designerradiators

If you are thinking of buying cast iron radiators, then it is important that you do your research carefully. Choosing the wrong radiators can lead to problems in the home, most notably, the problem of aesthetics. However, you will find that there are many people trying to discourage the purchase of cast iron, and this is largely due to a number of myths surrounding the use of cast iron radiators. Below, we’re going to consider each myth in turn, and show why they’re untrue.

Cast Iron Radiators are Dangerous

This is the most important myth to dispel. It an assumption that is prevalent amongst homeowners, but it’s also an assumption that it utterly incorrect. Two factors relate to the dangers of this type of radiator, so we will address each in turn.

1. They represent a fire hazard: this style of radiator tends to attract more dust than other styles of radiators do. This is not because of the type of material, but rather because these radiators have a larger surface area than normal radiators of similar dimensions. Clearly, then, if there is more surface area there will be more space for dust to collect. People assume that dust is highly flammable. While it is true that dust is flammable, there are no naked flames in any type of water or oil filled radiators. The dust on the radiator is as likely to catch on fire as the dust in the corner of the room – practically zero chance unless there is a naked flame. These radiators produce nowhere enough heat to start a fire and there is no flame, so this claim is false.

1. They get very hot, so it is easy to burn yourself: cast iron does become very hot. With older style radiators, it was possible to burn yourself by touching the radiator. You can burn yourself if you touch the glass at the front of an oven in this same way; the trick is not to touch hot things! However, modern cast iron radiators do not become as hot as those that we had during the Victorian era. With the invention of thermostatic valves, we are able to control the temperature of the radiator. So as with any other style of radiator, you do not turn it up to the degree that it causes burns. Finally, you can add radiator covers to prevent burning yourself if you’re still worried. However, this negates the whole point of having this style of radiator in the first place: to look nice.

Cast Iron Radiators are Inefficient

This is a common myth. We think the reason people think this is because they assume that older styles of anything are always less efficient than newer styles. This is wrong in many cases, and it is certainly wrong in the case of this type of radiator. In fact, cast iron radiators are more efficient than other types of radiator. Here’s why:

1. They have a greater surface area. Surface area is integral to the efficiency of a radiator. The greater the surface area, the more heat it emits. The way that the columns are arranged in cast iron models means that there is much greater surface area than with other radiators of the same dimension. There is twice as much space per square footage.

They maintain their heat for longer. Cast iron is less conductive than other types of metal. This means that it releases energy at a slower rate. In terms of radiator heat, it retains it much better and kicks it out on an even keel.

If you are interested in buying cast iron radiators, or if you would like further information, then please visit designerradiatorsdirect

Follow us :