Replies

1. 
   finnegan | Mar 02, 2007 11:59pm | #1

   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?

1. 
   bigbossman | Mar 03, 2007 12:04am | #2

   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?

    

2. 
   rich1 | Mar 03, 2007 12:05am | #3

   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.