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April 23, 2009
Radiator Question (Help!)
Hi All,
So I just moved into a new place and the radiators are way overzealous. They are pictured above, and are steam heaters that are apparently unaffected by closing down the valve, and are mostly in the wall in an enclosure. Is there something else I can do? I was thinking of duct taping insulation across the holes the heat comes out of...Any ideas? I can't sleep its too hot!
Thanks!
-Dave
Comments
If you're renting talk to your Super. Have him turn down the heat. Get the valve fixed perhaps get a smaller radiator for next year. I've seen many rental buildings that over heat. It's such a waste because it forces people to open their windows. At that point you're heating all of Brooklyn and and wasting energy that the building pays for.
Posted by: Rick at April 23, 2009 8:29 AM
Yeah, I did speak to him and I don't think I can swap out the radiator, I'm just holding out hope that he can tighten them more or something...Otherwise I need a 'doomsday' plan.
Posted by: sennheiserz at April 23, 2009 8:33 AM
It sounds like the valve is broken or obstructed. Steam is basically all or nothing, and if the valve is only mostly closed, the steam will still get through. This should be a relatively easy plumbing swap.
If the super says they can't do it, you may want to contact the landlord/manager to let them know that you may need to contact the landlord. Do you have a thermometer in the room? What is the temperature actually running? Let them know that you can't control the heat and your only recourse may be opening your windows (and therefore wasting their money).
Posted by: Heatherie at April 23, 2009 8:50 AM
Sorry - I meant "If the super says they can't do it, you may need to contact the landlord." Didn't mean to make the sentence so repetitive.
Posted by: Heatherie at April 23, 2009 9:03 AM
This is more than likely a 2 pipe steam radiator. After the heating season have a plumber come in and replace the valve with an adjustable thermostatic one and replace the steam trap while he's in there. Not a big job.
Posted by: cm at April 23, 2009 9:17 AM
you can reduce the heat somewhat by sealing the vents in the cover. Convection heat will be reduced. Also putting a layer of insulation inside the cover.
You can also get thermostatic valves for a 1-pipe system.
Posted by: cmu at April 23, 2009 12:17 PM
Dave, A lot of good suggestions posted so far...It would help if you can remove the cover and take a photo of the element inside. This way we could see if it's one or two pipe steam. Based on that, the proper suggestion for a solution can be made. With steam (one pipe)it's not a good idea to use the service valve to adjust the heat, it's better to work with the air valve. But you can cross that bridge once you are able to post more info..
Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at April 23, 2009 1:21 PM
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