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need ceiling steam radiators for basement

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Binnacle
Binnacle Member Posts: 126
in Strictly Steam
I'm looking to obtain two or three proper ceiling radiators for heating a semi-finished basement. EDR of roughly 15 to 25 each. Should I be looking for actual "ceiling radiators," or is it possible to, for example, employ a wall radiator instead? Here's a link to examples of the latter where #21 or #23 seem the right idea though they might be short on EDR:

http://www.oldcastironradiators.com/WallRadiators.htm

Motive for question is that a search for "ceiling radiator" did not turn up much on either the web-at-large or on HH. I'm not in a hurry and could configure an eBay search to notify when/if one appears over the coming months or year.

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  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,358
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    I would think the wall radiators would work just fine. The biggest problem with ceiling radiators is getting them pitched and piped so that the condensate can drain.
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,861
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    We see wall radiators mounted on the ceiling all the time. Getting them up there can be a challenge though.

    Is this a steam or hot-water system? How high is the ceiling?
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Binnacle
    Binnacle Member Posts: 126
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    Thank you everyone for the comments.

    Per the subject it's a steam system; if it were hot water I would not need to go to the ceiling in the basement. Ceiling is low, about 6'6" with exposed rafters and the main is seven inches from them. Thin profile wall radiators should do the job now that I know they are viable. I'm planning to tee off existing run-outs as cutting into the main seems likely to be a huge job.

    I just hauled a 350lbs radiator up two flights of stairs with an old barn block and tackle purchased on eBay and a hand-truck with 13" wheels. For the ceiling radiators I might purchase a compact sail rigging block and tackle to get them up as the barn-style is too bulky, though I prefer the latter when space permits.
  • Dave in QCA
    Dave in QCA Member Posts: 1,786
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    Wall radiators, as in thin panel type that are fastened to the wall are in fact the same thing as a ceiling radiator. I'll attach some information. Here is a link. https://heatinghelp.com/assets/documents/498.pdf
    Dave in Quad Cities, America
    Weil-McLain 680 with Riello 2-stage burner, December 2012. Firing rate=375MBH Low, 690MBH Hi.
    System = Early Dunham 2-pipe Vacuo-Vapor (inlet and outlet both at bottom of radiators) Traps are Dunham #2 rebuilt w. Barnes-Jones Cage Units, Dunham-Bush 1E, Mepco 1E, and Armstrong TS-2. All valves haveTunstall orifices sized at 8 oz.
    Current connected load EDR= 1,259 sq ft, Original system EDR = 2,100 sq ft Vaporstat, 13 oz cutout, 4 oz cutin - Temp. control Tekmar 279.
    http://grandviewdavenport.com
    Canucker
  • Binnacle
    Binnacle Member Posts: 126
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    Excellent information! Very helpful.
    Thank you very much.
  • wogpa67
    wogpa67 Member Posts: 238
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    Why not do a hot water loop for the basement?
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,358
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    Because ceiling hung steam radiators are a lot easier and less complicated?
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
    Canucker
  • Binnacle
    Binnacle Member Posts: 126
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    Does seem an easier approach and the boiler is 55 years old. Don't want to touch the tappings! And don't want to introduce a circulating pump that requires electricity as the system is thermopile and runs with no external juice--very nice after Hurricane Sandy. Hate the sound of hot water pumps.
  • wogpa67
    wogpa67 Member Posts: 238
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    Maybe, maybe not. Without knowing that particular system it's just a Wag. Just gave him another probable option.
  • Abracadabra
    Abracadabra Member Posts: 1,948
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    problem iv'e found in basements with ceiling hung radiators is that all the heat tends to stay up above 4-5' and from about 4' down to the floor stays pretty cool. IOW, stratification. I've thought about offering to install low voltage fans with a thermal switch attached to the radiator to push heat down.

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