Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the frequently asked questions from our customers. If you can’t find an answer to your questions here please feel free to contact us.

Radiator Covers

Isn’t it more efficient to replace cast iron radiators with a modern heating system? Collapse

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, will result in less comfort, and increase heating costs.

Why aren’t cast iron radiators in new buildings? Expand

Manufacturing and installing a cast iron system today would cost substantially more and most building owners aren’t willing to make the investment.

Does a cast-iron radiator system have to be removed to add central air? Expand

No – today’s central air systems allow you to keep the efficient heating of existing iron radiators.

Do radiator covers cause heat loss? Expand

No. Radiator covers deliver more heat energy. All of the heat from the radiator remains in the room, and due to our 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.

Do radiator covers require much space? Expand

ARSCO radiator covers require about 1″ for each side.

Your radiator covers have a solid top panel. Why shouldn’t the top be louvered? Expand

Because heat would flow up the wall to the ceiling, rather than into the room, causing heating costs to rise.

Why shouldn’t we just paint the radiators? Expand

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.

Why shouldn’t radiator covers be made of wood? Expand

Wood retains heat. It also splits and warps when exposed to heat. Wooden frames and supports also take up more space than our radiator covers. A better alternative is a high-quality metal cover.

Pipe, Fin Tube & Fan Coil Covers

What’s the advantage of pipe covers? Collapse

In older buildings, they improve appearance, but they also have important functional advantages. 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.

What is a fin tube? Expand

A fin tube, whether baseboard or convector-style, is a heating element, made of copper or steel, for a piping 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 systems became common.

Why do I need fin tube covers? Expand

Fin tube covers that were “original” with the heating system are generally flimsy, and after this long, have been dented with vacuums and other objects. Often, the sharp “fins” inside are partly exposed, too, which is unsightly and hazardous. ARSCO manufactures durable, custom fin tube covers to replace the original ones. They instantly improve appearance and eliminate a safety issue.

What are fan coil units? Expand

Fan coil units deliver heating, cooling or sometimes both. They 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 systems. They also provide better dehumidification. ARSCO makes new and replacement covers for fan coil units made by every manufacturer.

 

What’s the advantage of fan coil covers? Expand

The main one 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 looks and function.

Can fan coil covers be repainted? Expand

ARSCO fan coil covers are powder coated for long-term durability. However, if you want to change the color of an ARSCO fan coil cover, we recommend an oil-based paint.