7 Types of Radiators That Make for a Snug and Cozy Home

When winter hits, we’re all reaching for a mug of hot cocoa and trying to find the warmest spot in the house. If you have a radiator, you know exactly where the toastiest spot will be. But did you know that some types of radiators are more efficient than others? Radiators are often grouped by their source of heat, the material they’re made of, or their shape and style. The most common types of radiators are steam, hot water, electric, cast iron, panel, baseboard, and towel radiators.

1. Steam Radiators

When you turn on a steam radiator, a boiler heats water into steam and sends it through the pipes to the radiator. As the steam runs through the radiator, it gives off heat. Eventually, the steam cools, condenses back into water, and returns to the boiler, where it begins the process again. 

Steam radiators may have one pipe or two pipes and are often made of cast iron, especially when they’re original to an older home. You need to clean out the air vents on the sides of a radiator consistently to make sure the system keeps operating efficiently.

Best for: Historic homes and homes with an existing steam radiator system

2. Hot Water Radiators

Hot water radiators work similarly to steam radiators, but the water remains a liquid instead of being boiled into steam. In a hot water radiator system, the boiler heats the water, which is then pushed through the pipes by a circulator or pump. When the water reaches the radiator, it heats up the metal, which radiates heat into the room. 

Like steam radiators, hot water radiators require some maintenance on your part. You need to bleed your radiator periodically to get rid of trapped air and let the heated water flow more efficiently through the system.

Best for: Homes with existing boiler systems and people who want more temperature control than you get with a steam radiator system

3. Electric Radiators

Electric radiators don’t rely on a basement boiler to send hot water or steam throughout your house. Instead, they convert electricity into heat. Electric radiators come in several different types, from ceramic wall-mounted plates to portable, oil-filled columns. You can plug them into a wall outlet and adjust them with built-in temperature controls.

Best for: Extra heating or heating in rooms farther away from central heat

4. Cast Iron Radiators

Cast iron radiators can be either steam-operated or hot water-operated. You’ll often see cast iron radiators in historic homes. They’ve been used since the 18th century, but many people still enjoy them today because of the long-lasting warmth they provide and the timeless, classic look.

Best for: Older homes and structures that can support their size and weight

5. Panel Radiators

Panel radiators are slimmer than cast iron radiators and are often made of steel or another type of metal. They’re warmed with hot water, not steam, and there are different types of panel radiators depending on if you need a lot of heat or just a little extra heat.

Best for: Contemporary home design styles and small spaces

6. Baseboard Radiators

Popular in home additions, baseboard radiators are small, low-profile heaters mounted along the baseboard of a room. They can use hot water or electricity to generate heat and are quiet and efficient.

Best for: Smaller spaces and those looking for a low-profile radiator solution

7. Towel Radiators

Towel radiators are often made of metal or ceramic and feature horizontal and vertical rails warmed by hot water or electricity. When you drape a towel over one of the rails, the radiator warms it, so you’ll feel like you’re at a spa every time you finish a bath or shower.

Best for: Bathrooms

How to Choose the Right Type of Radiator

If you’re shopping for a new radiator, consider the following as you make your decision:

• Existing radiator system: Check whether you have a steam or hot water radiator system. Steam systems will have a sight glass on the boiler, and hot water systems will have a circulating pump and expansion tank.

• Room size: For smaller spaces, a baseboard, towel, or panel radiator may be adequate. For larger spaces, consider a panel or cast iron radiator.

• Style: For Victorian homes, Craftsman-style homes, and older homes, a traditional cast-iron radiator might be the right aesthetic choice. If your home is more modern or contemporary in style or design, you might prefer a panel or baseboard radiator, instead.

• Cost: Radiator replacement costs depend on the heating system, the style and material of the radiator you choose, and whether you need professional installation. Most people pay $1,500 for a radiator, and electric baseboard radiators tend to be the least costly.

Call a local HVAC company for help in evaluating your existing system and selecting the best new radiator for your home.