to increase the safety of your radiator is to apply a radiator cover. These are specially crafted units which go over your radiator, keeping the hot metal away from inquisitive fingers. These can be made to look like metal enclosures or wooden bookshelves, or anything in between. Many professionally built ones are for sale, or you could always attempt to build one yourself. Radiator covers also have the benefit of directing heated air in particular directions. This could increase the efficiency of your radiator and lower your heating bills. For safety and practicality a radiator cover is best, and the choice I would always try first when keeping safety in mind.

Safety Gates

If you can’t protect or cover the radiator directly, then the next best option is to keep people and animals away from the radiator. Try setting up some sort of barricade, such as a child safety gate, around the radiator area. Make sure that the gate is sturdy enough to not fall over - you definitely do not want it leaning against the radiator as that could start a fire. You may want to consider reinforcing the supports of your barricade to make sure that this doesn’t happen.

Cloth Covers

If all else fails you may want to consider covering the radiator with heavy cloth. There are specially made pads for this in Europe called Rad Pads, but they could be expensive. The heavy cloth will provide some barrier between the hot metal and your child. If you use the wrong kind of cloth you’re running the risk of having it dry out and light on fire, so be extremely careful. I would recommend consulting a local professional before putting anything flammable on top of a radiator.

Safety First

Safety is of paramount importance, and all the more so with a cast iron radiator. Take the necessary precautions and you can enjoy all the benefits of these units without any of the worry.