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Help: What's an affordable way to get a smaller, one pipe steam radiator?

OnePipeProblem
OnePipeProblem Member Posts: 3
in Strictly Steam

I am interested in replacing a one pipe radiator in my living room (NY, pre-war building). It works perfectly fine, but it's the original radiator and takes up a decent amount of space in my small apartment.

I've put pictures of the unit and some details for heat loss calculations below. The current radiator is 76 cm wide x 65 cm high x 24 cm deep.

I've looked at Castrads (very expensive), Governale (not great style) and Runtal. I would have loved the Runtal for the space savings, but I couldn't fit a unit large enough for sufficient heat.

Any ideas?

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Comments

  • delcrossv
    delcrossv Member Posts: 2,083
    edited April 7

    Buy a used one. I'm sure there're architectural salvage shops in NYC

    Umm. You DO have the landlord's permission for this, don't you?

    Trying to squeeze the best out of a Weil-McLain JB-5 running a 1912 1 pipe system.
    Mad Dog_2
  • OnePipeProblem
    OnePipeProblem Member Posts: 3

    Yes, I own the apartment. I’ll see if any shops have something relevant.

  • 109A_5
    109A_5 Member Posts: 2,315

    You do understand that a smaller radiator, less EDR (Equivalent Direct Radiation) will give you less heat when you need it the most ?

    National - U.S. Gas Boiler 45+ Years Old
    Steam 300 SQ. FT. - EDR 347
    One Pipe System
  • Mad Dog_2
    Mad Dog_2 Member Posts: 7,954

    Junkyard/salvage shops have all but disappeared in the 5 Boros. One that comes to mind that still has some used radiators is The Bronx, Mike's I recall. Tje Burnham Classic Victorian is an option as well. Mad Dog

    Consulting by Mad Dog & Matt Jr.
  • retiredguy
    retiredguy Member Posts: 1,019
    edited April 7

    Build some type of enclosure to control it's heat output or add a TRV to control it's output. Why look for a smaller rad when the one you have can be upgraded. Besides, that is a great looking radiator.

    OnePipeProblem
  • Grallert
    Grallert Member Posts: 949

    Also keep in mind you will have to replace the valve a radiator spud. You might also have to add or remove a bushing in the radiator to fit the new valve and spud.

    Miss Hall's School service mechanic, greenhouse manager, teacher, dog walker and designated driver

    OnePipeProblem
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,699

    That rad is rated 45 square feet EDR. You need something with similar rating. Governale's 4-tube, 25", 22-section rad would work since it won't stick out so far from the wall.

    https://governaleindustries.com/products/gov-free/

    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    Hap_HazzardOnePipeProblem
  • HeatingHelp.com
    HeatingHelp.com Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 138

    Here are some places in NYC that sell used radiators:

    https://demolitiondepot.com/vo/demo/inv/list.asp?CAT1=Radiators+and+Accessories&CAT2=Radiators&CATC=rad

    Olde Good Things: https://ogtstore.com

    Mike's Pipe Yard (2816 Boston Rd, Bronx, NY 10469 Phone: 718-655-0952)

    More listings here across the US: https://heatinghelp.com/systems-help-center/where-to-find-used-radiators/

    Forum Moderator

    OnePipeProblem
  • dabrakeman
    dabrakeman Member Posts: 735

    There are tons on Facebook Marketplace as well. For the size you are looking for you probably muscle it into your trunk.

  • Intplm.
    Intplm. Member Posts: 2,592

    @OnePipeProblem If you are planning a trip up I95 in the future, look at a few salvage yards in Ct. They still should have a few cast iron rads around.

  • ARobertson13
    ARobertson13 Member Posts: 80

    onepipeprblem,

    I own my apartment and I am on the board and an officer of my coop. I also operate the heating system. I need permission from the board to change anything in the heating system. I suspect you do too. Check your proprietary lease.

    pecmsgLong Beach Ed
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 17,526

    I would leave it as is and put a radiator enclosure over it. No reason to disturb it or cause an issue.

    Buy or have a carpenter build you one. You can control the heat by how much air enters the bottom of the enclosure

  • dabrakeman
    dabrakeman Member Posts: 735

    So are you trying to match the output of your current radiator in a more workable shape/configuration or are you looking to reduce the edr? How tall is the 2 column radiator you have now?

  • delcrossv
    delcrossv Member Posts: 2,083
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1851451#Comment_1851451

    Based on the OP'S comment, the former. (physical size)

    Trying to squeeze the best out of a Weil-McLain JB-5 running a 1912 1 pipe system.
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 12,298

    What is happening with the stool on that window?

  • dabrakeman
    dabrakeman Member Posts: 735

    Based on his listed options it looks he may be looking for less depth but maybe the length is more his concern?? If the latter a shorter 3 or 4 column would work. If the output is good for the room right now and want to stay the same then that is needed input. He said the window sill height is 26" so I figure the radiator there now isn't any taller than that so figure 2.6sqft/section x12 = 31.2sqft. Could go with an 8 section 3 column or 6 section 4 column or many other configuration around 30sqft. @Steamhead
    I see you came up with 45sqft so maybe you have a better identification on that radiator?

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,699

    @dabrakeman , OP gave dimensions in centimeters, and I converted them to inches. 9" deep is 3-column, and it's 26" high- 3.75 square feet per section.

    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • OnePipeProblem
    OnePipeProblem Member Posts: 3

    Thanks for so many helpful comments! Really appreciate all of the knowledge and generosity of the group.

    Correct, my goal is to maintain the heat level while decreasing the size of the radiator. The goal is to gain a bit more space in the living and improve the look.

    I'm familiar with the requirements for changes in my building, which will be the step after I figure out the best solution / model for the situation.

  • Big Ed_4
    Big Ed_4 Member Posts: 3,162

    Runtal makes steam radiators ? Double check …

    Can you get away with a smaller radiator , How is that size working out ?

    There was an error rendering this rich post.

  • Long Beach Ed
    Long Beach Ed Member Posts: 1,735
    edited 1:24AM

    For the same comfort,you probably realize that you'll need a cast iron radiator with similar mass and the same square footage "EDR". The type you are replacing is a two column steam radiator from the 1900 - 1925 era.

    The smaller cast iron radiator with the same EDR would be a "compact tube" model with multiple tubes from later era.

    A steel or aluminum modern replacement will not do the job. It will not retain sufficient heat, allowing the space to cool excessively between cycles.

    A properly designed system utilizes a similar type radiator in each conditioned space.

    bburd
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 12,298

    Might be able to hang a wall hung radiator in the corner and pipe it to the riser

    bburddelcrossv

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