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September 25, 2007
How to Manage Radiator Heat
We moved into a co-op recently and have been told by a neighbor that the previous owner of the apartment complained that the apartment became oppresively hot in the winter. Apparently the radiators go on full blast and really overheat the place. We're told that there were failed attempts by the Super or building management to fix this problem from a central standpoint.
Is there anything one can do locally to a radiator to try and manage its output? These particular radiators have covers on them and I can't see a way to actually remove them so that's another factor. Anyone else face this situation?
Comments
change the air valves. It may be that they have the wrong size valves on them, they need to be sized for the floor you are on.
Or you can replace the standard air valves with TRVs which only let steam into the radiator if it is below the temp. that you set.
Posted by: guest at September 25, 2007 3:34 PM
Thanks. Could this be expensive (just to prepare myself) and also who do I hire to do this work? Excuse the ignorance, but do I call a radiator specialist, a plumber, or someone else?
Posted by: InBklyn at September 25, 2007 3:45 PM
I think you're lucky if you're on the floor that gets hot. Because you can turn off radiators, or crack windows. In our old coop we were on the floor that froze in Winter. Nothing to do but put on 3 sweaters and 2 pairs of socks. Total drag.
Posted by: guest at September 25, 2007 5:14 PM
It's not expensive. The TRVs are about $50 each, you can get a plumber or handyman to install them. It shouldn't take more than a few minutes to install each one.
Posted by: guest at September 25, 2007 8:17 PM
From what I hear TRV's work well on steam systems. However, It could be that you have a hot water system. I think you should talk to a plumber and have him look at your system. Perhaps he can do something to your heating system or remove a radiator in your apartment.
Posted by: Rick at September 26, 2007 8:12 AM
If it helps, I build custom radiator covers and can incorporate a damper on my slatted front models to control heat flow... only on hot water/ steam systems, not electric. Please visit my site jayscustomcovers.com
Might be a possible sollution to your problem if you would like to replace, or even cover up your existing covers.
Posted by: jayty97 at September 26, 2007 9:28 PM
In the old days, they would cover radiators with thick fabric that could be raised or lowered depending on how much heat you needed.
Nowadays, finding the valve and shutting it off or installig a TRV makes the most sense on both steam and hotwater systems.
Posted by: guest at October 18, 2007 8:53 AM
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