Best Of
Re: Radiator removal
When you cut the copper elbow with a hacksaw and you remove the other side the same way (if there is no valve or union) you can then add the proper valve and union combination when the radiator returns with your new finish. Be careful that the paint or other coating is something that is compatible with the temperature you expect the radiator to operate. There have been folks herein that asked how to stop the odors that are emitted from the paint after it is heated to 180°. I can't remember what paint the folks used that resulted in that horrible odor, I just remember that the odor was more unbearable as the radiator temperature increased. Read this:
After the radiator is ready to be put back in place, you should invest in the proper Radiator valve and union return bend so that future service will be easily completed by loosening the unions on the valve and return bend. I believe the links will give you examples of the lower cost 3/4" sweat fittings. There are also more Decorative valves and fittings that you may want to consider if you are so inclined.
Re: New refrigerants Epa 608
@ronaldsauve " But as you might recall when you took your EPA608 test, they mentioned that it would be your responsibility to keep current with new regulations."
I don't remember anything from 1992 LOL🤣
Seems like a big downturn in quality the last few years.
Between microchannel problems, evap. coils leaking and just poor quality. I have had two window units fail and both were less than 4 years old. 1 a GE and the other a Friedrich.
Oh, and the mini split line sets with the white insulation.
Between boiler and AC equipment failing…………how long does equipment last now? The old 20 year standard doesn't seem to hold any more.
The only ones making out is the scrap guys. The customers are taking a hit.
With all the quality problems we were better off with 12 & 22 equipment that didn't leak.
Re: New refrigerants Epa 608
Unfortunately the r290 equipment hasnt gotten better. Used to recommend "name brands" like true and bevair, but they fail the same rate as rebranded offshore. Only advantage is we can get the replacement parts with name brand. Lol.
Talking to manufacturer techs, compressors are an issue and evaporators are leaking. Ive done A LOT of evaporators on 1-2 year old equipment. I wonder if it is a refrigerant issue with the copper or a quality issue with the evaporator. As to compressors, the manufacturers are forcing customers to buy new units as compressors are quoted in months, not days; and not cheap either.
Great for the environment, dont build a 30 year cooler, dont fix your 1-5 year old cooler; toss it into the landfill and buy an new cooler that you can replace in 2-3 years. Because the environment and efficiency and #we care.
Should be even more fun coming, hoshizaki says all their small to mid sized ice machines will be r290 in a year or so. Claim its mandated by Uncle Sam. Might as well hook the r290 can to them and change the can every week. 🤷
Unofficial, i hear 134a works well in r290 equipment. 🤦
Re: New refrigerants Epa 608
Oh,
The small commercial systems have finally caught up to the dehumidifier crowd? Leaking all over the place?
My dad just bought a R32 dehumidifier to replace one he had that's 2 years old and leaking, and it's icing up out of the box. Apparently they start leaking just sitting on the shelf.
ChrisJ
Re: New refrigerants Epa 608
Anything mid 1930s to mid 1940s is probably an excellent choice if you just want it to make your food cold and never stop working.
ChrisJ
Re: New refrigerants Epa 608
I'm holding out buying a new refrigerator until its an R290 unit that way I can be fairly sure the tech will stick around long enough the manufacturers might have a chance to perfect it. That or do what @ChrisJ would do and buy an antique monitor top.
Re: New refrigerants Epa 608
Thinner=more efficient—-yes
We have a 10 to 1 leak rate on indoor wall units, the "high efficiency" wall units are 10x more likely to leak.
That's just mt data. I've been logging this into a speadsheet for 10plus years
GW
Re: Beckett Oil Burner
Use an 1/8” impact bit in a micro ratchet, like the Klein one.
Re: Remodeled House. Now Radiators Are Way Too Large
@Alan (California Radiant) Forbes I misunderstood; thought there was a comfort issue. BTW, I did the same…oversized runtal rads; boiler ended up way oversized, not because of planning, but because I installed during COVID and a smaller boiler just wasn't available. Max water temp is set at 150 degrees however, on 30 degree day, modulates to well under @120 ish.

