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Radiators are something that we can’t live without really, especially in the winter. When the dark nights roll in earlier than before and the mornings are completely frosted over, you want an efficient radiator to warm you up.
One common type of heater is vertical radiators in the UK, as these heat up a large space with ease and don’t take up half as much room as traditional ones. But while these may still be relatively new, it begs the question of whether newer is always better? So, keep reading and discover if old radiators beat the new ones when it comes to heating our homes.
Types Of Old Radiators
There are quite a few old radiators that are still in circulation today, but that doesn’t mean they’re modern. Cast iron ones are extremely popular as they add a touch of history to our otherwise 21st century homes.
These are actually the oldest type of radiators, and they are said to be very energy efficient. Other older radiators include things like baseboard steam systems and ceramic radiators.
While again, these can be used in homes today, their origins date back a fair while ago.
Types Of New Radiators
New radiators come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and even colours! With options like vertical radiators and even designer ones contorted into weird and wonderful shapes, it’s easy to see why people may be drawn aesthetically to the more modern looks of the new ones. Electric radiators are extremely common nowadays as well, with lots of homes forgoing gas altogether and making use of electricity.
Typically, a designer radiator is used as a focal point for a room, rather than for its heat output. With that being said, there’s no reason that designer radiators can’t do just as good a job as an old cast iron one.
New radiators also tend to be able to be linked to apps on your smartphone, allowing you to control it wherever you are. With modern radiators, it’s more important that the commodities that come along with it like being electric only and having controllable apps are available.
Benefits Of Old Radiators
There are actually quite a lot of benefits to old radiators, most of which come down to energy efficiency. Did you know that cast iron radiators are still considered one of the best when it comes to heating your home. This is because they work in such a way that helps you save energy and conserve heat.
When you use a cast iron radiator, you turn it on and allow it to heat up to the correct temperature. Then you switch it off, and it will slowly release heat all day. This means you can save much more energy (and money) in the long run as you only need to have them on for short periods of time.
You’ll then be able to relax and enjoy their output of heat all day long without worrying about the impact it will have on your bills. This tends to be the most common argument for old radiators, as energy efficiency is something that we all need to be paying attention to.
Downsides To Old Radiators
There are of course some downsides to old radiators, but most of them have to do with repairs. When something is older or not in circulation that much, it can be hard to find the right parts for it when it breaks down.
If you have a vintage cast iron radiator and it suddenly stops working, your local plumber might not carry the spare parts it needs to be fixed. This can then put you in a costly situation and force you to spend a lot more than you bargained for.
If your radiator is old in the technical terms, it’s also way more likely to be less effective at heating the rooms. This is purely down to wear and tear over the years, but it’s something to think about before buying.
Benefits Of New Radiators
New radiators do have lots of benefits, and they can sometimes outweigh the benefits of old ones. Newer models can easily be connected to your smartphone, allowing you to control the temperature of your home any time, any place.
This ease of use is what draws a lot of people to them, as it means if you forget to switch if off before heading to work, you can easily turn it off on the way. Modern appliances are also thought to be more energy efficient as they require less energy to work.
Newer ones may also require less maintenance as they’re brand new, and they can easily be repaired as the parts are simple to get a hold of.
New radiators also tend to be a lot thinner and compact when comparing them to old ones, which can be very beneficial for those who live in smaller homes.
Downsides Of New Radiators
It’s not all peachy with new radiators though, as a lot of them rely on technology to work, and we all know how finicky that can be. For instance, if your phone stops working or you lose connection, you might have a hard time adjusting your heater through the app, causing you to waste energy or remain cold. Some people also don’t use smartphones, so they won’t like using these new-fangled heaters and prefer to instead stick to what they know.
Really, when it comes to radiators, there’s not one that’s entirely better than the other. It’s great that new models can be controlled by your phone and are super compact. But then again, cast iron radiators may be more energy efficient and could save you money in the long run.
It all depends on your personal preference and the needs of your household. So, if you’re thinking about changing up your heating make sure you take all of this into account, and you’ll be sure to find the right one for you. Be that new or old!
