How to measure Radiator Sq Ft?

jpf321 · November 2009

I'm trying to figure out how to measure the sq ft of my radiators .. it is as simply as I found online .. "multiply by the # of rad

sections---thus, a 24 section rad 1/2' wide and 1.5' high = .5 X 1.5 =

.75 sq/ft X 24 = 185 sq.ft. X 170 = 3060 btu/hr as the heat output for

this rad. " ..

I have a 1-pipe steam system with radiators throughout the house.

I just found this online too .. has a table which provides Heating/sq. ft. but it says it comes from the manufacturer of that specific brand... <a href="http://chestofbooks.com/home-improvement/repairs/Mechanics-Household/Forms-Of-Radiators.html">[url=http://chestofbooks.com/home-improvement/repairs/Mechanics-Household/Forms-Of-Radiators.html]http://chestofbooks.com/home-improvement/repairs/Mechanics-Household/Forms-Of-Radiators.html</a>

On another note .. does painting the radiators silver (or any particular color or painttype metallic) affect the radiation?

Wow .. I just found the table on this page .. <a href="http://chestofbooks.com/home-improvement/repairs/Mechanics-Household/Radiator-Finishings.html">http://chestofbooks.com/home-improvement/repairs/Mechanics-Household/Radiator-Finishings.html</a> It seems that painting a radiator does matter .. and it seems like WHITE is the best choice. But I'd like to hear from the group.

Thanks,

jpf

SteamHeat · November 2009

A Little More Than That.

The EDR book that is sold on this site covers almost every radiator for steam and will get you exact numbers. The book also has a reprinting of an article on paint and color. Metallic paint reduces the effective heat output of the radiator by 10 to 17%. There is also an article on radiator enclosures.

Personally, I am going to have to strip the paint from my radiators because it stinks when the radiator is hot. Think about that before you re-paint.

The following website (read through the pages) will help you calculate close estimates for tube and column style radiators:

[url=http://www.colonialsupply.com/resources/radiator.htm]http://www.colonialsupply.com/resources/radiator.htm

You will find postings on the forums here at this website for various other styles of radiator such as convectors and sunrad's.

If you back search you will find postings from people, myself included, with discussions of their radiators and associated EDR's.

Hope this helps.

jpf321 · November 2009

....

Thanks for the post and the nudge in the right direction. I appreciate the quick response.

DanHolohan · November 2009

Also,

you have to figure 240 Btu per Square Foot EDR when it's steam. I think that formula you're showing is for hot water.

How to measure Radiator Sq Ft?

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