Radiator Enclosure FAQs
Q. Isn’t it more efficient to replace cast iron radiators with a modern heating system?
A. No! Cast iron radiator steam or hot water heat is the most efficient, quietest and most comfortable of heating systems. Converting to a “modern” method is expensive, would result in less comfort, and increase heating costs.
Q. Why aren’t cast iron radiators in new buildings?
A. Manufacturing and installing a cast iron system today would cost substantially more and most building owners aren’t willing to make the investment.
Q. Does a cast-iron radiator system have to be removed to add central air?
A. No - today’s central air systems allow you to keep the efficient heating of existing iron radiators.
Q. Do radiator enclosures cause heat loss?
A. No. Radiator enclosures deliver more heat energy. All of the heat from the radiator remains in the room, and due to our enclosure’s design, heat is directed into the comfort zone, where it’s needed. Heat is also not absorbed by outside walls or ceiling, where it’s wasted.
Q. Do radiator enclosures require much space?
A. ARSCO radiator enclosures require about 1” for each side.
Q. Your radiator enclosures have a solid top panel. Why shouldn’t the top be louvered?
A. Because heat would flow up the wall to the ceiling, rather than into the room, causing your heating costs to rise.
Q. Why shouldn’t we just paint the radiators?
A. Paint reduces heat efficiency. Metallic paints are the worst – efficiency losses range from 10% to 20%, depending on the paint and how it’s applied.
Q. Why shouldn’t radiator enclosures be wood?
A. Wood retains heat. It also splits and warps when exposed to constant heat. Wooden frames and supports also take up more space than our radiator enclosures. A much better alternative is a high quality enclosure that has the beauty of wood grain without the problems wood can cause. (See photo at right)
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Pipe Cover, Fin Tube and Fan Coil FAQs
Q. What’s the advantage of installing pipe covers?
In older buildings, they improve appearance. But they have important functional advantages, too. Pipe covers protect people from burns from hot pipes. Used in schools, they also protect pipes from kids, who enjoy poking holes in the insulation with their pencils. This is one of the most common phenomena in American education.
Q. What is a fin tube?
A. A fin tube, whether baseboard or convector-style, is a heating element, made from copper or steel, for a pipe system. It has square or spiral aluminum “fins” that radiate (distribute) the heat and are low to the floor. Fin tubes replaced radiators in the 1940s and 50s, and were popular before forced air system became common a decade later.
Q. Why do I need a fin tube cover?
A. Fin tube covers that were “original” with the heating system are generally flimsy, and after this long, have been repeatedly nicked and dented with vacuums and other moving objects. Often, the sharp “fins” inside are partly exposed, too, which is both unsightly and potentially hazardous. ARSCO manufactures durable, custom fin tube covers to replace the old, original ones. They instantly improve appearance and eliminate a safety issue.
Q. What are fan coil units?
A . Fan coil units deliver heating, cooling – and sometimes both. They are can be mounted in cabinets, ceiling plenums, or elsewhere. A fan coil unit is generally a fan, plus one or two coils. A fan coil unit can have separate coils for heating and cooling or just one water coil for both. The coils operate using electricity, hot water, steam, or chilled water. Some fan coil units use a refrigerant.
Fan coil units are used for heating and cooling in apartments, condos, commercial buildings and hospitals. They provide excellent energy efficiency, and warmer heating temperatures than are possible with standard heat pump-based systems. They also provide better dehumidification. ARSCO makes new and replacement covers for fan coil units made by every manufacturer.
Q. What’s the advantage of a fan coil cover?
A. The main advantage is appearance. Fan coil covers that are custom to the application improve appearance, and often turn something – a fan coil – that is utilitarian and not very appealing into something that improves both appearance and function.
Q. Can a fan coil cover be repainted?
A. ARSCO fan coil covers are all powder coated for exceptional long-term durability. However, if you want to change the color of an ARSCO fan coil cover, we recommend an oil-based paint.
Have a question of your own regarding pipe covers, fin tubes or fan coils? Click here for a quick response!
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