Need to regulate heat for baby's room.

sjenkins318 · January 29

Hey folks. Got a single pipe steam system. My baby's room is very small, and has a small radiator in it. With the thermostat at 72* his room gets way too hot... about 84*. I was leaving the window open but that had problems of its own, so I ended up turning off that radiator at the floor valve and using a small electric heater with thermostat in his room.

But I hate paying the electric bill with the space heater running.

So, I'd like to turn the steam radiator back on, and use a TRV. Will this work for my problem? If so, what TRV should I go with? I see a lot of folks recommending Danfoss but it seems like you have to order a few things to make the Danfoss system work. If anyone can list what exactly I need to get, I would be super grateful. Especially if you have part numbers or links!

Thanks in advance!

ethicalpaul · January 29

Before the cost and complexity of the TRV, did you try a smaller capacity vent on that radiator?

You can also cover part or all of the radiator with a blanket to make it radiate less.

pecmsg · January 29

Cover the radiator with a blanket or towel

Intplm. · January 29

@sjenkins318
If you want you can also try something like this.

Do you have a one pipe steam system?
This should help.
It's a thermostatic radiator valve made for steam.
It can be installed at the tapping of your current vent on the radiator.
I believe this one is made by Honeywell.
Can be purchased at SupplyHouse.com

Do a little research and see if this will work for you.

Waher · January 29

Vent-Rite No.1 adjustable air vent

sjenkins318 · January 30

Thanks for the suggestions. About the blanket. Wouldn't that be sort of a waste of energy, to have the radiator on but mainly only heating the inside of a blanket?
I'm curious if turning a radiator on or off has much effect on the overall oil usage of the boiler.

pecmsg · January 30

Same as changing the vent!

Its something to start with to make a decission.

ethicalpaul · January 30

sjenkins318 said:
Thanks for the suggestions. About the blanket. Wouldn't that be sort of a waste of energy, to have the radiator on but mainly only heating the inside of a blanket?
I'm curious if turning a radiator on or off has much effect on the overall oil usage of the boiler.

no, it's not a waste of energy. The blanket will greatly reduce the ability of the radiator to...radiate which means it will get less steam. The heat it does get under the blanket will eventually slowly make its way into the room, which I believe is what you are looking for.

Reducing the size of your radiation in this very minor way will very slightly reduce the amount of fuel you burn (because the steam will go elsewhere in your house including where your thermostat is, satisfying it sooner), but it won't be noticeable.

EBEBRATT-Ed · January 30

The blanket restricts the airflow over the radiator so the rad uses less steam and the room runs at a cooler temp.

You can not throttle a radiator on one pipe steam with the rad valve

sjenkins318 · January 31

Yeah, I know you can't throttle a radiator with the on/off valve. I don't believe anyone was suggesting that.

Ok, I suppose that makes sense with blanket. The steam goes in the rad, and stays as steam because the airflow doesn't cool it to the point that it condensates and makes room for more steam.

I thought limiting the airflow wit hte air valves would be better for fuel economy because the steam can't get in the rad at all if the air can't get out, or doesn't get out fully.

Anyway, thanks all. I guess I'll go with a blanket.

EBEBRATT-Ed · January 31

You can put in an adjustable air vent or a TRV Thermostatic radiator valve as well if your not happy with the blanket.

If you want a TRV call Tunstall Associates. They sell Macon valves. Send them a picture of the rad and they will hook you up with the right valve. just Google them Chicopee, MÁ. They advertise on this site

Need to regulate heat for baby's room.

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