radiator for baseboard

wetheat

Hello, we are considering removing a radiator and replacing it with cast iron baseboard. How do I determine the BTUs of the radiator? Its an old radiator, and its stamped rococo. 38" high and it has 6 sections with a total length of around 18". Its a hot water system. I can size the new baseboard but need help with the output of the radiator. Thanks!

CMadatMe

Btu/hr Of the Radiator

Is irrelevant. Need to calculate a heat loss for the room and size the baseboard to the heat loss.

wetheat

hmmmm

I don't think it is irrelevant if the radiator was sized correctly, and it was.



These math security questions to post are tough!!!

CMadatMe

That Magic Word

"If"...How do you know that it was? Also a radiator capable btu/hr out put with 180 degree water is 170 btu/hr per sqft of edr, fin tube baseboard output based on a 1gpm flow rate is 560 btu/hr sqft.



May I suggest http://www.slantfin.com/index.php/homeowners-page/ipadapp for a heat loss application.



You also don't want to mix different types of radiation on the same zone.

wetheat

Then

I think it is right because my father sized the radiator (and the whole house) and he knew what he was doing.  I did run a load calc on the room, but I want to size it correctly based on empirical evidence.  The house, as it is now, heats perfectly and is in very good balance.  I know that it works great so I want to know how much heat the radiator is putting out and compare it to the load calc that I did. 



I don't believe in too much information to make a decision.  I want to know what I am replacing.  If you can help me there, I'd appreciate it.  Thanks.

Robert_H

I think

That radiator was made by The American Radiator Company. I have the information at home. Ill post it tonight.



Just curious, if it is sized correctly why are you replacing it? leaking? Interior decoration change?

wetheat

correct

Thanks Robert, you are correct it was made by American Radiator. Thanks for looking into it for me.



We are changing it because of room design. I know we are not supposed to use different types of radiation on the same zone, but I am not too worried about it with cast iron radiators and one piece of cast iron baseboard. I'll probably put a Danfoss valve on one of them to fine tune the control in that room.

Robert_H

Rococo

If is 6 sections and 18" long, that should be a four column Rad. (verify please)

If so, 6 section, 4 Col, 38" = 48 sqft. or EDR.



there are a few resources around to get the BTUH knowing the EDR and water temp.



there is a nice chart on page two of this pdf:

http://www.columbiaheating.com/page_images/Sizing%20Cast%20Iron%20Radiator%20Heating%20Capacity%20Guide.pdf

wetheat

correct

Robert, you are correct it is 4 column.  Thanks for your help.