can you convert a gas steam system to hot water baseboard

jmc

I have a steam system I would like to know if I can convert to hot water. The boiler is fairly new. Is there a way to run hot water baseboard through the existing system and if so what changes would I need to make.

Rod

Steam to Hot Water

What sort of steam system do you have and why would you want to convert it?

jmc

converting steam boiler

I would have to get the details on the system.

I am renovating the entire house , everything, and we thought the baseboard would go over better with a buyer.

I was debating on keeping it, but that is not the issue. It interferes with the house layout is really the only reason. if there is a way of converting the boiler I would consider running new baseboard. I will get the info tomorrow if it is the determining factor.

Steamhead

Why not

just move the radiators around that are in the way? It would cost less and work just as well.



Any time you try to convert a steam system to hot-water, you run a lot of risk. If it ain't broke...............

jmc

I am

considering doing just that -

but my question is really how I can convert if I choose to.

any websites, links or info would be helpful -

Thanks

Rod

Converting Steam to Hot Water

Changing a steam system over to Hot Water involves a lot more than just changing a few pipes, adding a pump and filling the system with water. It's not quite as simple as it might look and you really need to do you homework first. Why we asked what type of steam system you have is that some types are more easy to convert than others. A lot of pros won't do conversions because of the liability involved. You're taking a old steam system that operates at under 2 PSI pressure and changing it to run at a much higher pressure which can create a great potential for leaks. If you do decide to convert I would find a pro that had experience in doing this type of conversion as you need a pro's experience to know what will work and what won't work otherwise you can easily end up with a mess on your hands. Here's a link that will give you an idea of what is involved:

http://www.heatinghelp.com/article/350/Conversions/152/Converting-from-steam-to-hot-water-heat

You might also want to look in "Shop" section at the top of this page there are a lot of good books on both steam and hot water heating that might be of help to you.

- Rod