Homeowners of older homes commonly wrestle with the question of replacing or upgrading old heating systems, especially those clunky cast iron radiators that take up so much room. Should you stick with the tried-and-true or go for something more shiny and new like electric radiator heating? We weighed the pros and cons – and we found 6 compelling reasons why you shouldn’t replace cast iron radiators.
Backstory
Picture this: A few weeks after moving into our charming old house, we realized that we had NO radiators in the back half of the first floor. It felt like an icebox in that part of the house our first winter!
Luckily we discovered two old cast iron steam radiators hiding deep in our basement. We believe they were removed by a previous owner during the kitchen renovation in the 1990s.
But before we went through the expense of re-installing these two steam radiators, we first asked ourselves – are cast iron radiators the best way to heat our home? What are the different types of radiators or radiator system to heat our home?
Is the simple and “old” technology used by cast iron radiators still efficient compared to more modern competition, like electric units? Or do remove all of our old radiators and replace a slick new radiator?
[Spoiler Alert: We kept our old steam radiators and re-attached the 2 found in the basement.]
And I’m so glad we did. We decided against new radiators, re-installed the old ones, and our house is SO much warmer and cozier!
Keep or Replace Cast Iron Radiators?
If you’ve familiar with my blog, you know that I’m far from a home expert. I’m a homeowner of 10+ years muddling my way through homeownership of a 100+ year old house. I’ve had some successes, many failures. BUT what I’m really good at is….research.
In sum……despite being one of the oldest radiator types, cast iron arguably keeps up with its more modern counterparts. It offers suburb heat retention, even distribution of heat, and fosters a warm, comfortable home. From a homeowner perspective, the “should I keep or replace cast iron radiators” question was an easy one to solve.
Here’s the details on the 6 reasons NOT to replace cast iron radiators that you’ll want to know……
1. Long-Lasting Heat
Research has shown that cast iron radiators retains heat for a longer period of time compared to other metals (such as steel and aluminum radiators). That includes both steam radiators and hot water radiators.
Why? It has something to do with higher concentration of carbon and denser, thicker walls, but I’m not going to get all science-ey on you. 😉 Instead, here’s what you need to know.
Even after you turn off your furnace or boiler, cast iron radiators continue to heat your house longer than other metals.
While your home stays toasty longer, unfortunately, cast iron radiators do take a long time on the front end to heat up. Don’t expect to come home, turn on the heat and have a warm house in a few minutes.
Luckily this can easily be fixed with a bit of planning by installing a programmable thermostat. Switch on (or turn up) the heat before you want the room to be heated. Once the house has met a comfortable temperature, switch off the heat and enjoy the lingering radiant heat for hours.
As a homeowner, I’d prefer to walk into a cozy, welcome home after a long day at work (or shuttling the kids around) versus entering a cold house and blasting the heat.
2. Consistent Heat
While cast iron radiators do take longer to warm up a room, once they are up and running, they are phenomenal at delivering a steady, consistent heat. Other radiant radiators tend to inject quick blasts of heat, while cast iron gently and consistently radiates heat.
How? Something to do with its conductivity (again, I won’t get science-ey here 😉). What does it mean for homeowners?
Cast iron radiators provide a comfortable steady stream of warmth.
I like the idea of cast iron radiators delivering warmth evenly throughout my house. A “slow and steady” approach that ensures a steady, reliable warmth like wrapping up and snuggling in with your favorite blanket.
3. Durable and Reliable
Cast iron radiators are both steam system and hot water system superheroes – durable, reliable, and practically immortal.
Why? Cast iron is ridiculously solid. It doesn’t dent or chip as easily as other metals. It’s insanely difficult to break cast iron.
And this durability and reliability is exactly why you still see these workhorses in old houses, chugging along like the Energizer Bunny.
Sure there is still maintenance. But usually maintenance issues are minor, involving replacing radiator values (especially that bleed valve!) or re-painting. But this maintenance expense won’t break the bank like so many new radiators. It might one of the few financial advantages and good news of buying an old house, .
As a homeowner, I love the long and proven track record of durability, reliability, and low maintenance costs of cast iron radiators. How can I not?
4. Match House Style
Chances are if you have cast iron radiators in your house, you likely own an old house. And let’s face it – those vintage radiators help foster that unique charm and character of older homes.
So while you might want to replace that traditional radiator design for a more contemporary style, you’ll be taking away from your home’s architectural integrity and detracting from the value of your home.
Cast iron radiators reflect the style and craftsmanship of your home. If you have the pleasure to walk into an elaborate Victorian-era home you’ll likely encounter cast iron radiators embellished with scrollwork and delicate details (like the one below). I don’t think you can replicate that gorgeousness in new modern radiators without significant cost.
My humble opinion? DON’T fall into the trap that cast iron radiators won’t fit your personal style and décor. It’s amazing what just a bit of paint can do to spice up the ton the character these old radiators already have.
[Unsure of what color to paint? Check out 15+ Inspiring & Unique Paint Colors for Cast Iron Radiators]
Want to blend the radiators? Cast iron radiators can easily be painted to blend into the background like in the image above. Or transform it into an eye-catching focal point with a modern dash of colors in the photo below.
Ok, ok, I admit that radiator size is an issue. Cast-iron radiators arguable take up prime real estate wall space. Sure, you might want to consider replacing them for a different type of radiator, especially a heating system with smaller units. However, this is an opportunity to add even more character to your home.
Build a beautiful radiator cover with built-in storage and shelf for decor or add a humidifier to remove the winter dry heat.
Or, if a lower radiator in front of a window, a vented window seat with nice cushions to heat up your backside while reading a book and watching the snow fall on winter day.
5. Energy Efficient
According to the big-wigs over at the US Department of Energy, radiant heating is usually MORE efficient than electric radiators and forced-air heating. And radiant heating includes steel, aluminum and, drum roll please……cast iron radiators.
Admittedly, I tried to dive into the energy efficiencies between the different types of radiant heating (i.e. Is steel more efficient than cast iron?) but it got murky.
Results were contradictory, but not surprising because most of the information was written by radiator manufacturers. And of course the steel radiator manufacturer is going to promote their metal as more energy-efficient than aluminum radiator manufacturer, and vice versa.
Bottom line is that radiant heating (which includes cast iron radiators) has been shown to be the most energy-efficient type of heating.
My homeowner take-away? Calculating energy efficiency is complicated. Perhaps an energy audit (usually free through your local utility) can pinpoint if cast iron radiators are the best choice in your home.
Related Post: How to Insulate Behind Radiators for Under $50 [Radiator Reflectors]
6. Green Energy Compatible
Old radiators are like the kid in school that can seamlessly fit into any clique. Cast iron radiators may be old-fashioned, but they also can also “go green”.
Research is showing that cast iron radiators work very well with modern renewable heating systems, including ground, air and solar sources.
I have zero personal experience with renewable heating systems, so I will steer you to this awesome article in the Boston Globe for more info.
As a homeowner, I like the idea that if an opportunity arises for my house to switch to a new, renewable energy heat source, my old cast iron radiators will come along for the ride.
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