There are a number of options available when it comes to using cast iron radiators in your home. You will need to estimate how many radiators you need before you start ordering any supplies.
There are a number of options available when it comes to using cast iron radiators in your home. You will need to estimate how many radiators you need before you start ordering any supplies. If you are installing your own heating system then a radiator calculator can be a useful tool.
Using a Radiator Calculator
A radiator calculator can help you to work out the right amount of radiators to heat your home in the most effective and efficient way. Installing a heating system can be an expensive job so you do need to make sure you are making the most of your investment. Fitting more radiators then you need is just a waste of money. A radiator calculator will allow you to make accurate estimations for each floor of your house. These are widely available online and free to use in most cases.
When you are using a radiator calculator you will need to know the dimensions of your home. For most radiator calculators you will need to know the general room size and the amount of rooms you want to heat. You will also need to consider any influencing factors such as thermal loss. This is when heat is lost from your room through areas such as windows and doorways. For example if you have an older home without double glazing then a high percentage of heat can be lost through the windows. You will have to allow for this when you are estimating the size and number of radiators you need for each room.
Cast Iron Radiators
Cast iron radiators are very efficient. This is not surprising when you consider that they were designed in a time when the types of fuel used for heating systems (coal and oil) were very expensive. This is a bonus for the modern day homeowner as fuel prices are once again starting to rise.
Cast iron radiators can be more expensive to fit initially but their efficiency will save you money in fuel costs over time. Cast iron radiators are very dense and this means they retain heat for a very long time. They can heat large spaces effectively and this means you will not need as many of these radiators as you would modern versions. This is why a radiator calculator can come in useful as this can help you to judge how many cast iron radiators you need for your home accurately.
Heating Efficiency
As well as using cast iron radiators there are other ways to increase your home heating efficiency. This can save wasting fuel and keep your heating bills down:
* Double Glazing – a lot of heat can be lost from windows. You can help to reduce this by replacing older windows with modern double glazing.
* Insulation – cavity and loft spaces can leach heat from your rooms. You can get cavity and loft insulation installed quite easily these days and this can help to reduce thermal loss from your whole house.
