If you renovate older homes in Chicago, you’ll eventually face a common question: What should we do with the radiators? Many homeowners see radiators as bulky obstacles that interfere with furniture placement and modern design. Others appreciate their character and the comfortable heat they provide. Before deciding whether to keep, replace, relocate, or remove a radiator, there’s one critical first step.
Determine Whether the System is Steam or Hot Water.
Not all radiators are the same. Most older homes have either:
• Steam radiators
• Hot-water (hydronic) radiators
This distinction is important because it determines which replacement options are available. Steam systems and hot-water systems operate differently and require different types of radiators. Before selecting a replacement unit, relocating a radiator, or exploring concealed heating options, it’s essential to identify which type of system serves the home. A replacement that works beautifully on a hot-water system may not work at all on a steam system.
Option 1: Restore the Existing Cast-Iron Radiator
In many cases, the best solution is keeping the radiator. Cast-iron radiators are incredibly durable. Many have been heating Chicago homes for more than 100 years and can continue operating for decades. The issue is usually appearance rather than performance.
While radiators can be painted in place, the best results come from removing them, sandblasting them to bare metal, applying a high-quality primer, and refinishing them before reinstallation. This process removes decades of accumulated paint and often transforms a tired-looking radiator into an attractive architectural feature. For vintage homes, restored cast-iron radiators frequently complement the character of the home better than any replacement.
Option 2: Incorporate the Radiator Into the Design
Sometimes the best solution isn’t replacing or removing the radiator at all. Instead, it’s finding a way to make it part of the design. This approach is often surprisingly cost-effective. In some cases, incorporating the radiator into the design costs about the same as refurbishing it, particularly when a commercially available radiator cover can be used. It also avoids changes to the home’s heating system and the costs associated with relocation.
Radiator Covers
A radiator cover can transform an exposed radiator into an attractive architectural feature. Commercially available covers are often a cost-effective option, while custom covers can be designed to match existing millwork and cabinetry. They can also be custom built-in such as bookcases and window seats allowing them to virtually disappear.
Relocate the Radiator Beneath Cabinetry
In some situations, a radiator in a water system can be replaced with a compact fan-assisted convector located under a cabinet toe-kick. When feasible it can preserve heating performance while freeing up wall space.
Option 3: Replace the Radiator with a Modern Unit
After you’ve confirmed whether the system is steam or hot water, you can explore replacement options. Modern radiators are available in several attractive styles. Flat-panel radiators have a clean, minimalist appearance that works well in contemporary interiors. There are also modernized versions of traditional radiators.
Option 4: Remove the Radiator Entirely
In some cases, removal is the right answer with replacement by another heat source. Heat pump systems are an energy-efficient way of heating and easily located in almost any room. There are also electrical units. Hydronic baseboard heaters are an old staple but take up wall space. Other electrical units are available and more flexible in their location but they can be noisy.
The Bottom Line
In many Chicago homes, a thoughtful radiator strategy can improve aesthetics, preserve comfort, and save thousands of dollars compared to a complete heating system redesign.