How \"much\" steam radiator do I need?

Sandy_2

I am about to put a binder on a 1905 2-fam NH home and was struck by the small size of the radiators compared to other homes I'd toured. I wondered what the suggested specifications were, knowing a little about electric and hot-water baseboard heat, for effective steam heat radiation relative to room size. Can someone offer suggested specifications?
Also, an original boiler with damaged asbestos jacket is being left behind. I don't mind it staying there as long as the asbestos is contained, legally and effectively. Are there ways to contain this without removing it?
Thanks for your help.

tommyoil

Can you say Mesothelioma?

Moving into a place KNOWING there is "damaged" asbestos is not a great idea. I wouldnt want my family there either. This is unhealthy stuff. If its in your mind to not remove it, and only to contain it, then I'm sure you'll be able to find a contractor to adhere to your wishes. However, in my opinion you should have the asbestos removed.PERIOD ! Get estimates and have the costs negotiated into the contract(just an idea) You are going to have to do it anyway when the boiler gets replaced ( which if its asbestos covered will probably be very soon)so why spend it twice. Take the safe road here. Remove the asbestos, and change the boiler. Your energy bills will make you happy that you did.And so will your healthy family.

Steamhead

Tommy's right about the asbestos

You really need to have that done. I'd see if they'd drop the price a bit on the house to facilitate the process.

Steam radiators do look small if you're not used to them. That's because they will emit 240 BTU/hour per square foot EDR rather than 150 on hot-water. You get a lot of heat from a steam radiator. To ascertain if they are the right size, have a heat-loss calculation done on every room. This will remove all doubt.

If the old boiler is still in use, it won't be very efficient without the asbestos. This was applied as insulation. I think there are other insulating coats that can be applied to such a boiler if replacement is not an option right now.

If the old boiler is round (looks like an oversized 55-gallon drum with doors on the front) it won't be efficient at all due to rather poor design, so replacement is far and away the best option. BTW, how about taking some pictures of the old beast and maybe a few old radiators as well? We love to see this old stuff!

Suggested reading: "The Lost Art of Steam Heating" by Dan Holohan. This excellent book is available on the Books and More page of this site. And as you can see, steam is not such a "lost" art on here!

Ken_8

Both Tommy & Steamhead are right...

The time for asbestos abatement is before you close.

Licensed asbestos abatement companies now compete and the previously absurd pricing has plummetted as a result.

I have seen similar situations here in the very costly to do business area within 20 miles of NYC run a customer around 4K for complete pipe insulation removal and remediation - done to "strict" federal standards/complinace. That number would include demolition and removal of the existing (and more than likely asbestos laden boiler).

As suggested, ~4K should not be a deal-breaker for a written and bona-fide certificate of complete asbestos removal to be provided at closing.

The replacement boiler would then be your burden. Based on your comment, not really a burden at all; rather the direction you were headed in any event - anyhow.



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