Cast iron originally began to be used for home heating in the 19th century as people began to look for alternative ways to heat their houses rather than using the traditional coal fire method. In fact, up until recently cast iron radiators were very much seen as being out of fashion and not really an item that you would find in many modern designed houses. That being said they are slowly beginning to creep back in and fashion trends look to the past for inspiration, however a lesser known fact is that cast iron radiators are very eco-friendly.
First off is that fact that they are incredibly efficient. Iron itself has a very high heat threshold and can withstand some scorching temperatures before any harm is done to it; much higher temperatures than your regular heating system will be able to give out. Indeed, the material can contain a lot of heat meaning that it will stay warm and continue to give out warmth even after you have switched the system off. Cast iron allows a more steady flow of heat and is certainly capable of emitting larger doses of warmth than the steel and aluminium that can be found in most of the modern day radiators.
Furthermore, if you wish to be even more friendly to the environment and cost effective at the same time then consider linking up your cast iron radiator to an electric source. This way means that you won’t have to turn on the whole central heating system just to heat one radiator and, with the flick of a switch, you have your cast iron heating source releasing heat into just one room. They may be coming back into fashion for their nostalgia and element of tradition however cast iron radiators are very much in tune with the modern day thinking of looking after the environment and keeping energy bills low.
