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Increasing radiator heat

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leaking
leaking Member Posts: 139
in THE MAIN WALL

I have an apartment that needs a larger radiator . Pipes are pitched , main vent works , pipes insulated . Radiator pitched and Double vented - 2 - D Gorton used one on top of the other . vari vent don’t work as well.

Outside wall behind radiator is foil faced foam board (which helps) so I’m not throwing heat outside an uninsulated wall.

I just ordered a cheap Amazon radiator boost fan to try . Short of moving in a bigger radiator I have in the basement, is there any else to try . It’s painted latex paint . But many coats .

Comments

  • KC_Jones
    KC_Jones Member Posts: 5,921

    Does the current radiator get fully hot all the way across when it's coldest?

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    ethicalpaulbjohnhy
  • leaking
    leaking Member Posts: 139

    yes fully hot , it’s a corner apartment the unit above has a radiator double the size and this is about the same size as interior apartments so I’m thinking I do all I can without putting in a bigger one , but I thought I would ask the pros

  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 8,508
    edited 7:10PM

    KC and I aren't pros but his question was spot on, and your answer is very helpful that the radiator is fully hot.

    If it's fully hot, that's all the heat it can provide. Your fan idea can help, see if it's enough—it basically makes the radiator "larger" by increasing the amount of heat it can transfer to the room.

    If that doesn't cut it, I think your next step would be to find a larger radiator on FB Marketplace, Craigslist, or other online sales forums. You can always get a new radiator from Castrads for $$$

    But I am a bit concerned that you have two D vents on this radiator—that is a TON of venting and should not be necessary. Does the radiator take longer than other radiators to get fully hot? I know you said the pipes are pitched correctly, but hmmm

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    KC_Jones
  • Big Ed_4
    Big Ed_4 Member Posts: 3,434

    Adding a fan would increase the convection and heat output . Bringing up the humidity will help . Put a pot of water on the radiator will help .. Comfort is a balance between humidity and temperature …

    There was an error rendering this rich post.

  • leaking
    leaking Member Posts: 139

    I have a lot of radiators double vented out of the 50 in the building, only one or two D D . Double D does actualy help vs a D and a C. I have balanced the building as best I can with Gorton 4- D vents . In a hot room I’ve taken a single 4, put aluminum tape on it and used a Pin to make a real slow 2. I think I just need a bigger radiator, but a fan will be fine for now and save me 1000$ or more 😃thank you 🍺

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