There is now a wide range of options on the market when it comes to radiator choice.
We are used to seeing the aluminium functional radiator in homes and offices. Yet there has been a resurgence of cast iron radiators available on the market, which is not all due to the aesthetics of the heater.
Large Spaces
Period properties are notoriously difficult to heat and insulate. High ceilings can prove problematic for modern radiators to keep a constant temperature. The cast-iron column radiator works far better in these spaces, as the material is a better conductor of heat.
They may take longer to heat up, but once at the desired temperature, they will retain the heat for longer than their aluminium counterparts. Additionally, cast-iron radiators will take up less wall space in order to heat the same space. This is useful when thinking about radiator placement, as any heat source needs to be central to the room, and usually the premium wall space is taken by furniture, meaning the radiator will heat the sofa first and then the space.
Aluminium radiators will give a quick blast of heat and then cool quickly. This can require the reheating of the boiler to maintain a temperature. The cast-iron radiator has thicker walls and is, therefore, slower to cool, meaning the heat remains in the room for longer and gives a more consistent temperature.
Customising
While you can customise the covering of an aluminium radiator, you cannot customise the radiator itself. The covering can absorb the heat and make it less efficient. The cast iron radiator can be designed for the space in which it will live and coordinated with the interior design colours.
There are many options if you are asking what do column radiators look like to adapt the heater for your room so that it becomes part of the design or even a feature of the space. Yet the popularity of these column radiators is growing as homeowners become more environmentally aware. These radiators are especially effective when coupled with environmentally friendly heating systems.
As the demand for cast iron radiators is still growing, they are more expensive than panel radiators but will have a longer return on investment. They will also complement more interior design styles.