Radiator Removal

RachelKHen

I've been reading some of the threads, and have found that everyone seems to be a huge fan of radiant heat, and honestly, we would be too if it worked.

See, my husband and I bought a house that was built in 1925, about a year ago, and were told that there was radiant heat, and forced heat that both worked. Now what we have figured out is that the radiant heat does not work. All of the parts are there, but there's a lot that needs to be repaired, or replaced. So we want to take out the system in our basement, and the radiators that are everywhere else in the house. Our house is already small, and the radiators just take up too much space.

Our issue has been finding a "How to"... Since every one loves radiant heat so much, there's not much on how to remove it, or what to do with everything once you do remove it.

HELP!!!!!

KC_Jones

I'm a bit stumped here, why not fix the heating system? Fixing what is there will almost always be more economical than putting in a complete new system.

Also what do you plan on replacing it with?

RachelKHen

The previous owners already had forced heat installed. So we don't have to replace anything, just remove what isn't working (the radiators).

Sorry for the confusion.

Jamie Hall

Apparently you do have forced air heat in the house? And it works? And you are satisfied with it?

So you simply want to remove the existing radiators and piping and all -- no replacement system needed or wanted?

I can't recommend it -- hot water or steam heat with radiators is always more comfortable than forced air, and usually more efficient, but..

you're the boss.

Removal is pretty simple. It may be possible to take some of the piping apart; particularly, if it is steam (you don't say) the radiators may be removed from the piping by loosening the unions and disconnecting. Otherwise your best bet is a Sawzall or angle grinder and cut the piping into manageable, movable pieces. You may be able to find a salvage yard somewhere nearby which will take the radiators -- if they are usable, there is a market for them. You may or may not have to pay. The boiler and the piping are scrap; you will probably have to pay to have it hauled away.

Keep in mind that with the first cut you are committed. Once it's gone, it's gone. If it were mine, I'd find out what was wrong with the system and repair it as needed and enjoy it. But as I say, you're the boss -- and, since it doesn't work now at least you'll never know what you are missing.

RachelKHen

Thank you Jamie.

We have had someone look at it, however we have not been able to find someone in our area that works on them to be able to fix it. At this point we believe it would be better to just remove them. I do appreciate your advice and opinions!

Thank you for taking time out to help a clueless woman!

Brewbeer

In your first post you said you radiators AND radiant heat. Typically, what we think of as "radiant heat" is usually a system that uses the floor and/or walls and/or ceilings as the "radiators". Radiators that you might see in a hot water or steam heating system aren't generally part of a radiant system, unless it is a hybrid. Can you post a few photos of what you have?

RachelKHen

I will definitely do that! (I’m kind of ignorant when it comes to this stuff.) Thanks for explaining what I said doesn’t make sense. ☺️

Ironman

Where are you located? Have you tried our contractor locator above? ^^ ^^

I second what everyone else has said about keeping your radiators. Forced error is the worst form of heat, but it's the only thing that most of these "techs" know today. And most of them don't know that very well.

Steamhead

Ironman said:

Where are you located? Have you tried our contractor locator above? ^^ ^^

I second what everyone else has said about keeping your radiators. Forced error is the worst form of heat, but it's the only thing that most of these "techs" know today. And most of them don't know that very well.

This.