Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Dec 31, 1998 04:54pm | #1

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   Carol,

   You need to determine how the radiators are coupled to the heating system. The piping may be configured in a half dozen ways and each presents opportunities for semi-seperation from the primary zone. Unless you can figure out if you have a single pipe steam system or a Venturi loop or a contunuous loop or some other confuguration you are probably best off to hire a heating / plumbing contractor to advise you.

   With some of the configurations (steam or Venturi) you can install a device that will subzone the room so you can keep it at say 45 degrees. On a contunuous system you'd have to have a bypass pipe installed along with the radiator mounted "zone" valve.

1. 
   Guest_ | Dec 31, 1998 06:55pm | #3

   *Carole, As Mike points out, there are many ways the piping may be configured to these radiators. Some of them make it easier for the water to freeze in the room. You must not forget about the pipes themselves. If you think it's cold enough for the radiators to freeze, then the pipes can freeze too, and you probably can't get at them. I would take Mike's advice and call a pro to look the situation over.

2. 
   Carole | Dec 31, 1998 06:55pm | #2

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   We have a gutted room which won't be completed for several months (no windows, no interior walls, and no insulation). Winters here are freezing and we can close this room off from the rest of the house with temporary doors, but there are two cast iron hot water radiators in the room- they're part of the zone for the rest of the floor.
   Can anyone suggest how to approach this situation? The thermostat is in another room. Would it be a good idea to just put insulated blankets around the radiators, or should there be a way to isolate them from the rest of the zone and turn them off? We don't want to risk having them freeze for the obvious reasons, and because they are impossible to replace.