Home Heating with Cast Iron Radiators

Di16139 asks,

I have an old farm house. It has low ceilings and old fashioned hot water radiators. I've installed decent gas furnaces and my heating costs are low…..maybe $500-$600 for a New York winter. My question: I love how the radiators radiate heat long after the thermostat has been turned down…but they take up a lot of room and are old fashioned…for my new house…what is the nearest equivalent?

Our Answer

NOTHING! Do not under any circumstances remove the radiators. There is nothing better than a cast iron radiator for heating efficiency and comfort. Anything you replace them with will not nearly deliver the same value for your home. You can add radiator covers, but sometimes those are worse. They look clunky and boxy and take up more room.

Under the old adage, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em – you might want to hightlight the radiators. In my home, I painted them a contrasting color, which makes them stand out and they look really great.
Just ask our dog Spot, who likes to park himself right in front of the one in our office!
The only other comparable option would be hot water baseboard, but it will not deliver the heat you are used to and will not continue radiate after you turn down the heat.