Cast iron residential radiators are regaining popularity because they hold their heat longer, lessening that feeling of "on" or "off" that other methods of heating, such as forced hot air, provide.

Whether a contractor, homeowner or someone thinking of selling cast iron heating, there are some cast iron radiators key terms to remember. This helps ensure that you will use any radiator to its full capacity.

1. Understand what a one or two pipe cast iron radiator means.

2. Learn about BTUs and how to determine the BTUs of cast iron radiators.

3. Identify the different parts of cast iron radiators.

Action Steps
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Know the difference between one- and two-pipe cast iron radiators

The difference can be important, especially when installing a cast iron radiator during present-day renovation or new construction. Consider the heating system of the building when choosing to heat with a radiator. If the heating system is a hot water boiler, the radiator needs to be a two-pipe system. If the heating system if a steam system, there will be just one pipe.

I recommend: A1 New & Used Plumbing and Heating is a good source for antique cast iron radiators. All About Radiators helps you find a cast iron radiator with ornate designs to fit your decor.

Learn about BTUs and how to measure the cast iron radiator's capacity

One of the cast iron radiators key terms is BTU, which stands for British Thermal Unit. The BTU is a measure of thermal heat. When considering heating a room, find the amount the BTUs the used cast iron radiators can create. For an average room, 45 BTUs/square feet is necessary to warm it.

I recommend: Companies like Colonial Supply and Hydronics Specialties Company have charts that can help you determine the EDR of the cast iron radiator, or the Equivalent Direct Radiation, so you know the right BTU you need for your room.

Know the terms to describe the cast iron radiator

The two main styles of the antique cast iron radiators are column or Corto style. The column style of the antique cast iron radiator has two columns that are side by side and are each 3 or 4 inches wide. A Corto cast iron radiator has five tubes side by side, and each of the tubes is about 1 to 2 inches wide.

I recommend: Radical Radiator and Tuscan Foundry Products have Corto and column cast iron radiators.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  With the information above, any contractor or retailer will be able to be more knowledgeable about cast iron radiators. What is helpful is that the companies who sell the antique cast iron radiators also sell more than one cast iron radiator valve as well as be a resource for cast iron radiator repair.

As a traditional way to heat indoor spaces, the cast iron radiator has not lost popularity in many parts of the world. New advancements in technology gave us ultra-modern and efficient radiators made from new kinds of materials, but the old cast iron radiators are still sought after for a lot of renovation projects.

You may be looking for a traditional cast iron radiator for one of the following projects:

1. In a renovation of a client's home or property, as part of a specifically styled renovation project.

2. In a restoration of a historic building, as part of what planners sometimes call "era authenticity."

3. In designing an office space for a specific historic effect or in an authentic period style.

Action Steps
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Find salvage stores with websites to find antique cast iron radiators

One place to find old authentic cast iron residential radiators is in shops that have both a traditional location and an online presence. No matter where you are, you can always contact these dealers and see if they have a historic antique cast iron radiator that you would like to import for use in your project.

I recommend: New England Demolition and Salvage claims 50,000 square feet of old hardware. The store serves the Massachusetts area. Near Washington D.C., take a look at the Brass Knob, the website specializes in products for reconstructions and renovations, including antique cast iron radiators.

Look for comprehensive dealers of cast iron radiators with detailed web pages

A few online suppliers deal specifically in new or used cast iron radiators. Buyers can find many styles and models online with pricing and descriptive images.

I recommend: The site at Old Cast Iron Radiators has numerous kinds of models for sale including the Victorian series, as well as "new style" models in a variety of styles and sizes.

Find sites with cast iron heating evaluations and consulting data

Some companies include advice on home or office cast iron heating on their websites. If you have done scant homework on your renovation, you may want to read what they have to say.

I recommend: Beautiful Radiators has some tips for home heaters on their website, as well as product details for some specially decorative cast iron radiator models. For more information on home heating, check out the web presence of This Old House, where browsers get tips on efficient design for residential radiators.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Do some quick heating estimates. Before buying, make sure you've done a little evaluation of how much heating you need. For many home improvement projects, you'll want to do 'triage' to decide which rooms need heat the most and which ones can do without or are heated by sunlight. You'll gain a lot by strategizing the placement of your cast iron radiator units in the building.

The cast iron radiator first appeared in the 1830's, and combined an efficient manner of heating that could be designed to fit any space. One of the greatest benefits of these residential radiators is that, if necessary, you can assemble the cast iron radiator on site.

The cast iron heating units are often the heating method of choice in renovations and new construction. Consider these cast iron radiators basics to help you find the cast iron radiator best for your business.

1. Learn about the antique cast iron radiator types.

2. Explore new cast iron radiators.

3. Pick the properly sized cast iron radiator for the space.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Enter the varied world of the antique cast iron radiator

The variety of antique iron radiators is very wide, which allows the contractor and homeowner to find the perfect cast iron heater for the space.

I recommend: The best places to find antique cast iron radiators are New England Demolition and Salvage and Antique Plumbing and Radiators. These stores offer a cast iron radiator salvage service that takes used cast iron radiators from buildings slated for demolition.

Explore new cast iron radiators

If going the route of the antique cast iron radiator is not acceptable, go with a modern cast iron radiator. You can choose new cast iron radiators that look old or ones that look modern.

I recommend: Burnham Hydronics makes what looks like a Victorial ornate cat iron radiator, as well as the more modern-appearing radiant or slender cast iron radiator. You can choose from a variety of column radiators and decor radiators at Mysoninc.

Get the right iron radiator for the space

The efficiency of the radiator depends on the size of the space

I recommend: The Colonial Supply website helps you determine the size of radiator you need for your space. If installing a new or antique cast iron radiator, a plumber who is familiar with cast iron radiators, like those at Stevenson Plumbing and Heating, will need to hook it up.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Cast iron radiator repair is possible. If the home has cast iron radiators that aren't working, some companies can restore them. Replacement parts, like a cast iron radiator valve, are easy to find online.