Welcome! Here are the website rules, as well as some tips for using this forum.
Need to contact us? Visit https://heatinghelp.com/contact-us/.
Click here to Find a Contractor in your area.

Replacing Convection Heaters

Hey Everybody, I have a customer who would like to replace his convection heaters with long runs of baseboard on a monoflo system, are there any problems with this or any special concerns I should address?
Thanks, Bob Gagnon
To learn more about this professional, click here to visit their ad in Find A Contractor.

Comments

  • nicholas bonham-carter
    nicholas bonham-carter Member Posts: 8,576
    What exactly are convection heaters?
    And why does he want to change them?—NBC
  • Convection heaters are like radiators, made out of finned copper, in an enclosure to encourage convection. He wants to install baseboard because he doesn't like the radiator sized enclosures. From what I remember about monoflo systems, you had to space the tees supplying the radiators far enough apart to encourage the heated water to flow through the radiator, it's impossible to get to the piping, so I believe the long lengths of baseboard needed , would have too much resistance, and the hot water wouldn't flow through the baseboard, does anyone know if that is correct?

    Thanks, Bob Gagnon
    To learn more about this professional, click here to visit their ad in Find A Contractor.
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796

    Convection heaters are like radiators, made out of finned copper, in an enclosure to encourage convection. He wants to install baseboard because he doesn't like the radiator sized enclosures. From what I remember about monoflo systems, you had to space the tees supplying the radiators far enough apart to encourage the heated water to flow through the radiator, it's impossible to get to the piping, so I believe the long lengths of baseboard needed , would have too much resistance, and the hot water wouldn't flow through the baseboard, does anyone know if that is correct?

    Thanks, Bob Gagnon

    I think you're right.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    Bob Gagnon plumbing and heating
  • Danny Scully
    Danny Scully Member Posts: 1,416
    Yes @Bob Gagnon plumbing and heating, you’re correct. Unless you plan on repiping or installing baseboard of the same width with means of bleeding both ends, I wouldn’t advise it.
  • Thanks!
    To learn more about this professional, click here to visit their ad in Find A Contractor.
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 22,024
    with flow restrictive emitters I think two tees are required to add enough pressure drop in the common pipe. Fin tube, even TRVs can be piped in the branches.

    Chapter 11 in Siggys Modern Hydronic Heating has all the math required to design, about 16 steps required. Good info for troubleshooting also.
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
    Bob Gagnon plumbing and heating
  • RomanP
    RomanP Member Posts: 102
    How about runtal radiators? They look amazing when done right. Pricey... yeah... but best looking IMHO
  • bob eck
    bob eck Member Posts: 930
    Hydronic Radiant Panels

    Runtal

    Buderus Radiant Panels

    Myson Radiant Panels

    Ecostyle Radiant Panels

    This is a list of four manufacturers of wall panel radiators.

    Where were you located at.