Decorative covers

Bigtim

My son just bought a house, 1910 vintage, with steam heat.  My house which I have had for 10 years also has steam heat.  His house has the enclosures that cover the radiators, mine didn't.  What are the pros and cons of the covers. Intuitively, I think it slows down the heat transfer, radiation and convection, and therefore is less efficient.  One web site that sells covers claims it increases efficiency because you are not radiating to walls, ceilings, etc.  I like that warm and toasty feeling you get when you sit near one of the hot radiators.  Appreciate any thoughts on this. 

mchema

Rad document

Here is a document about rad covers. We have been debating putting on covers. You can also increase the output in a rad box is you place a sheet of metal as the back of the box.