Did you know that venting an old-fashioned cast iron radiator is one of the most dangerous things you can do in a home? In fact, these rads are so hazardous that many insurance companies won’t even cover them. That’s because the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from poorly vented rads is very real and not something to be taken lightly. Most homes have some sort of heating system – almost always because they were built before the age of central heat and air conditioning. But if your home has a cast iron radiater, then it’s probably time to upgrade. Why? Because rads are dangerous as well as antiquated and inefficient. They aren’t safe to vent outside the house, either. (Unless you have an older home with exhaust pipes).
What Is A Cast Iron Radiator?
A cast iron radiator is a traditional heating system that uses hot water running through pipes to distribute heat throughout a building. It’s an old-fashioned and antiquated system, but it’s still in use in many older buildings. Typical radiator systems include a large pan, generally steel, containing the hot water. A pump circulates the water, and the pipes connected to the pan heat up. The water in the pan is generally connected to the building’s water supply, so the pump is used to both circulate the water and control the temperature. Radial heat is quick and efficient, but the pipes often need to be replaced every 10 years or so because of scale. Scales are minerals in the water that build up in the pipes and can reduce the efficiency of the heating system.
Why Are The Vents Dangerous?
If you don’t properly vent your system, it can create a serious carbon monoxide issue. Since the system isn’t certified by the Environmental Protection Agency for outside use, the only way to get rid of the CO and the dangerous fumes is to vent it back into the house and into a fresh air intake. The problem is that many people don’t realize their radiator system is improperly vented, or they think they’ve dealt with the problem and they’re still in danger. Many people think that if they have a CO alarm, they don’t have to worry about CO hazards. Unfortunately, CO alarms don’t always work when they should and can be triggered incorrectly — or not at all — if the sample is too old. Plus, CO alarms can be affected by the other fumes in the air, like those from paints, solvents and cleaning products.
What To Know Before You Change Out Your Radiator
Before you install a new system, make sure you replace all pipes and connections to avoid the CO build-up from scale in the pipes. In other words, you want to put in a system that vents outside and directly to the exterior. If you have an old system, you can have a professional come in and conduct a CO test. If the levels are too high, the professional will be able to tell you what needs to be done to remedy the problem. Electric heaters
How To Change Out Your Radiator
There are many ways to replace an old radiator system, but the main thing to keep in mind is that you need to vent the system outside. Most likely, you’ll need to hire a company to do the installation because of the complicated nature of the job. If you want to do it yourself, you’ll need to find a way to get the CO out of the house, to an exhaust pipe and to the outside. You can find some different ideas online, but it’s best to call a professional if you aren’t sure where to start.
Other Reasons To Ditch The Radiator
There are many reasons to replace your old radiator system with a new central heating and cooling system. Cooling system – With central air conditioning, you don’t have to worry about CO levels in the house increasing due to improperly vented systems. Safety – The system is more energy-efficient, safer for children and pets and more convenient. Cost – With a central heating and cooling system, you can set the temperature and forget it. You don’t have to worry about running with the system on and wasting money.
The Pros And Cons Of An Electric Heater
Electric heaters are a great option for those who want to make the switch to an efficient, modern heating system but don’t want to deal with duct work and installation. The good news is that electric heaters are relatively inexpensive and can be installed quickly. Electric heaters come in a variety of styles, including panel heaters, column heaters, and radiant heaters. There are also various types of controls to choose from. Panel heaters – Panel heaters are the most common type of electric heater. They are generally mounted on a wall and are designed to heat a single room. They are commonly used in bedrooms, living rooms, and other small rooms. Panel heaters are also relatively inexpensive and simple to install. However, they can be a fire hazard if not used properly. Column heaters – Column heaters are larger than panel heaters and are designed to heat a whole house. They generally come in a square shape with multiple heating elements. They are either freestanding or mounted on the wall. Column heaters are a good option if you want to heat a large area or your house. However, they are more expensive than panel heaters. Radiant heaters – Radiant heaters are designed to heat the air and not a specific area. They are generally mounted on the ceiling and have a long rod that creates warmth in the area below. Radiant heaters are a good option for homes with high ceilings. Radiant heaters can be a good option if you want to heat the whole house with one device. However, they are more expensive than other types of electric heaters.
Summing It Up
The bottom line is that rads are an antiquated heating system that is dangerous and inefficient. If you have one in your home, it’s time to consider replacing it with a modern central heating system. If you want to go the electric route, you might want to consider an electric wall heater. The good news is that new systems are inexpensive, easy to install and don’t involve the dangers of a poorly vented radiator system.
This article is provided by https://www.jonesgc.com/garden-furniture-chimineas-and-fire-pits-electric-outdoor-heater