Welcome! Here are the website rules, as well as some tips for using this forum.
Need to contact us? Visit https://heatinghelp.com/contact-us/.
Click here to Find a Contractor in your area.

Converting system question

Hubble
Hubble Member Posts: 1
in THE MAIN WALL
Is it possible to convert a 2 pipe steam system with cast iron radiators and cast iron piping to a hot water system that is heated by a gas condensing low mass boiler as the heating plant? What would be necessary to accomplish that? Ie: filters, chemical agents, chelating agents or seperators to protect the heat exchangers of the low mass boiler?

Comments

  • JStar
    JStar Member Posts: 2,752
    Steam

    Don't do it.

    Don't do it.

    Don't do it.



    Or....don't do it.



    You'll never see the benefits of a significant energy savings, even after throwing a boat-load of money at the system to do it. Get the steam working as well as possible, and keep your money in the bank.
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 24,994
    Amen, brother Joe

    I love it!
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • SWEI
    SWEI Member Posts: 7,356
    Possible?

    Yes.



    Advisable?  Rarely.
  • nicholas bonham-carter
    nicholas bonham-carter Member Posts: 8,577
    What are the problems you have with your system?

    You must have been plagued by problems with your system to have thought of changing from its original steam to hot water. There are several problems which can result from such a change:

    1. The increase in pressure from a pound or so, to 12-15 psi, can open up leaks which would never happened with the steam.

    2. The size of radiator installed with steam, may not be large enough for hot water in terms of BTU's of radiation.

    A well maintained steam system can be as comfortable, quiet, and as efficient as a hot water system. It's all in the maintenance, so let's start with your list of symptoms.--NBC

Categories