Shutting Off Radiators

Dave_65

I have a short main that serves only two radiators that I don't need to adequately heat the house. What is the best way to shut off the radiators? Should I simply shut the radiator valves or is it worth putting a shut off on the main itself? My concern is that if I shut off the radiators, the main and takeoffs/risers will still get some steam and be a waste of heat/money. The main is 2" and 5 feet long and the takeoffs/risers total approx. 20 feet.

michael_15

Shutting off the valves

certainly is an easy way to do it. Since you won't have an air vent at the end of the main (you'll want to plug the main vent, too, if there is one), steam won't be inclined to go into that main -- there's nowhere for the air to exit, so the steam can't make its way in.

Keep in mind that your boiler may end up being oversized.

-Michael

t. tekushan

boiler size

IF your boiler is properly sized for the load, shutting off those radiators won't save you very much. But if it makes you feel better, shut them off and save next to nothing. Considering the short main, closing it off won't save you a dime. If you want to save money, have a combustion analysis done, have the burners and boiler cleaned and be sure all traps and vents are working properly. These things pay off big time.

John Barnes

Shutting those off radiators will not save you money. The boiler has been sized to that connected load and by shutting them off you will just create other problems and inefficiencies. This is steam not electric heat. Leave all of the radiators on.