Maximizing my radiator.

tsayles50

After reading Dan Holohan’s book I wanted to follow his lead and maximize my system. This weekend I’m putting in heat reflective material behind my radiators. These are my radiator covers. Should I also put the reflective stuff on the sides and top creating a box with the only opening the front? Is this getting to much in the weeds regarding this topic?

-Tim

STEAM DOCTOR

You should open the top cover. Or get rid of it. You will get between 30% to 35% more heat. According to Dan's books

Big Ed_4

do you need more heat for the room ?

PC7060

As @Steamhead said, removing the radiator cover will make a big difference in comfort.  

jesmed1

Or if the top is wood, cut a lot of slots in it, running front to back. (The slots should stop short of the front and back edges, obviously.) The quick way is with a circular saw, making plunge cuts. That will make narrow slots only the width of the blade, so they won't be very effective. You can make the slots wider by first drilling a 1/2-inch hole at each end of the slot, then plunge-cutting twice so that you end up with a 1/2-inch wide slot between the drill holes. The wider slots will improve airflow a lot.

The more advanced way is to use a plunge router with a 1/2" straight-cutting plunge bit and rout the slots out. That will be cleaner and faster.

Obviously, take the cover off first before trying any of the above.

neilc

loose the cover(s)
it's really comfortable inside them