What is the difference between a radiator for steam heat or hot water heat?
I have hot water system and need to change radiators and want to know if I can use a replacement from a steam system.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Diagnose comfort problems and building deficiencies without tearing the house apart.
Featured Video
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
Fine Home Building
Follow
-
Fine Homebuilding
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial Now -
GBA Prime
Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
Most old, upright radiators can be used for either steam or hot water. If it was once used for steam, you should have no problem converting it to forced hot water. However, steam radiators might have some, or a lot, of scale and debris in them, so make sure you really flush them out before installing. Can you use hydronic baseboard instead and save your back?
Thanks -no I cant use baseboard
How would I convert the steam unit if I find one? Is it just a matter of changing vent/bleeder?
Steam rad sections are not connected at the top. They cannot be used for hot water.
Water rads are connected at the top and can be used for either steam or water.
Water rads need a vent at the top of the rad. Steam vents can be in the middle.