converting steam radiators to hydronic ones

Frank Cheng

That's the stuff I have been looking for since 1999. I've used a web search engine with keywords like "thermostatic steam vent", but never found one.

Frank

Frank Cheng

converting steam radiators to hydronic ones

I have been thinking about converting a steam system to a hydronic system in a 3 story old house for a while. It will be a nightmare to drag out all old cast iron radiators. These radiators have no flow connection on the top. I did one house before with this kind of radiators. I threw them out all because I could not think of any effective way to make air bleeding ports. Now, I am wondering again if it is possible to save these radiators by some kind of special air bleeding method. This could possibly save tons of labor work. Also I love old cast iron radiators. Could anybody enlighten me?

Steamhead

Why convert it?

Steam systems can be fixed, which is a whole lot easier and cheaper than tearing them out. When running as it should, a steam system's efficiency is comparable to hot water. And a steam system won't freeze!

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Boilerpro

I agree...mostly

I've converted systems, but with the type of rads your talking about, fix it and keep it steam (unless all your piping's shot). If its one pipe, you have a very easy installation of room by room temp control with thermostatic rad vent valves. You can also balance the heating without the above valves with adjustable rad vents...I did a home last year which had about 7 degrees difference in temp between rooms and after a couple of hours installing and adjusting the rad vents, the home heats within 1/2 degree from room to room. The owner was just trying to improve comfort until the boiler died and then tear out the system and install....gulp.. forced air. Not anymore...won't let go of that steam system now! We saved another one, Steamhead!

Boilerpro

Steamhead

Nice Going, BP

I'm in the process of saving an old hot-water system now. Watch for info in a future post.

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Frank Cheng

the boiler efficiency

My steam boiler has about 75% efficiency. I have put in 2 condensing boilers in other places with more than 95% efficiency and of trouble free quality. This is one reason I have been considering. But I agree with you that the trouble of converting may outweigh the economics aspect. Thanks for advice.

Frank

Frank Cheng

question about using thermastaic valve for steam systems

Do you have any trouble using thermastaic radiator valves for steam systems? What if the condensate gets locked in a radiator when the valve closed. Or if the valve opens a bit, is the steam going to be struggling with condensate flowing back and causing noise? I am very curious about this idea.

Also, my local RE Michal store only carries 1/2" and 3/4" TRV's. The big ones for the steam are always special-ordered items, which can cost me a fortune. I bought one of 1" from them that costs me $192! Where did you get yours at what prices?

Thanks for sharing info.

Frank

Unknown

Frank, one pipe steam is a different valve

It goes in place of the radiator vent. Here is one, and others make them, as well.

http://www.2hsc.com/pdfs/Page149.pdf