Installing a circulator on 1930s gravity system

hot_rod

have some control issues. What's the first thing a tenant does when the heating system uncontrolably overheats the building?

That's right they open windows. Which, of course, drives the system, and fuel cost, even higher.

I'll bet with some leg work you can find a knowledgable heating expert in your area. Check with reps and wholesalers in the area that deal in boilers and controls.

B&G reps generally know the "players" in various cities, start there. Good luck :)

hot rod

Sam Hurst

installing circulator in 1930s gravity system

I bought my first home, a 1930s two story duplex in Memphis TN, last year. One side has a newer boiler with a circulator installed, the other side has a gravity system (I think it is top fed) and my heating bills are killing me. I can't afford to replace the boiler and it works well anyway, so I thought a contractor could add a circulator to that system to reduce my heating costs. I've read that it is possible to do this..but my contractor isn't so sure. Does anyone know of where I can find step by step instructions to add a circulator to a gravity system?

Mike T., Swampeast MO

If your system is circulating well under gravity alone just adding a circulator won't do much except add the cost of running it.

The old gravity boilers are extremely inefficient.

On a cold day of fairly steady outside temperature measure the temperature of both the supply and return lines. The temperature difference should be from 25° - 35° or so. If this is the case and your radiators are heating evenly the system is still working as designed. About the only way you will reduce fuel consumption is by replacing the boiler.

If the home is not insulated and well weatherized start there!

Overhead gravity systems were absolutely first-rate. You should see VERY large pipes heading straight up where they turn horizontal they should start getting smaller as branches are taken DOWN to the radiators. The returns will then start to "collect" and increase in size as they make their way DOWN to the boiler.