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.