How They Work

A Victorian radiator provides heat in much the same way as a regular cast iron radiator does. Extremely hot water and low pressure steam are forcibly channeled through the pipes and into the radiator unit. Since the radiator is made of metal (a very effective heat conductor), through the process of convection, air around it gets warmer.

This sealed system uses gravity to do part of its job. As the water inside the radiator cools down (and gets heavier), it sinks down through lower pipes where it is channeled towards the heating unit to be warmed up again. This system, despite the fact that its design dates back into the late 18th century, remains to be effective at distributing heat through houses and even large buildings, perhaps even better than modern systems do.

Eye Candy

Victorian cast iron radiators are just works of art. Those that you see in shops and stores today though are replicas of older models. For many homeowners, the heating system is just a fortunate side benefit, as most people turn to these kinds of radiators simply for its elegance and beauty.

Why People Love Victorian Radiators

Victorian radiator valves and pipes are made of cast iron, which has a very high heat capacity, compared to most metals. Let’s not forget the fact that it is a very strong, durable metal. Of course, the bigger they come, the more heat they provide.

Victorian cast iron radiators are very affordable too. They’re more effective yet less expensive than modern state-of-the-art electric heaters. For people who choose to be prudent with their energy spending, this is a more viable, more attractive option.

Disadvantages

Cast iron radiator systems tend to “bang” loudly. This sound, made by the steam and liquid as they make their way through the pipes, only happens when there’s a sudden surge or drop in pressure. Though most people are willing to live with the noise, the object of concern is not the sound but rather the fact that the cause of this banging can wear out the joints of the radiator and may even cause a pipeline burst, if the pressure isn’t strong enough.

There are many types of traditional radiators. The cast iron radiator is considered the best traditional radiator. It is considered the best one because it is able to generate a lasting heating effect because of the mass of cast iron. The more mass a metal has, the more heat output it generates, therefore making it a more efficient radiator. However, these cast iron radiators are very heavy and cumbersome to transport and install in your home. Aluminum radiators are easier to handle, transport and install, but are unable to produce the same heat output. Traditional radiators today generate a higher heat output and possess low water content which heats faster. Faster heating times translate into lower electric bills which enable the radiators to be more efficient and save you money.

No matter which variation of a traditional radiator you choose for your home it is important to maintain a proper maintenance schedule to ensure the radiators work efficiently and safely. At least once a year it is important to have your radiators checked out by a professional. However, a few times a year in between professional checks it is important to do some self-checking to maintain good working order. First it is important to check the input valves of the radiators. The input valves need to be fully open or closed to work the most efficiently. Next you need to check the vent blocks. These vents can be routinely clogged by paint, rust and corrosion. If you determine these vents are blocked then they need to be replaced. It is easy to find replacements at your local hardware store. It is important these events remain clear because if they are not then they prevent the steam from entering the radiator properly interfering with heating effectively. Third it is important to check the slope of the input pipes for the radiator. They should be slightly sloped toward the radiator. Fourth make sure the valves are not leaking. If you notice a leaking valves the common fix is tightening the cap nuts and it shoud fix the problem.

If you determine traditional radiators are right for you then make sure you shop around when you buy traditional radiators to ensure you find cheap traditional radiators that is still quality and will keep your family warm for many years to come.

Radiators obtain the heat they radiate from the boiler in your home. Usually the boilers produce more heat than is actually being used by the radiators. This causes a problem because already heated water is being re-circulated to the boiler where the boiler then tries to reheat the already hot water, causing an inefficient solution. This inefficiency is costly and adds to your utility bill needlessly every month. In order to solve this problem it is necessary to ensure that the total heat output is equal to the boiler’s output. This will also cause your house to heat up more quickly and therefore reach a desired temperature more efficiently, saving your money. This equality between heat release and heat generated allows the heat to be released into your home rather than back into the energy source, usually the boiler.

The most common type of column radiator is a cast iron radiator. Many people that buy column radiators buy cast iron ones because they are classic and also made out of a very efficient heating material. Cast iron tends to hold heat well and radiate heat long after the unit is turned off. It is important, if you choose to go with cast iron radiators in your home that you understand the basics of how they work so they are not a safety hazard in your home. One thing to keep in mind, especially if you have pets or small children is that the radiators tend to stay very hot and could cause a potential burning hazard if not protected properly. Cast iron radiators have one or two pipes that are connected to the wall where they go to the boiler to provide the heat for the room. There is a valve on these pipes that control the heat output of the unit; the more the valve is opened the more the heat is allowed to enter the radiator.

When looking to buy a column radiator it is important to not only look for cheap radiators, but also quality ones. It is easy to find cheap radiators at factory outlet stores, but ensure they are effective, safe units that will meet the needs of you and your family for years to come.

Since these residential radiators are typically installed against a wall and are of a small size it is easier not to block the heat source in a room when arranging your furniture. With old style radiators they were often placed in inconvenient locations that would almost require the home owner to place their furniture in front of them effectively blocking the heat for the room if they wanted any semblance of normal furniture organization. This furniture arrangement not only made the room colder, the direct heat could cause damage to your furniture. A vertical radiator is a wonderful solution to this problem.

If you do decide to go with this type of radiator for your home it is important to have it installed by a professional. When they are not installed correctly and the pipes are not fitted tightly then they can leak which can cause extensive damage to the floors or furniture in your room. When determining where to buy radiators there are factory direct sources that can save you money and supply a cheap radiator for your home.

As with any home heating system it is important to get everything checked by a professional at least once a year to ensure it is in proper working order. This practice not only helps to ensure your family’s safety, it will help your heating system work more effectively, which will save you money on your utility bill in the long run. There are also some tips that can be used a few times of the year, between checks, to keep the heating efficiency up. It is important to check the vents and valves and make certain they are not blocked, which can keep the radiator from heating appropriately. Also check the slope of the pipe, it should slope slightly toward the inlet pipe, as this will reduce noise and knocking. As long as they are maintained, vertical radiators are a cost effective way to heat a home.