Old fashioned radiators, sometimes referred to as antique radiators, refer to the early forms of heating systems that were used to heat homes and buildings before the advent of modern central heating. They consist of cast iron or steel pipework or convectors that heat up when hot water or steam passes through them. The heat is then radiated into the room through convection, hence their name “radiators”.
These old style radiators were in common use during the Victorian era and early 20th century before being gradually phased out in favor of more efficient and convenient central heating systems. However, some old radiators still remain in older buildings constructed in the late 1800s and early 1900s. There are several different types and styles of antique radiators that were popular over the years, ranging from column radiators to panel radiators. Each had their own unique characteristics and advantages.
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Different Types of Old Fashioned Radiators
There are a few major types of old fashioned radiators that were prevalent in the past:
Column Radiators
Column radiators, also sometimes called pipe radiators, consist of vertical pipes linked together in parallel configuration by smaller horizontal pipes. Hot water or steam flows into the vertical columns and gets evenly dispersed through the radiator sections, heating up the metal fins and ribs that radiate the heat. These were very common in Victorian homes of the 19th century.
Panel Radiators
As the name suggests, panel radiators are made up of flat panel sections stacked side by side and linked by headers at the top and bottom. They have larger heating surfaces and increased output compared to column radiators. Panel radiators were popular in Edwardian and early 20th century homes.
Cast Iron Radiators
Cast iron radiators are another antique style consisting of thick cast iron sections bolted together. They are very durable and retain heat for longer. Cast iron rads were used well into the mid-20th century.
Single Pipe Steam Radiators
Single pipe steam rads have one single supply pipe that distributes steam into the radiator sections. These were used in old steam heating systems powered by a central boiler. The condensed steam trickles back to the boiler through a condensate return line.
Double Pipe Steam Radiators
As the name suggests, these have two pipes: one steam supply pipe along with a dedicated return pipe for the condensate to flow back to the boiler separately. This allows for better steam distribution.
Identifying Features
There are some key features that help identify whether a radiator is an old fashioned antique style:
– Ornate vintage design – Antique radiators often feature decorative flourishes and patterns compared to modern rads. Victorian and Edwardian cast iron radiators often had intricate artistic details.
– Materials like cast iron or steel – Old radiators were typically made of durable metals like cast iron, wrought iron or steel rather than modern lighter materials.
– Sections bolted together – Individual cast iron or steel sections are bolted together rather than welded.
– Presence of pipework – Old heating systems had extensive visible pipework running from the boiler to radiators.
– Manual vents and valves – Antique radiators had manual control valves to regulate heat and vents to release air, unlike automated vents in modern systems.
– Wall-mounted – Most antique radiators were mounted on walls rather than housed inside enclosures.
– Single source of heat – Central heating didn’t exist back then so each room often had its own radiator as the sole heat source.
By keeping an eye out for these features, you can easily identify old fashioned radiators that may have been in place for over a century in old homes and buildings.
Common Brands
Some companies that were well known for manufacturing antique radiators included:
- American Radiator Company – One of the largest vintage cast iron radiator brands.
- National Radiator Company
- Barton American Company – Popular steel panel radiators.
- Hydronic Heating Corporation
- Lawler Manufacturing Corporation
- Peerless Boilers – Produced ornate cast iron radiators.
Many old buildings still have vintage radiators proudly bearing the makers’ nameplates and emblems, like the iconic star-shaped trademarks of American Radiator Company.
Why Were Old Radiators So Large?
If you’ve seen old radiators, you’ll surely notice that they are far larger than modern radiators. But why did they have to be so big? There are a few reasons:
– Less efficient design – Antique radiators relied on natural convection and radiation of heat from their large surface areas. This required bulky units to produce sufficient heat output for rooms.
– Lower operating temperatures – Old heating systems ran at lower temperatures and pressures compared to modern central heating. Large radiators compensated for the reduced temperature differential.
– No thermostatic control – There was no automated temperature regulation. The large thermal mass retained heat for longer periods.
– Mostly cast iron – The thick cast iron units took longer to heat up and cool down than thinner modern steel radiators.
– Lack of insulation – No wall insulation meant increased heat losses that necessitated oversized radiators.
– Heat source for entire room – Each room had only a single radiator to provide all the heating without zone control.
So in summary, the limitations in older heating technology, building insulation, and temperature control capabilities necessitated very large radiators to heat up rooms effectively.
Unique Advantages
While old fashioned radiators may seem outdated, they have some unique advantages:
- Powerful heat output – Their sheer size and thermal mass allow antique radiators to produce plentiful warmth.
- Can operate without electricity – Old gravity-fed steam and hot water systems don’t require any electrical energy input to operate.
- Long lifespan – Durable materials like cast iron last for generations with little maintenance.
- Natural convection – Gravity circulating systems promote air circulation in rooms for healthy ventilation.
- Aesthetic appeal – Antique designs with artisanal flourishes lend character to period homes.
These qualities make some homeowners and historic building conservationists want to lovingly preserve these vintage radial heaters instead of replacing them with modern central heating.
Disadvantages
However, old fashioned radiators also come with some disadvantages compared to modern central heating:
- Inefficient – They lose a lot of the heat energy produced and are slow to warm up rooms.
- No individual room control – There is no way to isolate the temperature control for each room.
- Lack of automatic air venting – Manual venting is required routinely to release trapped air.
- Prone to leaks – The extensive piping has many joints that can leak over time.
- Temperature fluctuations – No thermostats means the room cools down quickly once the boiler fires go out.
- Dust traps – All the crevices collect dust and are hard to clean.
- No humidity control – Dry air and lack of humidity regulation can be an issue.
These shortcomings can make antique radiator heating inconvenient for modern living.
Typical Heat Outputs
Since old radiators had to be so large, they could deliver substantial heat outputs to rooms. Some typical heat outputs include:
- Column radiators – 250 to 750 BTU/sq.ft
- Panel radiators – 300 to 800 BTU/sq.ft
- Cast iron radiators – 200 to 800 BTU/sq.ft
- Single pipe steam rads – 240 to 650 BTU/sq.ft
- Double pipe steam rads – 550 to 1,000 BTU/sq.ft
This compares favorably to modern steel panel radiators that usually output 150 to 300 BTU/sq.ft. However, antique radiators are not as responsive and lack zoning so they often overheated rooms.
Conversion to Modern Heating
For those wanting to restore and convert an old building with antique radiators, there are a few options:
Retain and Connect Radiators to New System
It is possible to keep the old radiators and connect them to a new modern gas boiler or heat pump system. This allows preserving the vintage charm while upgrading the heating. However, this can be complex and expensive.
Replace Internals With Modern Elements
Another option is to retain the original radiator shell but install new modern heating cores. This makes them more efficient while keeping the appearance.
Replace with Replica Radiators
You can source modern reproductions that closely match old radiator styles but provide better performance.
Replace with Modern Radiators
For some, swapping antique radiators with more efficient modern panel rads is the best option to maximize energy savings. But this sacrifices the period appeal.
So in summary, restoring an old building is all about striking the right balance between preservation and modernization when it comes to converting antique heating systems.
Conclusion
Old fashioned radiators have a long and illustrious history throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Also known as antique or vintage radiators, these earlier heating units like ornate column, panel, and cast iron radiators provided cozy warmth to homes and buildings in an era before modern central heating.
While not as efficient or convenient as current heating radiators, they possessed a ruggedness, powerful heat output, and vintage charm that some still admire today. For historic homes and buildings, these artifacts of the early heating era continue warming hearts along with rooms while harking back to the rich craftsmanship and aesthetics of the past.