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.
If our community has helped you, please consider making a contribution to support this website. Thanks!

Increasing radiator heat

Options
leaking
leaking Member Posts: 139
in THE MAIN WALL

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 .

Comments

  • KC_Jones
    KC_Jones Member Posts: 5,921

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

    2014 Weil Mclain EG-40
    EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Boiler Control
    Boiler pictures updated 2/21/15
    ethicalpaulbjohnhymattmia2
  • leaking
    leaking Member Posts: 139

    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
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 8,510
    edited 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

    NJ Steam Homeowner.
    Free NJ and remote steam advice: https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/new-jersey-steam-help/
    See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el

    KC_Jonesmattmia2
  • Big Ed_4
    Big Ed_4 Member Posts: 3,442

    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 …

    There was an error rendering this rich post.

  • leaking
    leaking Member Posts: 139

    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
    Big Ed_4 Member Posts: 3,442

    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….

    There was an error rendering this rich post.

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 19,955

    @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.

    reggi
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 8,510

    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!

    NJ Steam Homeowner.
    Free NJ and remote steam advice: https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/new-jersey-steam-help/
    See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 16,151

    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.

    ethicalpaul
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 16,151
    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.

    ethicalpaul

Categories