Doing a renovation and would like to remove the bulky cast iron radiators. They heat the house perfectly, but I’m concerned that it may burn my 3yr old or might be a problem for my baby on the way. I’m thinking about baseboard but is that the only option that I have? My heating contractor told me of a low profile cast iron baseboard, but it potentially gets hot like a full sized radiator being that it’s also cast iron. Almost feel like I’m throwing away money replacing them, but don’t want my kids to get hurt. Opinions anyone?


What's Your Take? Leave a Comment

  1. Spend the money better on window gates, put remaining into NY State’s 529 College Saving Plan and outlet covers.

  2. ever thought of CUSTOM radiator covers? come on, let’s be logical here.

  3. I have no experience with them personally but have been looking at the “modern” style steam radiators. For example: http://www.steamradiators.com which I believe are Runtal. Has anyone installed these or had experience with them?

    We have a combo of old cast iron and awful 50s fin tubes in our house and while it isn’t a priority to address since they are all behind covers, I would really like to replace them all eventually.

  4. We used to have a house with baseboard heating. whereever there is a baseboard it is difficult to put furniture against it so it made walls useless for furniture. Radiators just take up a little of the wall and make decorating easier.

  5. I empathize with your concerns. I have a daughter and a hot water system. Hot water is not as hot as steam. Locate the units carefully and consider using radiator covers. Ed Kopel Architects.

  6. I remember as a kid liking to sit on the radiators – maybe with a blanket underneath (of course ours were not the huge victorian one…maybe from 1920 and squareish). lots of kids..steam radiator…I don’t think ever so hot would get burned.

  7. Our radiators are never that hot to the touch – hot water system. Do you have steam?

  8. I am glad people still like and use those bulky radiators. If properly maintained, they can last a very long time. Some radiator casting designs I have seen are beautiful. Form and function is a lost art.

  9. well definitely a valid concern, othercomments not withstanding.
    but the best thing is to get covers made, it’s an expense but a smaller one.