Steam system radiator is in the way
Hello! I’m getting ready to remodel my condo (an 1920s unit in New England). The building uses an old steam system, which means that I have to live with bulky radiators. Two of them are placed in such a way that they severely limit the possibilities for their rooms. I would like to replace them with something less bulky, or at least move them out of the way. It is my understanding that bulky radiators are simply inevitable with a traditional steam system. If this is the case, I guess my only alternative if I want to use steam heat is to find a way to move these radiators to less obtrusive locations (close to the windows, of course). Another alternative is to forego the steam heating altogether, and install an electric HVAC unit (heat is included in my condo fees, and I doubt I’ll be able to get out of paying it, but I may still be willing to go this route). I would love to read your comments on how best to deal with this situation.
Many thanks!
Kynn
Replies
They make baseboard steam radiators which are less bulky than the upright finned jobs that you are talking about. I think these baseboard units are also used for hot water, but they are heavy cast iron sections, not the fin tube type.
You may also want to check out the radiator place on Prospect Ave in Somerville, just outside of Union Sq. They have lots of radiators on display, you might be able to find ones that better suit your taste.
If you are going to swap out radiators, make sure you calculate the "square feet of steam" of the existing radiators and match it with whatever you put in. This will make sure you don't negatively alter the capacity of your system.
heatinghelp.com can tell you how to calculate sf of steam.
Hi, Alecs. Great stuff. Thank you very much.
Kynn
you can use a heat exchanger to convert steam to hot water giving lots more flexibility.
Thank you very much. The heat exchanger idea sounds intriguing, but I'm not familiar with it. I assume it is something I can connect to the steam pipe in my apartment in such a way that it doesn't affect the heating in the rest of the building, but that allows me to use a hot water system in my apartment. Is this the case? If you know of where I can learn more about this option, please let me know.
Thanks,
Kynn
go to my dear friend Dan Holohan's website. but his steam heating books and study them. based on your new information you will be able to make an informed decision which route to take and whether this is a DIY project or not. tell him Richard Miller sent you.
his site is http://www.HeatingHelp.com
Thanks for the info. I'll check it out.
Kynn