Have you ever wondered just why it is that cast iron radiators have so many coils? This isn’t done for mere appearances; there’s a technical reason why so many lengths of columns and sections are installed with each radiator. The answer is simple – the more coils you have the more surface area available. Surface area is a critical component of any cast iron radiator, and needs to be maximized in order to increase efficiency. Heat can only transfer from the radiator coils to the air in your home at an interface. By installing as many coils as will physically fit the space, the total interfacial area is as large as possible. In this manner, engineers have increased the efficiency of the radiator without needing to invent a new material or heating mechanism. So don’t look at your cast iron radiator with disdain – a whole lot of work went into designing it to have as many coils as possible so that you can enjoy dependable warmth at home.
