Are the fin tube baseboard heaters more efficient than the old cast iron radiators?
“The old cast iron radiators are nearly as efficient as baseboard models,” said Gene Meyer, extension mechanical engineer at Kansas State University. “Because the surface area is smaller on cast iron radiators than the fin tube models, the boiler may have to operate at a higher temperature, causing some reduced efficiency. In addition, fin tube convectors are usually supplied along a greater length of the wall, providing more uniform heating.” This tends to improve comfort. One problem often encountered in old cast iron systems is that the walls are uninsulated behind the radiators. “By placing the heat source directly against an uninsulated wall, considerable heat is lost to the outside,” Meyer said. One method of improving this situation is to install a thin, rigid foam insulation board directly behind the radiator and covering the board with a one-half inch layer of sheet rock. “This insulates the wall directly behind the radiator and allows more of the heat to be used within the sp
