Hopefully someone can give me some advice about our heating dilemma:
We have a 100 year old house in Massachusetts, which we purchased 2-1/2 years ago. Heat is through steam radiators and a gas boiler. There was a problem with the boiler that necessitated replacing it (long story short my hubby didn’t tighten one of the radiator nuts and all the steam escaped from the boiler), so needless to say we have a brand new boiler. The house is about 1,800 sq feet, with 4 bedrooms on the 2nd level. It has a walk-up attic that is 1/2 insulated. All rooms except the kitchen have the old-fashioned coil style radiators for heat, except the bathroom which has a floorboard style. When we moved in, my Dad replaced the steam valves on all the radiators. The foyer has a fireplace, but the damper needs to be replaced so it is not functional. It is sealed to keep cold air out and warm air in. The 1st floor has replacement windows, while the 2nd floor still has the old metal framed windows – we wrap the windows with plastic shrink wrap. The house has blown in insulation. I attached a BASIC sketch of the floor plan for a better idea of the layout.
So the problem is we have a horrible heat flow in the house. To make the 1st floor living area comfortable, the upstairs is like a sauna. the radiator valves are shut off to 3 of 5 radiators on the 2nd floor to keep the temp regulated. The thermostat is in the Living Room on the 1st level. At night it is set at 62; during the day – 66. So by no way are we wasteful of the energy – our monthly gas bills were $300 and up last year. We have added doors to the doorways from the Living Room and Dining Room to the Foyer to try to keep the heat from escaping – but either way it seems to all get sucked right up the stairway. Last year we even encased the stairway floor to ceiling in sheets to keep the warm air downstairs, but it wasn’t very practical.
So – we don’t know what to do…should we run the boiler at a constant temp instead of the up and down from 62 – 66. Would it help to install a fan at the top of the stairs to keep the heat down???
I’m sorry to give such detailed info but I’d appreciate any help in how to keep the house more comfortable and energy efficient.
Thank you,
Sarah
Replies
I would say you need a good weatherization person to assess the house and the system.
At the heating $ you are paying, it would make sense to spend several hundred for an analysis.
The key to forgiving others is to quit focusing on what they did to you, and start focusing on what God did for you. Max Lucado
Sojourners: Christians for Justice and Peace
I have steam heat in my 75 year-old house but don't notice much difference between the first floor and second floor. Besides, with the shower and bedrooms upstairs, I like it a little warmer up there.
With steam heat, some radiators tend to heat sooner than others. Murphy's Law says that the room you want warmest will heat last. When the heat comes on, do the upstairs radiators get hot first? What happens if you turn them all off upstairs? Sometimes the shut-off valves don't seal very well. Are your steam valves working? As soon as a radiator gets hot, the valve should shut, allowing the steam to move to other radiators. You can sometimes hear them pinging.
Just the other day on "Ask This Old House" the plumber demonstrated a thermostatically controlled steam valve. It seemed like a cool idea, but may be overkill for your situation.
Al Mollitor, Sharon MA
I'd suggest you also post this question on "The Wall" at (www.)HeatingHelp.com
It is a forum for mostly for hydronic heating professionals - and it seems there is generally a good response to any homeowners who post and have a clue as to what they are talking about.
Very active forum, you will have replies in no time.
Good luck - Roy