steam to forced water

SolarGuy

can I, and should I, even try to convert existing one pipe steam radiators to a forced hot water system?  I know it may mean drilling and tapping the radiators, but can that really done with success? and what about 50 years of scale inside? 

Steamhead

They may not

be able to work with hot-water at all. Post some pics and we may be able to help you.



Are you considering converting an entire system, piping and all? Don't. Too many things can go wrong.

Charlie from wmass

Did you know

a new steam boiler can be from 82-86% efficient? Depends on fuel choice and system conditions. They can be converted BUT and yes it is a big but, the old radiators may not take the 10 fold increase in pressure. also the lower temps the will produce may not actually heat the rooms.

SolarGuy

thanks

Thanks guys. Its like I figured. I am a radiant guy mostly and need to talk my customer out of wanting to save money by converting the old radiators to HW. He saw them do that on this old house and thought it was a good idea.

Steamhead

That program

is so far away from reality that it's not even worth watching. Same with the magazine of the same name. Try Old-House Journal- Dan writes for them sometimes.



I wonder if some of TOH's "underwriters" (can't call them advertisers on public TV) are pushing certain equipment, and want it used no matter what?



There are plenty of things we can do with a steam system to make it run more efficiently, and doing so involves much less risk. Anyone who says they've never had a problem on this type of conversion, hasn't had one YET. 



Tell us more about this project. Where is it located?

Brian_19

steam to water

Converting radiators from steam to hot water is fairly easy. I think Oventrop makes a special valve to convert 1 pipe steam to two pipe hot water. I have done several conversions over the years with great success. A mod con boiler with a home run to each radiator is very simple and very efficient.