During the thermal modernization of the building, it is worth considering the possibility of replacing the heating system with a more efficient one. In the case of older houses and apartments, cast iron radiators were most often used, which are heavy and do not transfer heat energy to the rooms very well. So what radiators should you choose for your property to improve the heating efficiency of the installation? You can replace a classic thick cast iron radiator with, for example, aluminum radiators, which will work perfectly in any room.
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What savings can be made by replacing old cast iron radiators?
Thick cast iron walls of the radiator heat up quite hard and give off heat too quickly. This means that the heating system in the property simply becomes inefficient. In such a situation, it is worth considering getting rid of old radiators in the rooms in favor of modern ones that are resistant to corrosion.
If you are concerned about high heating bills and the heating efficiency of cast iron radiators is poor, then you should definitely consider replacing your cast iron radiator with a newer model, e.g. an aluminum one.
Modernising your radiators can save you around 15-25% on your heating bills. For an average 100m² home with annual heating costs of around PLN 3,000-4,000, replacing old cast iron radiators with modern ones can save you around PLN 450-1,000 per year.
The most important benefits of replacing old radiators with steel panel radiators or other solutions available on the market are:
- better resistance to corrosion and leaks compared to cast iron radiators,
- real lower heating bills,
- lower heat losses due to the excellent thermal conductivity of newer radiators,
- lower risk of heating system failure.
Additionally, by investing in modern steel panel radiators or aluminum radiators , you can precisely set their heating parameters. This is possible thanks to the use of thermostats, which allows you to optimize the way heat is managed and reduce heat energy losses.
What to replace cast iron radiators with?
If you still have cast iron radiators at home, you can replace them with completely different, much more energy-efficient ones. Before you start the process of replacing your cast iron radiator with a newer model, be sure to learn about the popular varieties of radiators that will work great in bathrooms, hallways, and as an alternative to floor heating.
Commonly used types of radiators are:
- Aluminum radiators – they are lightweight, heat up quickly, and have high thermal efficiency. They are also corrosion-resistant and their service life is up to a dozen years.
- Steel panel radiators – they work well in new heating installations, they quickly release heat into the rooms.
- Decorative radiators – these are recommended for use in bathrooms, where they will have a decorative function and will also allow you to dry towels. Here, towel rail radiators made of aluminum or steel are also a good choice.
It is worth replacing old cast iron radiators with slightly newer models, especially when carrying out thermal modernization works in a building. In this way, you can actually reduce the costs of heating the building. Traditional cast iron sectional radiators are also worth replacing when it comes to improving the aesthetics of the property's interior.
Comparison between cast iron radiators and panel radiators
Steel panel radiators look much better, so they do not negatively affect the arrangement of the wall in home interiors. By hanging such a radiator on the wall, you also gain the optimal water temperature in the pipes, which will be optimally transferred to the rooms - affecting the heating efficiency of the installation power supply.
Cast iron and steel panel radiators differ primarily in:
- Libra,
- material of manufacture,
- warm-up time,
- aesthetics,
- price,
- durability.
Steel panel radiators are an economical solution that guarantees quick heating, thanks to which the heating system works for a shorter time to heat the rooms. Additionally, panel radiators are lighter and have a more interesting design that does not disrupt the interior design in any way.
Before buying radiators, it is worth considering all the above parameters and your individual preferences regarding the style of radiators. This is the basis for choosing the optimal solutions for a house or apartment.