The Advantages and Disadvantages of Cast Iron Radiators

Cast Iron Radiators could be just the thing you need if you are making improvements to your home heating system. These heaters offer several advantages over the more costly and less efficient forced air heaters. There are also a few disadvantages to using this type of dated heating technology. So just what are the advantages and disadvantages to using them in the home?

Home builders have been using these radiators for a long time because they are reliable, dependable and safe. They are typically more efficient than most other methods of heating, including forced air. While forced air requires expensive duct work throughout your home, the special radiators made of this heavy type of iron do not. These heaters also heat your home much more evenly than forced air heaters and do not require nearly as much maintenance. Although there are other radiators made out of lesser quality materials, cast iron radiators are vastly superior because they can radiate heat evenly. Other materials can’t be heated to a high enough temperature safely to heat an entire house.

There are two draw backs to using these. One is that most radiators of this type are antiques. Even though manufacturers are beginning to restart production of them, finding materials and the skilled labor to repair them can be difficult. They can also be dangerous to small children since they tend to be very hot and may not be sufficiently guarded against tampering.

There are several reasons why you should consider cast iron radiators if you making improvements on your current heating system. Not only are they efficient and economical, but they also bring a taste of old-world architecture to your home that just cant be found in modern home heating equipment.