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covers

alanm
alanm Member Posts: 78
in Strictly Steam
I was wondering if radiator covers made from wood (with metal grate opening in the front only) hurt dispersing the heat? I have covers where the top is wood, the back is open, and the front has a metal grate . Should I remove them? should I do anything to them to make them better? I just want to make sure I am not hindering the heat (it is a one pipe steam system). Thanks

Comments

  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 16,231
    They most likely greatly reduce output.
    There are designs which act similar to a convector and create a draft through the radiator which increase output but it's not a simple box with an open front and back.

    I also feel all covers reduce the amount of radiation the radiator provides regardless of whether or not overall heat output is increased. I prefer radiation over convection my self.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,314
    Check this out- it pays to wander off the Wall:

    https://heatinghelp.com/heating-museum/radiator-enclosures/
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 16,231
    Steamhead said:

    Check this out- it pays to wander off the Wall:

    https://heatinghelp.com/heating-museum/radiator-enclosures/

    I have been considering doing something along the "deduct 10%" design for my son's room to increase the radiators output.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • vaporvac
    vaporvac Member Posts: 1,520
    @ChrisJ , I retrofitted a couple of my original covers and the difference was immediate. I can still close the tops in summer. I'd also suggest some relflective behind the rad and painting them in a matte colour.
    Two-pipe Trane vaporvacuum system; 1466 edr
    Twinned, staged Slantfin TR50s piped into 4" header with Riello G400 burners; 240K lead, 200K lag Btus. Controlled by Taco Relay and Honeywell RTH6580WF
    ChrisJ
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 16,231
    vaporvac said:

    @ChrisJ , I retrofitted a couple of my original covers and the difference was immediate. I can still close the tops in summer. I'd also suggest some relflective behind the rad and painting them in a matte colour.

    My dreams, are to paint all of the radiators flat black. :)

    I had also looked into buying glass mirrors to put behind them. Sadly, cost shut that idea down real fast.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • Abracadabra
    Abracadabra Member Posts: 1,948
    I've wondered how much the "deduct X %" would be by adding a fan to the radiator to try and get more output.
  • bob_46
    bob_46 Member Posts: 813
    You might find this interesting

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  • JimmyNJ
    JimmyNJ Member Posts: 107
    My covers fall into the "classic radiator cover" example. Has anyone had any experience with creating holes in the top lid? I'm sure a screwdriver would work but I was wondering if there is a way to "nicely" make hole punches in the sheet metal (taking the lid off and making the holes). Need to keep wife happy but wouldn't mind increasing efficiency :)
  • LarryK
    LarryK Member Posts: 46
    A step drill might be a good choice.

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