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steam to forced water

SolarGuy
SolarGuy Member Posts: 13
can I, and should I, even try to convert existing one pipe steam radiators to a forced hot water system?  I know it may mean drilling and tapping the radiators, but can that really done with success? and what about 50 years of scale inside? 

Comments

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796
    They may not

    be able to work with hot-water at all. Post some pics and we may be able to help you.



    Are you considering converting an entire system, piping and all? Don't. Too many things can go wrong.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Charlie from wmass
    Charlie from wmass Member Posts: 4,318
    Did you know

    a new steam boiler can be from 82-86% efficient? Depends on fuel choice and system conditions. They can be converted BUT and yes it is a big but, the old radiators may not take the 10 fold increase in pressure. also the lower temps the will produce may not actually heat the rooms.
    Cost is what you spend , value is what you get.

    cell # 413-841-6726
    https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
  • SolarGuy
    SolarGuy Member Posts: 13
    thanks

    Thanks guys. Its like I figured. I am a radiant guy mostly and need to talk my customer out of wanting to save money by converting the old radiators to HW. He saw them do that on this old house and thought it was a good idea.
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796
    edited March 2010
    That program

    is so far away from reality that it's not even worth watching. Same with the magazine of the same name. Try Old-House Journal- Dan writes for them sometimes.



    I wonder if some of TOH's "underwriters" (can't call them advertisers on public TV) are pushing certain equipment, and want it used no matter what?



    There are plenty of things we can do with a steam system to make it run more efficiently, and doing so involves much less risk. Anyone who says they've never had a problem on this type of conversion, hasn't had one YET. 



    Tell us more about this project. Where is it located?
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Brian_19
    Brian_19 Member Posts: 115
    steam to water

    Converting radiators from steam to hot water is fairly easy. I think Oventrop makes a special valve to convert 1 pipe steam to two pipe hot water. I have done several conversions over the years with great success. A mod con boiler with a home run to each radiator is very simple and very efficient.
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