Stately homes and period buildings offer a number of differences to our more common, urban homes. Despite the obvious differences in decor, one of the most striking changes is how far our amenities have come. The bathrooms and kitchens of these upper-class estates are all reminiscent of a Victorian era, yet one aspect of these homes which is beginning to transcend into the properties of today are cast iron radiators. Yet, the most pressing question when discussing this change is why are people suddenly making the switch from the modern, steel radiators back to the rustic, cast iron radiators from yesteryear?

The most obvious difference between cast iron and steel radiators is their appearance. The plain, white steel radiator is a staple in any home, as it can match any style of decoration and is almost flat against a wall. A cast iron radiator is the polar opposite to its modern counterpart. Especially when reclaimed, cast iron radiators have a more weathered look, and the shape of them means they stick out from a wall rather than running along it. However, the design of a cast iron radiator offers one of the most apparent benefits in terms of design. With a longer length than a steel radiator, the design of a cast iron radiator allows for more wall space as the width is considerably shorter than a steel alternative. By readdressing the balance between width and length, the space on your walls will increase, allowing for more storage units such as cupboards, drawers and wardrobes, or you can leave the space bare to give a more open feel to your home. If you are looking to maximise space in any of your rooms, then making a simple switch from modern to traditional is the way to go.

Although the look and theme of your home is important, the main selling point of any radiator is how well it heats your home. When it comes to heat, there is a reason why cast iron radiators are far more common in larger buildings. Steel radiators are preferred in smaller homes as they give off a quick, short blast of heat and cool down faster. Again, cast iron radiators are completely different. Although they take slightly longer to heat up in comparison to steel radiators, our more traditional radiators are heavier and therefore more dense, meaning they retain more heat and emit it for longer. They also take much longer to cool down, meaning rooms will remain heated for longer. Cast iron radiators are a more gradual option for warming a home, and steel radiators are quicker, and designed for a fast warm up and a faster cool down.

In terms of emissions, heat is a big factor. Due to their material, cast iron radiators can produce a much higher temperature than steel ones; as the heat lasts for longer, they also don't need to remain on for as long as their steel counterparts. When powered by natural sources such as a ground source heat pump, cast iron radiators are just as energy efficient as the environmentally conscious steel heaters.

With cast iron radiators, the amount of heat they produce, combined with their primitive appearance, can give cause for concern in terms of how safe they are. To conform with modern health and safety guidelines, however, most cast iron radiators are now complete with a convection fan which will extract any harmful particles from the system and recycle them back out into the air evenly. Although this design has made its way into our homes from the 18th century, the speed in which it has caught up with safety and emission guidelines means there is no reason as to why cast irons should be ignored as a viable option for heating your home.

When stood up against a steel radiator, cast iron heaters match, and in some areas, surpass the models of today. Evidently, there will be times when a steel radiator is a more suitable option, such as if your home is already well insulated and the rooms are smaller, for example. However, if you are looking to reduce your energy bills but do not want to compromise the warmth of your home, especially in the dead of winter, then cast iron radiators can provide a longer lasting level of heat for your home, while still being environmentally aware.

If this option of central heating would be beneficial for your home, and you are looking for a more antique finish to any of your rooms, why not entertain the thought of a reclaimed cast iron radiator from Cawarden? To find out more about any of our reclaimed items, contact us today on 01889 574066 or leave us a message on our online form.