How big a deal is it to replace radiators with other radiators?
maddybeagle
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
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Comments (23)
tim45z10
8 years agolucy132
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agoRelated Discussions
Radiators under windows, how to deal with that?
Comments (15)Okay, now I see what an Âoctopus lamp is. Good description. [g] Well thatÂs a different way to have a grow lamp. Nice that you can aim them where you need them. ThatÂs a LOT of orchids! Do you still have any of them? I have two that I need to pay some attention to soon, but that's another post. Your fig tree did very well in a north window. Very nice and gorgeous window! I had one a long time ago and I was happy if I could just keep it from dropping leaves. You have a nice little green oasis in your office too. It always surprises me that plants can tolerate low light. They look like they are doing well too. What is that large plant? So, do you have any plants now? Any good windows? IÂve always wanted a south window for plants, wouldnÂt that be great? I really need easy as pie for houseplants because I garden outdoors seven months of the year and winter is my break. I want to have the plants but I donÂt really want to take care of them. [g] I used to have a ton of houseplants when I didnÂt garden outdoors. I spent a lot of time on them and even had a gardenia that bloomed, but that was a long time ago. IÂm very rusty. This was my one and only Hoya in my Western window, which has since deceased. I think I left it outside too long in the fall. And you can see my table with the tray of pebbles over the radiator there.... And a Hibiscus that I also killed and I donÂt even remember how. I had it for 5 years and it did well and would have a bloom here and there w/o lights.... That paint color is called ÂTidewaterÂ. I always enjoy names of paints. ÂSilver Sage how pretty. I like Blues with whites and beiges too. I think I am influenced sometimes to gravitate toward a color with a great name...lol. DoesnÂt it seem sad that we end up painting our houses and making them look great just as weÂre leaving them? Thanks for the photos of how you used the lamps. I am going to look for one or two of those. Enjoyed seeing your plants very much. :-)...See MoreReplacing A/C, should I keep the furnace and radiators?
Comments (9)I would advise thoroughly investigating a new boiler system and keeping the radiators as a lot can be done with modern hydronic systems. They are very efficient, up to about 96%; they can be wall mounted and are very compact taking up no floor space at all. They can also incorporate an instantaneous domestic hot water capability so you would not require a reservoir tank or separate device. Also they are quiet and induce no drafts. High efficiency condensing gas boilers can be side vented meaning that the present condition of the chimney may not be a factor at all. Having NG means that you can have a gas stove, dryer, fireplace and outdoor BBQ. A gas stove and fireplace would mean that you would have access to heat and cooking during a power failure. Keep in mind that a hydronic system, particularly one with cast iron radiators, is fully compatible with a geothermal heat pump that can provide heating, domestic hot water and central cooling without ever having to install duct work. Keeping the hydronic system will also maintain the original look and feel of the home as well as its heritage value as time goes by. Any renovation or new addition could also include radiant in-floor heating with the hydronic boiler system. This is particularly nice in kitchens and bathrooms. These are highly prized features when it's time to sell. Even with, or dare I say especially with the 'old' cast iron radiators, a modern hydronic system in the 21st century is NOT your parent's heating system at all! SR...See Morereplacing radiators with central air and heat
Comments (17)Agree with tiger dunes. If I could afford it, I would get rid of central air for heat. Radiant heat using radiators is more efficient. The large cost of heating may be related more to a lack of insulation than the efficiency of the radiators. If you suffer from allergies, you will prefer radiant heat. If the style of the radiators are a concern, depending on whether they are water or steam boilers, more contemporary options exists for the radiators. Many who can afford it, put in radiant floor heat in their homes. I am putting in electric radiant heat in my bathrooms. Mini splits will also prevent the major construction to add ducts for air conditioning. You can also have backup heat with the mini splits. Good luck!...See Moretwo bedrooms need old radiators replaced.
Comments (2)These radiators appear to be connected to a two-pipe water boiler (not steam)? For standard hot water radiators you can find tables online to calculate the BTU capacity. You need to measure the height, number of rows (looks like it is 3 for yours), and the normal operating temperature of your boiler when the pump is running. That will give you the BTU heating capability of the current radiators. Then go to a site like Runtal or Myson and look up the BTU rating for their various radiator options. Some are advertised as replacements for cast iron, while others are intended to use with a baseboard heating system. One big difference is that cast iron radiators are usually run at a relatively low temp (135-150 degrees) because they retain and radiate heat very well, while baseboard systems run at a a higher temp (180 degrees) because they heat and cool quickly. If you mix the two types of radiant heaters you will need to heat water to the highest temps needed, and then use a mixing valve to mix in cold water for the lower temp units. The simplest option is to use a new radiator that has characteristics similar to your existing cast iron radiators so that it works well with your existing boiler configuration. If you let a contractor replace them with cheap fin and tube radiant heat units without making any other changes I doubt you will be happy with the results. Bruce...See Moremaddybeagle
8 years agoscone911
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8 years agoBruce in Northern Virginia
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8 years agoLinda
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8 years agobungalowmo
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agocapedude
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8 years agoSarah Malik
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