Standing water-filled cast iron radiators have been associated with gentle even heat, comfort, efficiency, reliability, cleanliness, adjustability and safety since their inception. While some may view them as clunky and hopelessly old-fashioned, no other space heating method in common use today offers this wonderful mix of qualities. Systems using standing iron radiation have ALWAYS been expensive. They have always required SKILLED labor to work at their best.
No other space heating systems has (or likely ever will) existed that IMPROVES with age and whose lifespan is truly indeterminate with CENTURIES actually possible!
How, you ask, can a heating system possibly IMPROVE with age? Much of the system remains reasonably accessible in the event of any problems. Continued improvements in both boiler and control technology will always be able introduced with little or no modification. As homes age they become "leakier" as do forced air systems--hydronic systems MUST stay sealed to operate and they will NOT introduce air pressurization problems as the home proper ages. Any conceivable new and fantastic energy technology is CERTAIN to be able to heat a liquid that in turn heats a physical object like an iron radiator.
As a "heat only" source, you will NEVER have to replace both heat and cooling simultaneously as often happens with combined forced air systems. Combined heat/cool forced air systems by the way ALWAYS have concessions that make them less efficient/comfortable with either heat or cooling. Standing iron will ALWAYS make a bold statement of "permanence" to many home buyers and resale value is maximized for those who demand quality over "flash."
Dan Holohan
"Plumbers Protect The Health Of The World."
The views expressed in this article are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the management or staff of MasterPlumbers.com
site.
Standing water-filled cast iron radiators have been associated with gentle even heat, comfort, efficiency, reliability, cleanliness, adjustability and safety since their inception. While some may view them as clunky and hopelessly old-fashioned, no other space heating method in common use today offers this wonderful mix of qualities. Systems using standing iron radiation have ALWAYS been expensive. They have always required SKILLED labor to work at their best.
As a "heat only" source, you will NEVER have to replace both heat and cooling simultaneously as often happens with combined forced air systems. Combined heat/cool forced air systems by the way ALWAYS have concessions that make them less efficient/comfortable with either heat or cooling. Standing iron will ALWAYS make a bold statement of "permanence" to many home buyers and resale value is maximized for those who demand quality over "flash."
