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covers
alanm
Member Posts: 71
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
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Comments
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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 treatment0 -
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
Consulting0 -
I have been considering doing something along the "deduct 10%" design for my son's room to increase the radiators output.Steamhead said:Check this out- it pays to wander off the Wall:
https://heatinghelp.com/heating-museum/radiator-enclosures/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 treatment0 -
@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 RTH6580WF1 -
My dreams, are to paint all of the radiators flat black.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.
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 treatment0 -
I've wondered how much the "deduct X %" would be by adding a fan to the radiator to try and get more output.0
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You might find this interesting
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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 efficiency0
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A step drill might be a good choice.0
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