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Turn off radiator?

ansky
ansky Member Posts: 41
in Strictly Steam
I have a radiator in an unused spare bedroom. If I turn off the supply valve to that radiator will that help me to save on energy costs, or not make much difference? I already tried adjusting the vent to it's slowest setting, but the radiator still seems to "steal" a lot of steam. Is it ok to turn it off completely, or will I be throwing my whole system out of whack?

Comments

  • Rod
    Rod Posts: 2,067
    Turning off a Radiator

    Hi- Yes you can turn your radiator off without a problem. It's better to just turn the vent upside down to shut it off. If you close the valve on the pipe to the radiator, it may still leak steam into the radiator which will condense and may not be able to get back out (steam can go where water can't) and cause your radiator to fill up with water which is why the upside down vent method is preferred. I shut down a lot of my house when it gets very cold. I use TRVs and set them very low (around 42 degrees) which keeps the rooms warm enough so the pipes in the wall don't freeze.

    - Rod
  • ansky
    ansky Member Posts: 41
    Vent

    I tried turning the vent upside down but it still vented air and the radiator got hot. I'm using a Vari-Valve Heat Timer vent. I'll have to try turning off the valve completely.
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,313
    The upside-down trick

    doesn't work with that vent. Try a Vent-Rite #1, which has a dial that you really can use to shut off the radiator.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Big Ed_4
    Big Ed_4 Member Posts: 2,973
    or ....

    just put a 1/8"plug in the vents place...

    There was an error rendering this rich post.

  • SteamRoller
    SteamRoller Member Posts: 12
    edited February 2011
    House air carries heat too...

    Depending on how much house air can get into and out of the bedroom, you may still be heating the room with the radiator off. If you're closing off the room, then a little insulation to stop airflow will help (like a rubber strip "sweep" or a door snake at the bottom of the door, or something to block the keyhole if you have old-school mortise locks, etc).



    And remember not to freeze any water pipes that may be in the outer wall...
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