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As energy efficiency and heating efficiency, in particular, increasingly become the focus of home upgrades and boost a home’s value, options for home heating have another addition, thanks to Canadian firm EcoRad.
EcoRad’s system of retrofitting old cast iron radiators otherwise fated for the dump taps the much valued attribute of these dinosaurs of home construction – an incredible ability to retain large amounts of heat at any given time. Despite the cast iron radiator’s long history in home construction going back to the 1800s, their presence gave way to forced air and electric baseboard heating. The latter heating options have proven, however, to be less efficient in heating space in homes.
Radiant heating systems, where heat emanates directly from a hot surface, such as a radiator or stove, and heats people and objects in a room. Radiant heating is more efficient because heat is not lost through the delivery through ducts. In homes with forced air, the air is heated, forced through ducts and rises, leaving the air closer to the floor cooler.
EcoRad says converted electric-based radiators offer 100% efficiency. The radiator provides a more even room temperature, with the added ability to connect each radiator to a programmable thermostat. With no need for a boiler, energy costs are greatly reduced. EcoRad’s radiators are also able to absorb heat from the sun.
EcoRad retrofits existing radiators with copper elements custom made for the size of the radiator and replacing the pressure valve with a thermal fuse. The company also has an extensive inventory of upgraded and beautified cast iron radiators, dating back to 1850.
EcoRad’s service keeps many radiators from being scrapped and is another great example of repurposing existing materials for a new more environmentally-friendly use.
