[JRichey]

I am in the process (still) of renovating my second floor - 1924 Cape, 2800sf, 2 sets of stairs creates nice air circulation and the second floor stays warm with just the first floor radiators as it is. Hot water boiler, single zone. Existing system is cast iron hot water radiators. Each radiator is separately piped down to the main loop in the basement. I currently have all of the radiators on the second floor, unhooked while I am finishing the trim, paint, carpet, etc. Is it possible to instead of reinstalling the cast iron radiators, to replace them with hot water baseboard units? The baseboard units would end up being 3 or 4 units depending on the location. If so, is it adviseable? Are their calculations that I should run? I plan to radiator covers over them anyway, but hate the thought of what COULD be wrong with 90 year units. Any advice or insight into this condition would be greatly appreciated.

[mygirlsdad77]

You bet. Taking the old cast rads out and installing baseboards shouldn't be a problem. One question though, is your system a gravity feed, or is the hot water circulated with a pump? If you have a pump, baseboards would be no problem at all (actually more efficient). Good luck on your project.

[JRichey]

Thanks so much! - And to your question, the system does have a pump.

[mygirlsdad77]

Okay, good. Just make sure to add bleeders on the return side of every baseboard so you can bleed out the air and your all set.

[massplumber2008]

Hi guys...

I certainly agree with Mygirlsdad77, BUT I also have a few questions/concerns, too.

You say you are on ONE ZONE for the whole house so radiators on the first floor and baseboard on the second floor may actually result in a pretty good heat imbalance between floors on your very coldest nights... proper temp. as per thermostat setting on first floor, could be much cooler on the second floor. Why? It's because cast iron radiators continue to radiate heat after the boiler shuts off for a MUCH longer time than copper baseboards. This can be offset somewhat by installing large pieces of baseboard (would need to calculate), or even HIGH OUTPUT baseboard.. another option, for sure.

With all that being said, my only other concern was cost. Why go to all the expense messing with anything here? I mean, in my area we have 80, 90, and even 100+ year old radiators in almost every house in the surrounding towns and have no issues with them as a rule.

In the end you can swap to baseboard, but install enough baseboard to keep floors balanced and install vents at each baseboard as mentioned by Mygirlsdad77. Otherwise, keep those old radiators and be sure to change out the vents at this time and you really shouldn't have any problems with them or the balance of heat in your house.

Just my thoughts...

Good luck!

Mark

[mygirlsdad77]

Good points Mark. Sizing is always a good idea. I didn't think to far into that due to JRicheys original comment about two set of stairs and the good air circulation and the first floor radiators keeping the upstairs warm. If the upstairs has no doors or separate rooms, I think he will be okay as the heat will also rise from the first floor rads. But like you say, if separate rooms etc, the baseboards certainly don't hold the heat like the old rads, a valid concern for sure.