Table of Contents
By converting water into steam, cast iron radiators will then transfer this heat into the atmosphere through radiation and convection. Although, despite the name ‘radiator’, more of the heat is transferred through convection – where warm air rises and cold air sinks – than through radiation.
How do old fashioned radiators work?
Steam radiators work by boiling water to create steam. That steam then travels up a set of pipes into the radiator, which in turn, heats up the room via radiation and convection. As the steam travels through the unit, it slowly cools down and turns into condensation. This is the old-fashioned radiator heating method.
How does water flow through a cast iron radiator?
The recommended way to pipe a cast iron radiator is hot in at the top and return (cold ), out the bottom. As the water cools in the radiator the water gets more dense and heavier causing the flow to be towards the bottom of the radiator.
Are cast iron radiators any good?
Cast-iron radiators are efficient when working with natural heat sources such as Air Source and Ground Source Heat Pumps due to their excellent heat conductivity. However, for reducing energy bills and for warmth, cast-iron radiators are a great environment-friendly choice.
Are cast iron radiators economical?
Cast iron radiators are an energy efficient radiator. Studies have shown that the conductivity of cast iron is higher than that of steel and therefore the heat transfer from the cast iron radiator into the room is much more efficient than steel.
Do cast iron radiators rust inside?
Cast iron is one of the most hard-wearing radiator materials available with a well maintained cast iron radiator often lasting for decades with very few problems. Rust and corrosion can occur however, particularly on older radiators, or on those which are poorly or irregularly maintained.
Do you bleed a radiator when it is on or off?
Should I be bleeding radiators hot or cold? Always make sure your central heating system (your boiler) is turned off and your radiators are cold before attempting to bleed them. When turned on, your radiators contain hot water, and you could be at risk of scalding yourself if you bleed them at this time.
How hot do cast iron radiators get?
This raises to 70 to 90 degrees centigrade for a higher temperature cast iron radiator. Cast iron radiators offer excellent inertia levels, meaning they accumulate a great amount of heat while they’re turned on and heating your home.
What is lockshield valve?
Lockshield valves are the covered valves on a radiator, usually by a plastic cap which prevents them from being accidently altered. Once this has been temporarily removed, lockshield radiator valves can be adjusted by turning the spindle to control how much water stays in or flows out of the radiator.
How long do cast iron radiators last?
Yes, all Cast Iron radiators of all designs are guaranteed for 10 years. However, our Cast Iron Radiators are made using traditional techniques and as long as they are looked after should last a lifetime.
What are the benefits of cast iron radiators?
One of the benefits of cast iron radiators is that they are incredibly well built and they are even stronger and heavier than steel radiators. In terms of heat output, they are about as efficient as steel and stainless steel radiators, but the way they put out that heat differs enormously from them.
What are the advantages of cast iron radiators?
A big benefit of cast iron radiators is their construction – they are extremely well built and heavier and stronger than steel models. Both cast iron and steel radiators provide a similar heat output and are equally as efficient, but they distribute their heat very differently.
What is the most efficient type of radiator?
Aluminium Radiators – The Kings of Efficiency Aluminium is an excellent conductor of heat which means, when used as a radiator material, it’s heats up to the desired room temperature very quickly. This means that less energy is used in bringing the material up to temperature when compared with other radiator metals.
How much do cast iron radiators cost?
CAST IRON RADIATORS FOR THE MODERN HOME Signature Collection Farrow & Ball or Little Greene Small Radiator $1,500 $1,600 Medium Radiator $1,825 $2,075 Large Radiator $2,150 $2,550.
Why do radiators go rusty at the bottom?
Leaks and corrosion can occur due to a build-up of Ferric Iron within the radiator. This can lead to corrosion and leaks at the bottom of the radiator and the eventual destruction of the entire radiator. This problem can occur if the towel radiator hasn’t been bled properly or regularly.
Why do radiators rust at the bottom?
The combination of metal and oxygen with water or air moisture causes a chemical reaction which forms rust. The build up of sludge in your heating system can also cause the bathroom radiator to rust from the inside and create little holes which could turn into leaks.
How do you flush a cast iron radiator?
Fill a bucket with hot water and washing up liquid. Immerse a dishcloth in this water, and then wring out your dishcloth. Place a towel under the radiator. Then use the dishcloth like dental floss in between the radiators columns, up and down, to give the radiator a wash over all it’s surfaces.
Can you bleed radiator without key?
For radiators with a slotted bleed screw, a simple screwdriver represents an ideal alternative to a bleed key. Just insert the screwdriver into the slot and turn it in a counter-clockwise direction to bleed the radiator.
Can you bleed a radiator with heating on?
You can’t bleed a radiator when the heating is on, as it may be too hot to touch. You could also get hot water spraying out of the radiator. Use your radiator key to turn the valve at the top of the radiator. Retighten the valve once the hissing stops and only liquid comes out.
