steel versus cast iron radiators

Becky_2

We love the steam and would not convert to hot water.

Becky_2

steel versus cast iron radiators

We are in the process of renovating now -- almost every room. Four years ago with Dan and Steamhead's help, (and Greg from Burnham) we got our new boiler sized right and then had the plumber pipe it correctly -- wonderful heat!

My new problem. when we bought the old place someone had removed 5 of the original radiators and replace a few with baseboard electric and others just did not replace. So we are replacing while renovating.

How do steel radiators work as compared to cast iron? Is there a problem with corrision? What about venting?? Any help will be appreciated as I must get a couple of radiators here within a few weeks and my renovator does not want to touch steam or cast iron....neither do most plumbers in the Harrisburg area.

J.C.A._3

I'm sure they did a fine job,

The big question is....did you tell them about future plans and did they size the boiler accordingly?

My guess is if there were no longer steam pipes heading in those directions, they were forseeing either a flat plate exchanger or a sidearm heater to put the steel "panel" radiators that you are asking about.

I LOVE the look of the flat panel radiators. They heat objects as well as air and are FAR superior to baseboard emitters. They hold the heat for quite a while after the thermostat is satisfied as opposed to fin tube products. Not as long as the cast iron does....so they should be "zoned" in their own areas. Save yourself a pile of headaches and ask for TRV's..Thermostatic Radiator Valves to control these panels and you will be more than happy. Chris

S Ebels

JCA

Can steel panel rads be used in a steam application?

J.C.A._3

Steve,

None that I've seen could. For the most part, they are fed by 1/2" lines.Could they handle steam? I doubt it would be able to vent properly, but as far as temps. and pressures, I bet they would be able to hold them easily.

If I could get them with an inch and a quarter supply, I would be the first to see, but that isn't going to happen!

I think the owners best bet is to make sure there is enough boiler there to get some kind of hot water to the panels they are asking about. Chris

Becky_2

Steam Steel Radiators

Thanks for information. Whoever 'muddled' our home left the steam pipes in the wall and capped them. They are at weird angles and clang (two pipe)-- but as we renovated we take care of the angles and they are then quite.

To find steel radiators for steam you can visit one site at www.steamradiators.com/.

Anyone have thoughts on corrison? Or would the 20 years it might take -- not be a problem?

David_5

steel radiators

Steam pipes are made of steel and their track record for holding up is excellent. I think steel radiators will outlast you. Go for it.

David