another odd ball two pipe with air vents

GW

I didn't grab a pic of the radiator vents but they're there. Must be orifices? All common dry returns

Danny Scully

If i had to guess, I’d say it’s a Richardson system. I’ve worked on a few recently and in addition to the hand valves looking the same, that longer tailpiece on the return fitting is similar as well.

Steamhead

I think you're right, @Danny Scully . And a beautiful American Rococo 4-column rad.

@GW , can't wait to see how it works after you de-knucklehead it.

GW

ahhh well that's the bad news, the people are expanding their home and looking to replace with a new HW system. Please don't shoot the messenger

Danny Scully

@gw...please don’t do this.

GW

The dude will have someone do it--if it's me the rads will come back and join my several score of old rads. He even told me he got a warm air quote.

Mike Cascio

This level of upgrading seems to spread like a cancer to old houses. Lets upgrade a 2 pipe steam system to a forced hot air system which would have been considered as a low end system back in the day. Also lets take those beautiful true divided light windows out and replace them with white plastic vinyl windows, they may pay off in 20-40 years with marginal savings. A lot of the shows on these DIY channels have brought out the worst in home improvements. Especially on 80+ year old homes.

Danny Scully

Someone could also sell him on keeping his unique 2-pipe (once deep vacuum) steam system. That someone could be you @GW.

JUGHNE

"Rebuild steam or go Hot water" posting here is a good testimonial concerning keeping a steam system.
It is a good read, I just bumped it up.

Jamie Hall

GW said:

The dude will have someone do it--if it's me the rads will come back and join my several score of old rads. He even told me he got a warm air quote.

I'm not going to shoot the messenger -- in fact, if anyone had to do the dirty deed better you than some idiot who would send the radiators to the scrap yard.

But I almost wonder, Gary -- or any of the rest of you guys -- if there would be any use to having someone with no skin in the game (that's me) available to come around and consult with homeowners on this sort of thing and try to help them see the light? I'd be willing to do that, within a reasonable sort of distance from northwestern Connecticut, from time to time...

Steamhead

It'll cost them less to de-knucklehead the Richardson and put a new HW system in the addition.

newagedawn

many heating geniuses these days find it easier to install scorched air or boilers with 4 pumps when 1 is needed all in the name of efficiency , than fix something they have no clue about, cant anyone read anymore???? so sad

GW

how flattering- anyway please shoot me a link to where i can get an air expeller and vacuum valve, and I'll try selling him a separate boiler for the rest of his home. He has an older farm-style house with an addition built 80 years ago, probably close to doubling the size of the original house.

Fizz

Try a MEPCO quick vent. I have a Richardson and 2 yrs ago replaced my 2 non-vacuum vents with them and the system has been in vacuum, with t-stat on hot water. Result, steady warmth, lower bills, no need to blow-down, or add water.

Big Ed_4

Looks like the system was installed later and not original . The house probably started out with pot belly stoves .. How many chimneys and flue passages can you find ..I like how they bent the supply pipe .. I see the exposed risers in the background ... Sometimes I wish I can get away with that . Imagine pex dangling though the living room

You have to love antiques to keep them ... The New Homeowners are completely redoing the home , expanding and modernizing . Then again It's not that Grand House on Main Street it's a farm house ..We know woman hate radiators ... I see them cringe when I suggest panel radiators over baseboard... The women are looking for that extra floor space for furniture .... We know they are also going to install Central Air and big kitchens ...

I love those old houses but I would hate to upkeep them . Every time I see an old beauty , I figure how long would it take just to paint it. And all that prep work.. I love old cars too ,But I don't like to drive them .... Old houses are a sweaty love with great attics and tiny closets ...

GW

OK thanks, I haven't heard back, he was talking about ducts but i declined to offer a quote for that task