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Radiator to baseboard conversion

Bundy
Bundy Member Posts: 3
I just recently bought a home with radiant heat. I'd like to replace my bathroom radiator with baseboard due to space constrictions.(I'd rather not anyone sustain burns when nature calls)

Anyway, how difficult is it to switch the units out? Are there any concerns that need to be addressed first...Such as, water heater size or size/capacity of the new baseboard compared to the radiator being replaced?



Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Jeff

Comments

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796
    Is this

    a steam or hot-water system?
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Bundy
    Bundy Member Posts: 3
    It's a hot water system

    I'm not too familiar with it, but I know that it's a new tankless hot water system installed within the last year
  • heatpro02920
    heatpro02920 Member Posts: 991
    Pictures?

    Depending on how it is piped and zoned, replacing a FHW radiator with a single piece of baseboard isnt a great idea, since the rest of the zone is sized for the radiators to heat their area, putting a 4ft section of baseboard is going to get you a couple thousand BTUs max. and the heat is going to be gone fast, while the rest of the zone will not call for heat because it is satisfied by the large radiator full of hot water sitting in there...



    SO depending on a few things, that pics of the boiler and radiator you want to replace could clear up, I would not change a radiator for baseboard in one room. If you zone the bathroom off with its own thermostat then it wouldn't matter since it will be on its own circuit. That is much more invasive than just throwing in a piece of bb... You will have to isolate the supply add a zone valve or circualtor, and thermostat at the least, but most likely will be even more involved than that...
  • Paul48
    Paul48 Member Posts: 4,469
    Simply

    Removing a cast-iron radiator and replacing it with a piece of baseboard would be a decision you would regret very quickly. The cast-iron holds the heat, and emits it longer than any emitter you could put in its place. In a hot water system,they get hot, but not the type of hot that would burn someone if they bump into it. Mine get very hot in the winter, and I can hold my hand on them without getting burned.
  • Bundy
    Bundy Member Posts: 3
    Thank you very much!

    I was hoping for a project I could handle myself, but I see that I should definitely seek a professional if I decide on a change. Thanks for all your help!
This discussion has been closed.