Increasing radiator heat

leaking · February 6

I have an apartment that needs a larger radiator . Pipes are pitched , main vent works , pipes insulated . Radiator pitched and Double vented - 2 - D Gorton used one on top of the other . vari vent don’t work as well.

Outside wall behind radiator is foil faced foam board (which helps) so I’m not throwing heat outside an uninsulated wall.

I just ordered a cheap Amazon radiator boost fan to try . Short of moving in a bigger radiator I have in the basement, is there any else to try . It’s painted latex paint . But many coats .

KC_Jones · February 6

Does the current radiator get fully hot all the way across when it's coldest?

leaking · February 6

yes fully hot , it’s a corner apartment the unit above has a radiator double the size and this is about the same size as interior apartments so I’m thinking I do all I can without putting in a bigger one , but I thought I would ask the pros

ethicalpaul · February 6

KC and I aren't pros but his question was spot on, and your answer is very helpful that the radiator is fully hot.

If it's fully hot, that's all the heat it can provide. Your fan idea can help, see if it's enough—it basically makes the radiator "larger" by increasing the amount of heat it can transfer to the room.

If that doesn't cut it, I think your next step would be to find a larger radiator on FB Marketplace, Craigslist, or other online sales forums. You can always get a new radiator from Castrads for $$$

But I am a bit concerned that you have two D vents on this radiator—that is a TON of venting and should not be necessary. Does the radiator take longer than other radiators to get fully hot? I know you said the pipes are pitched correctly, but hmmm

Big Ed_4 · February 6

Adding a fan would increase the convection and heat output . Bringing up the humidity will help . Put a pot of water on the radiator will help .. Comfort is a balance between humidity and temperature …

leaking · February 6

I have a lot of radiators double vented out of the 50 in the building, only one or two D D . Double D does actualy help vs a D and a C. I have balanced the building as best I can with Gorton 4- D vents . In a hot room I’ve taken a single 4, put aluminum tape on it and used a Pin to make a real slow 2. I think I just need a bigger radiator, but a fan will be fine for now and save me 1000$ or more 😃thank you 🍺

Big Ed_4 · February 6

Your problem is down stairs… Are you down to the lobster pot on the stove ?

This is the longest freeze that I could remember and I worked them all … Hang in there….

EBEBRATT-Ed · February 7

@ethicalpaul

Thought the Op said he had a larger rad in the basement. Hope they have an elevator or not many stairs.

I think @Big Ed_4 is right. This is the coldest winter I remember. I think there was 1 in the early 60s that was bad.

ethicalpaul · February 7

Yeah you're right, he did say he has one in the basement. Hire a couple powerlifters to help you haul it up there and give it a try.

This is the coldest winter I've experienced in 13 years on the east coast, but this is very average according to my memories growing up in Michigan!

mattmia2 · February 7

i'd probably look at adding inside storm windows to the windows. there are very few if any windows that do as well as a mediocre window with a second piece of glass a couple inches away from the window and well sealed.

mattmia2 · February 7

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1886655#Comment_1886655

i seem to remember a week 10-15 years ago here in ann arbor where it never got above 0. it has only been getting down to around 0 the last couple weeks this year.

leaking · February 7

yes I agree the 4 ft x 20” x 13” radiator is best but it has to be moved and power washed. I guess it weighs 2-300 lb. Storm windows are good idea as tenant put up plastic and that helped. But I’ve ordered from Amazon little magnetic temp activated fans for 50$. But I will have to rebalance a few apartments I am removing heat from them. Thanks y’all 😂 . Chicago is not bad this year , it’s the East that’s freezing 🥶

ethicalpaul · February 7

you’re not going to remove heat from them unless your boiler currently runs all day without building any pressure

ChrisJ · February 7

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1886670#Comment_1886670

I think he literally means he's reducing their output because they're too hot.

leaking · February 7

What I meant is the apartment with fans on radiators will have its temperature increased, at the cost- reduction, of adjoining apartments . I have found changing one apartment , does imbalance other units. But I do not know if little fans will actually help yet. Soon I will get delivery from amazon.

dabrakeman · February 10

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1886657#Comment_1886657

Yes, '13/'14 and '14/'15 were cold ones here in Howell. I remember '13/'14 well because that is when my boiler went out😅.

Increasing radiator heat

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