Would it be beneficial to convert from steam heat to forced hot water in a large older home w/ large existing radiators?

I am replacing a furnace in a 100 year old system w/ "two pipe steam radiators". A plumber said that installing a forced hot water system would be more comfortable and a bit more economical in terms of annual heating bills. The existing over-sized standing radiators would be used.

I'm a bit skeptical. Asked by Alan.at. Askville 55 months ago Similar questions: beneficial convert steam heat forced hot water large older home existing radiators Home > Home Improvement.

Similar questions: beneficial convert steam heat forced hot water large older home existing radiators.

Well, I can't offer you a technical opinion... But I can tell you that I grew up in a forced water heated house, and when I moved into one with radiators, I realized how much I miss the old place. You stay much, much warmer, especially if the house is large. So, I can't give you anything economically, but I can tell you that forced water is much more comfortable.

I hope this helps! Sources: Opinion .

We did this and have never regretted it Listen to your plumber! We did this exact same thing in our 70-year-old 3,200 sq. Ft. Home and it's been amazing.

Everything works like a charm and is highly economical/efficient. If you have the chance to do this, go for it --- you really will be pleased with the results. Sources: My experience .

Forced hot water heating better than steam in general, depends on pipe insulation In general,yes - a forced hot water heating system loses less heat where you do not need it as waste, and tends to regulate closer to a set temperature (and not cycling between a too cold and too hot temperatures). A lot depends on pipe insulation. How effectively you can get heat to where you need it.

Steam systems tend to loose more heat as waste when not properly insulated. Steam warms up a lot faster, but can end up producing a cold/hot cycling. Also on how well you can adjust individual rooms / zones temperature,either Steam or hot water have ways to control individual room/zone temperatures.

I would first recommend temperature zoning (independent of which kind of system you get),secondarily I recommend forced hot water heating over steam for most single residential purposes. Sources: My personal opinion and professional experience .

1 newbie1561179, regarding your answer "We did this and have never regretted it":Thanks for the enthusiastic response. I can see you're happy. Can you provide any more detail?

It seems to me that it would take much longer for the heating system to have positive output after a starting when the system has been down for a while (if, for example, I'm away for several days and then return). With steam the radiators hold only air and the steam fills them rather quickly, generating heat. I would think that hot water has a significantly longer preheat period.

I also enjoy the slight increase in humidity from the steam, which may be less with hot water (but maybe that's a plus -? ). I also don't see how the cost could be that much different - I guess I'll do some research myself to see if efficiency is higher w/ water over steam.

Do you know if that's the case? Third follow up question - did you keep the original radiators as well?

Newbie1561179, regarding your answer "We did this and have never regretted it":Thanks for the enthusiastic response. I can see you're happy. Can you provide any more detail?

It seems to me that it would take much longer for the heating system to have positive output after a starting when the system has been down for a while (if, for example, I'm away for several days and then return). With steam the radiators hold only air and the steam fills them rather quickly, generating heat. I would think that hot water has a significantly longer preheat period.

I also enjoy the slight increase in humidity from the steam, which may be less with hot water (but maybe that's a plus -? ). I also don't see how the cost could be that much different - I guess I'll do some research myself to see if efficiency is higher w/ water over steam.Do you know if that's the case?

Third follow up question - did you keep the original radiators as well?

We have steam heat, and our radiators get very hot, but our apt doesn't ever warm up. Does anyone know why? " "How do I tell if I have a forced hot water system, or a steam heating system?" "I have an older home with radiators, but I'd like to convert so I can get central air in the summer.

Is it worth it? " "What is better, forced air or base board/hot water heat?" "You move into an older home with a very large attic. " "When bleeding radiators in your home--should you do it while the heat is on?

We have steam heat, and our radiators get very hot, but our apt doesn't ever warm up. Does anyone know why?

I have an older home with radiators, but I'd like to convert so I can get central air in the summer. Is it worth it?

You move into an older home with a very large attic.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.