Dream almost came true

Mike T., Swampeast MO

I've wanted to see/measure an original gravity system in an essentially original home with SOLID fuel for a number of years now. (Trying to confirm some theories.)

Went to an open house (can't resist old homes) Sunday. "Snowman" in the basement with original draft damper still intact (minus linkage). No circulator and original expansion tank in the attic right where it should be. There is a natural gas "insert" but it appeared easy to remove temporarily. System seemed piped in truly textbook fashion. ONLY evidence I saw of any modification was the kitchen rad--likely either moved slightly during remodeling or enlarged when the old cookstove was removed.

Kitchen and baths are all confined to a wing at the rear that I believe was added when the gravity system was installed--1900-1920 I'd say based on the original tile floors in all. Solid brick home with original plaster in very good shape so no insulation. Has modern storms but the vast majority of homes around here had wooden storm sash and they're similar (possibily even a bit better) insulation-wise. Windows have never been weatherstripped and are in decent shape. Attic is "sort of" insulated.

Maybe I'll be REALLY lucky and someone I already know will buy, or I might try to strike up an acquaintence with fellow "old house people" and get permission for an experiment. Should be able to get coal from a friend who works at the University power plant.

Unknown

snowman

I have a boiler like that, with the coal grates and the tall shaker handle that slips on the grate shaker stub. I took it out, as it was not being used and I needed the space for boiler work. It has no insulation on it, and is not being used right now.

I didn't know you cared.

I've built a gravity by wood with Iron radiators system, on a HS Tarm wood boiler. It has a zone of Slant/Fin 15 baseboard on it, a fan coil in the basement, and a radiant zone in an all-glass great room. It also has a tankless coil in it.

I put TRVs on the gravity zone, and told him that this zone would run backwards when any circulator zone ran.

His comment....It does.

It was ten or more years ago, and it was a red rubber hose radiant system. The hose is hard and crunchy now. I don't know if he had to change it or not. It was staple up under a tile floor, in a cold climate, on a mixing valve control setup.

memories.....

Noel