Replacing Steam Heater in Apt Bathroom with Radiant Floor Heating

Options
Riverside
Riverside Posts: 2
in Radiant Heating
Hello - I'm wondering if it is possible to eliminate a 1930s steam radiator in my pre-war apartment in Manhattan (I'm on the 8th floor of a 14 story building) and have hot-water-operated radiant flooring instead. Wasn't sure steam could be converted to hot water within the bathroom since obviously I can't access the building boiler. The goal is to get rid of the radiator altogether for aesthetic purposes yet maintain heating of the floor. Second question would be is this an expensive endeavor?



Thanks in advance.

Comments

  • Zman
    Zman Posts: 7,614
    Steam

    The quick answer would be NO.

    You may be able to eliminate the radiator and put in electric radiant.

    If you post a picture of the radiator in the  "strictly steam" section, those guys may have some better ideas.

    Carl
    "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough"
    Albert Einstein
  • ChicagoCooperator
    ChicagoCooperator Posts: 363
    Your by-laws may say no...

    Since you plan on renovating I assume you live in an owner-occupied coop (or condo). Your by-laws/management/board may not allow you to [permanently] remove a radiator and if you install a radiant mat under the floor and it's not sufficient it may be a sticking point in future sales while increasing electric bills. You might want to research other radiator options, especially since you are paying for the heat source in your assessments, particularly if you are renovating a bathroom. 
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Posts: 18,980
    edited January 2014
    Also consider

    the wisdom of putting electrical equipment in the floor of a "wet" room. Tile floors tend to develop small cracks, which could let water get to the radiant, possibly causing a shock.



    Then consider that if the radiant fails, you have to tear the floor up to get heat in there again. This is messy and expensive.



    They make steam radiators in different shapes and sizes. Surely there is something that will do the job while taking up less space.

    Co-Founder, All Steamed Up, Inc.

    Semi-retired

    Baltimore, MD, USA

Categories