CI baseboard or CI rads

JIMBO_2

I am getting ready to add heat to a small pantry (7x6 ft) that has never been heated before.  The house uses primarily CI rads (9 of them) and 30 years ago someone added CI baseboard in the kitchen (kitchen alteration eliminated space for a rad) and the same for the bathroom.  After reading several posts, I cannot help but wonder which would work better.  I have both available to me, so I would not be buying either.  Just trying to get the most from the system and keep the family as comfy as possible.73G

kevin_58

rads

What type of heat steam or hot water.

JIMBO_2

hot water

Hot water heat

Mark Eatherton

Size the emitter to the load...

They are both cast iron, so it doesn't really matter much what you put in, although the larger radiator will generate more heat and comfort for a longer period of time.



The above assume you have a pump on your system and it is not a converted gravity system. If it IS a gravity converted system, go with the radiators. Less pressure drop.



ME

JIMBO_2

Thank you, Mark, but

I do believe this system IS a converted gravity system.  But I am not certain.  The last boiler was installed in 1956, a Weil Mclain  oil-fired unit with an internal coil for domestic hot water.  Prior to that, all I can remember is that we had a coal bin in the basement (every now and again we stumble upon a chunk of shiny black coal).  The boiler has supply and return 2 inch "headers" running from the boiler to 1 inch tees feeding the rads on the 1st floor, then downsizing as the header in the basement continues to tee off for the remaining rads, feeding the 2nd floor rads with 3/4-inch tees.  I cannot say for certain if it was a gravity system at one time.  Any ideas?