After having a new oil-fired hot water boiler installed, I’m
considering the value in replacing some of my convector radiators with
cast-iron. But, not sure if it's worth the hassle. Which would feel
more comfortable and/or be cheaper to run in the long run? For
example, convectors require shorter more frequent boiler firings to
keep the temp steady in the house. And although cast-iron radiators
require longer boiler firing time to heat up, they stay hot longer.
Sounds like it’s an even wash either way, but your comments are
appreciated.

-Theodore.

wrote in message
...
After having a new oil-fired hot water boiler installed, I’m
considering the value in replacing some of my convector radiators with
cast-iron. But, not sure if it's worth the hassle. Which would feel
more comfortable and/or be cheaper to run in the long run? For
example, convectors require shorter more frequent boiler firings to
keep the temp steady in the house. And although cast-iron radiators
require longer boiler firing time to heat up, they stay hot longer.
Sounds like it’s an even wash either way, but your comments are
appreciated.

-Theodore.

************************************************** ************************

Only some? If they are on the same zone you can wind up with uneven heat.
While I personally like cast iron radiators for the heat retention, I'd not
bother with the change. I don't see any energy savings as a Btu is a
Btu,but there may be a little comfort difference in some places if you have
any drafts.

"Edwin Pawlowski" wrote in message
...

wrote in message
...
After having a new oil-fired hot water boiler installed, I’m
considering the value in replacing some of my convector radiators with
cast-iron. But, not sure if it's worth the hassle. Which would feel
more comfortable and/or be cheaper to run in the long run? For
example, convectors require shorter more frequent boiler firings to
keep the temp steady in the house. And although cast-iron radiators
require longer boiler firing time to heat up, they stay hot longer.
Sounds like it’s an even wash either way, but your comments are
appreciated.

-Theodore.

************************************************** ************************

Only some? If they are on the same zone you can wind up with uneven heat.
While I personally like cast iron radiators for the heat retention, I'd
not bother with the change. I don't see any energy savings as a Btu is
a Btu,but there may be a little comfort difference in some places if you
have any drafts.


Cast iron radiators take up a lot more space than convectors (especiall
fllorboard convectors). You'll miss that space if you convert.
--
Peace,
BobJ

"Marilyn & Bob" wrote in message
Cast iron radiators take up a lot more space than convectors (especiall
fllorboard convectors). You'll miss that space if you convert.
--
Peace,
BobJ


No, they don't. Take the same space
http://www.slantfin.com/product-rhino-cast.html
http://www.usboilerco.com/radiator/58100.cfm
http://www.runtalnorthamerica.com/re...ors/index.html

No, they don't. *Take the same spacehttp://www.slantfin.com/product-rhino-cast.htmlhttp://www.usboilerco.com/radiator/58100.cfmhttp://www.runtalnorthamerica.com/residential_radiators/index.html


I'm not so concerned with the space they'll take up. More concerned
about if they'll make it *feel* warmer, and at what cost. I'm also
wary of the uneven effect it may cause.

For example, this webpage talks about "radiant temperature," as
comfort level.

http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuild....aspx?nterms=6
5792,62152

On Oct 5, 7:40*pm, wrote:
No, they don't. *Take the same spacehttp://www.slantfin.com/product-rhino-cast.htmlhttp://www.usboilerco....

I'm not so concerned with the space they'll take up. *More concerned
about if they'll make it *feel* warmer, and at what cost. *I'm also
wary of the uneven effect it may cause.

To "feel" warmer raise the temp, if that all you want radiators will
be a waste. Baseboards depending on type run at higher boiler temps,
mixing the two is for a pro to run numbers, a pro that has done it
with happy customers.

Every time your boiler runs, it blows heat out the chimney and it has
to heat up the pipes and the radiators before you feel any warmth at
all.
Heating all this metal, water and air costs money.
Over the last few years, radiator manufactures have made radiators
with less metal, holding less water to be most economic.
Cast iron radiators got left behind as they absorb so much heat and
cost more to run.
Perry

On Oct 6, 10:02*am, PerryOne wrote:
Every time your boiler runs, it blows heat out the chimney and it has
to heat up the pipes and the radiators before you feel any warmth at
all.
Heating all this metal, water and air costs money.
Over the last few years, radiator manufactures have made radiators
with less metal, holding less water to be most economic.
Cast iron radiators got left behind as they absorb so much heat and
cost more to run.
Perry

Since when " left behind" any heat to the radiator is heat released to
the home. I live with radiators and no boiler pro here we have talked
to advocates getting rid of them. Your efficency is the boiler. Now in
floor radiant has the heat lower and under you.

"PerryOne" wrote in message
...


Every time your boiler runs, it blows heat out the chimney and it has
to heat up the pipes and the radiators before you feel any warmth at
all.
Heating all this metal, water and air costs money.
Over the last few years, radiator manufactures have made radiators
with less metal, holding less water to be most economic.
Cast iron radiators got left behind as they absorb so much heat and
cost more to run.
Perry

Think about the physics of what you wrote. Where does that heat go once in
the radiators? How would they cost more to run? They may be less
responsive, but the thermal mass is a plus. If it goes into the water and
the metal, it is going to eventually come back out.

On Oct 4, 11:45*pm, wrote:
After having a new oil-fired hot water boiler installed, I’m
considering the value in replacing some of my convector radiators with
cast-iron. *But, not sure if it's worth the hassle. *Which would feel
more comfortable and/or be cheaper to run in the long run? *For
example, convectors require shorter more frequent boiler firings to
keep the temp steady in the house. *And although cast-iron radiators
require longer boiler firing time to heat up, they stay hot longer.
Sounds like it’s an even wash either way, but your comments are
appreciated.

-Theodore.

On Oct 7, 12:14 am, "Edwin Pawlowski" wrote:
"PerryOne" wrote in message

...



Every time your boiler runs, it blows heat out the chimney and it has
to heat up the pipes and the radiators before you feel any warmth at
all.
Heating all this metal, water and air costs money.
Over the last few years, radiator manufactures have made radiators
with less metal, holding less water to be most economic.
Cast iron radiators got left behind as they absorb so much heat and
cost more to run.
Perry

Think about the physics of what you wrote. Where does that heat go once in
the radiators? How would they cost more to run? They may be less
responsive, but the thermal mass is a plus. If it goes into the water and
the metal, it is going to eventually come back out.

My reply goes like this - its spring time, its morning, the heating
has raised the room temperature, its comfortable.
the sun comes out, the temperature goes up, the room is too hot, the
radiators are still delivering heat. You open the window because its
too hot.
Its evening, it gets cold, you wait for the room to heat up, a pressed
steel radiator, responds quicker, the cast iron one has to heat its
self first, then the air in the room.

On Oct 4, 10:45*pm, wrote:
After having a new oil-fired hot water boiler installed, I’m
considering the value in replacing some of my convector radiators with
cast-iron. *But, not sure if it's worth the hassle. *Which would feel
more comfortable and/or be cheaper to run in the long run? *For
example, convectors require shorter more frequent boiler firings to
keep the temp steady in the house. *And although cast-iron radiators
require longer boiler firing time to heat up, they stay hot longer.
Sounds like it’s an even wash either way, but your comments are
appreciated.

-Theodore.

It's mostly a quality of life / preference issue. I have lived with
the cast iron radiators for the last 12 years and like them a lot.
The heat is indeed even, and you can put things on them to warm up -
e.g., put your cold wet gloves and boots on it when you come in, or
put your slippers on it so they'll be toasty when you get up in the
morning, etc. They do take up space, complicate arranging furniture
and are kinda hard to clean. Mine also clank a bit. A couple of HVAC
people have told me they are the best but people don't install them
now in new construction due to the upfront cost. --H