sunrads

Phil_6

I was at a house today with a real heating abortion. He had a steam system changed over to hot water a couple of years ago. They left the old boiler, 10-15 years old and way oversized I'm sure. Still has the gauge glass on it as a matter of fact.
Just a big mess.
The biggest problem believe it or not is upstairs. He has mainly sunrads all around. All piped in series with 1/2 pex and divided into a few zones. One zone has six radiators all 14-20 sections. Another has six radiators AND 2 kickspace heaters. The radiators actually get hot after a while but things don't really work too well as you can imagine. The water goes out at 180 and back to the boiler at about 100 or so. All the radiators are different temperatures, etc.

Is there anything to be done without repiping all of this and tearing up his nice house?

Oh, and while I was there he got his new budget plan in the mail from the gas company. $5600.00 a year. Its a nice house but not a mansion. Maybe 2500 sq ft.

bob_50

Phil

I think you know the answer. How about WMD. Good Luck

Timco

Increase the flow speed...may have a multi speed pump, or insulate every accessable pipe. Low return temp no good.

T

Empire_2

Wow

did you mean 1/2 pipe thru-out? No wonder your Delta T is 80*,...I'm supprised it's not comming back as cold tap water,(just kidding). Adding a stronger pump is not the answer in my opinion. This pipping has to be addressed. SInce the heat capacity of 1/2" pipe is 15,000 btu at 1.5 gpm it may work on 1 to 2 of these radiators. You need to repipe this system my friend. Keep us posted on this. Also you asked if anything can be done without ripping out the pipe,...A bigger pump would make alot of noise due to sheer volocity trying to rip thru 1/2" pipe.