Help with Free Standing \"Glow Steam\" Radiator

Bob W._3

Could you post some pictures of them? Thanks.

J Wiseman

Maintenance for free-standing \"Glow Steam\" Radiator

We have lived in a 1940's home with free-standing radiators for 4 years, the label on them says "Glow Steam."
Up until this year they seemed very efficient and heated the house well. This year the output has not been adequate.
We can not find a professional in our area that is familar with this type of radiator, so we are trying to troubleshoot ourselves.
We were thinking that we need to refill the raditor, but not sure how and if it is with water or oil.
We live in the Albuquerque area if anyone can recommend a professional as well.
Thank you for your help.

Steamhead (in transit)

Are these rads gas-fired?

If so they were made by "Clow" not Glow. Many of these were not vented to the outside, and some have been known to set curtains on fire. So they are therefore illegal in some areas.

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J Wiseman

Yes, they are gas.

J Wiseman

Pictures of Radiator

HI there,
Attached are a few pictures of the radiator.
We ended up refilling them with water yesterday. But they are still not putting out as much heat as they did in the past.

Bob W._3

I'll bump this to see if any of the steam guys can help. I do note that your vent is painted white and appears old. New vents could possible solve the problem.

ttekushan

yes, make sure everything's clean and...

find a professional to determine if your gas supply pressure is as it should be. I find it odd that all of them are of inadequate performance. The only thing in common with all of them is the natural gas supply.

No matter what you wind up doing, DONT THROW THESE AWAY. If nothing else they are of tremendous historical interest to those of us who appreciate such things.

-Terry

Jay_17

Careful..

I know almost nothing about these, but be careful about filling them with water. If they work on a steam basis then you probably only need a certain amount of water.
As someone else said, it is strange that they all would start working poorly since they are basically independant units, what else may have changed in the house??
Jay

J Wiseman

Thank you & more questions

Thanks for the input.
To clarify, they are not performing equally, some better than other. However, all of them are not working as well as they did a few years ago.

Is there a good resource to find local professionals that specialize in free-standing radiators?
We have had the power company and 4 different plumbers come out, none have any experience with this type of unit.

Lastly, what/where is the vent?

Bob W._3

The vent is that device 2/3rds of the way up your radiator in the 2nd picture you posted. It is painted white. They should be replaced periodically anyway. Try to find a good steam man to look at these. ABQ is a pretty good size town.