Replace steam radiator system with high-velocity mini duct?

Kate_P

Hi Everyone,



We have a colonial house (1901), currently heated by steam radiators. Our boiler just gave out on us, and we are looking at either replacing it with a new high-efficiency boiler, or potentially removing the radiators and installing a new high-velocity mini duct system for both AC and heating. We like this idea because it would be a dream to have central air, and our house is smaller, with limited floor space and it would really free up some options for us to get rid of the radiators. I have heard some concerns about using that system for heating, however, and wanted to see if anyone here has installed such a system, how they like it (esp. if you're using it for heat), and any other advice people might have on the pros/cons or experience with any installers, etc.



Thank you so much!

Steve Whitbeck

comfort

High velocity forced air will NOT create the same comfort level as the rads did. It also will have some air velocity noise. Make sure that the water coil You use is oversized to allow the high eff. boiler to work at lower temps.

Steamhead

Keep the steam

the house will be more comfortable in the winter, and you won't be trying to do two radically different things with the same ductwork. This never works well, it's wrong at least half the year.



With a modern steam boiler and proper tweaking, the steam system will run more efficiently and deliver better winter comfort than any air system will.



Where are you located?

BobC

Not the way to go

I agree that the high velocity system would not be nearly as comfortable as the steam heat. The high velocity would feel like a draft even with heated air. Think long and hard about this before jumping in.



Maybe you could use a mini split system to add air conditioning to the house.



Bob

gennady

mini ducts

Mini ducts high velocity in my opinion is not an option at all. Installing properly sized steam boiler along with properly insulated, vented and controlled steam system, is the most economical way. (look at one pipe steam system control valves from Danfos).

2nd option would be convert system to hydronic heat with mod con boiler, but it will be pretty expensive proposition.

Kate_P

Keeping the steam

Hi Everyone,



Thanks to each of you who has weighed in and shared your thoughts. Looks like we'll just be replacing the steam boiler with a new one and keeping that system!



Thanks again!

BobC

Select the right contractor

Make sure the contractor you select knows steam and will install the new boiler in accordance with the manufacturers piping diagram or better. Also make sure he matches the new boiler to the radiators in the house, to many steam boilers are oversized and that wastes fuel.



If you have any questions, just ask and someone here will get you the correct information.



Bob