Too Hot, Too Cold - Part II

Susan_6

I took your collective advice and bought Danfoss Thermostatic radiator valves to cool the second floor. Boy these work like a dream. Someone mentioned that they should be installed throughout the house. Not that I'm going broke or anything (!) but how critical is this requirement?

Steamhead

I wouldn't use them

in the area where the present thermostat is. But if there are any rooms on the first floor that you want to keep cooler than the main living areas, by all means use them there.

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Susan_6

Ok, thanks

For now, I'm going to leave the first floor as is and live with the current upgrade for awhile. The first floor has been too cool but I have noticed an incredible difference throughout the house with the TRVs; that is the temp in nearly the same in every room. Who knew?

Peter Rothstein

Same problem (too hot, too cold) got questions

My house is ca. 1937, single-pipe steam, with a second floor that is about 5 degrees at least warmer than the first (worse on cold days when the boiler is firing more). Original American Standard boiler was replaced with a W-M SGO-8 oil boiler a few years ago. It's probably making steam faster than the original boiler, I'd guess. Always was uneven, but maybe a bit worse with new boiler. I've tried adjusting the radiator air vents, still not balanced, been through most of the tips in TLAOSH, on the site, etc. Seems like thermostatic air vents are a good idea, but- I see Armstrong, Danfoss, Honeywell and Macon have offerings. Any experience with the various brands? Some of my radiators are open radiators w/o space limitations, some are recessed in the walls, sort of pseudo-convectors. Those would definitely need remote sensors, I'd think, plus the size of the assemblies would be critical. Any good thoughts/suggestions would be welcome.

jerry scharf_2

It was me

Susan,

I just warned you that you were going to want them everywhere once you install them. How close was I?

Thanks for reporting back with the success.

jerry

Susan_6

Jerry:

These are the greatest. My second floor was 70 and the first 57. I have two more sets on order to complete the second floor but the difference is amazing. The Wall now has me wanting a new thermostat so I think the first floor will wait until next year. Still, 5 radiators (3 in enclosures) cost about $500. Honestly, worth twice that.

Thanks.

Susan_6

Peter R:

I am will to tell you my story as directed by The Wall. I purchased Danfoss valves through www.webbsupply.com. The staff is very helpful in figuring out what you need and the prices are very good compared to others. The mistake I made is not realizing I needed three components: steam pipe, thermostat and straight vent (old set-up used an angle vent).

My temp difference was much greater than yours but these valves are worth their weight in the oil your wasting and the discomfort you are experiencing.

Good luck.