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It's becoming increasingly popular to see reclaimed and repurposed goods transformed into usable items for our homes. Whether it's repurposed building materials or reclaimed furniture, this trend is moving in the green direction.
What is seen less frequently, are efforts that preserve the essential functionality of the original item. Making a priority of repurposing or upcycling what is already available is great. Giving a green overhaul to an existing item with, in essence, the same purpose is eco-savvy design. Why? Because retrofitting generally doesn't involve a huge manufacturing footprint, and it saves the consumer cash.
One such item that often gets scrapped during home remodels, are the old cast iron radiators. These are often seen as an out of date heating systems. Some of these radiators are fabulous pieces of craftsmanship. They are worth bringing back to life because radiators' heavy thermal mass, makes them ideal conductors of electric radiant heat, a much more energy-efficient alternative.
The Canadian company EcoRad, spotted on Springwise, will transform your old cast-iron radiators into an eco-minded electric heat system without harming the environment. EcoRad uses an environmentally-friendly process to restore and preserve the beauty of old radiators while converting them for use with electric radiant heat. The process uses 99 % recycled materials and recycles the old radiators rather than melting them down. An electric element replaces the extensive water piping system and each radiator is connected to a programmable thermostat that allows the temperature of each room to be controlled individually for additional efficiency.
EcoRad Radiators are:
Programmable individual thermostats
- Heat absorbing
- More energy efficient than traditional hot-water or steam heating systems
- Fire proof
- Healthier and more comfortable heat than forced air or convection heating systems
EcoRad offers quotes and energy-saving information help with comparing heating sources here.
I like that an assortment of stylish finishes are available for different decors, and the fact that these old radiators give off radiant heat. Also, the conversion time is manageable - it takes about four to eight weeks. EcoRad's also offers a line of already refurbished radiators, featuring styles dating back to 1850.
Offering a myriad of eco-benefits from preserving an old homes' architectural heritage, to not producing and manufacturing a new product, these cast-iron radiators are an excellent example of green-minded innovation, especially during the heating season.
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