converting from steam to hot water

moores

I have been advised by one heating contractor to convert from my steam system to hot water, while two others are concerned because of several problems with this conversion. The tax credits and rebates make the two jobs very close in cost. I have many reservations in doing the conversion as I feel if it was set up for steam it should be completely redone for hot water and the contractor is planning on using the existing two pipe system and the same radiators. Are my concerns warranted and should I just replace the steam boiler?

nicholas bonham-carter

illegal conversion

what would be the purpose of such a conversion? has the old boiler failed? there could well be problems with the radiation capacity of the old radiators with 180 deg. water, instead of the 212 deg. steam for which they were designed. in addition, the increased pressure of a hot water system could find leaks you would never have expected.

i would measure the total of the edr of the radiators, and select a steam boiler whose rating is correct, and have it installed by a real steam expert.--nbc

Steamhead

These conversions

are a can of worms. Stick with the steam.



Are you going to go with oil or gas?