Replacing cast iron radiator with Runtal (or similar) on hot water system

the main problem you will have is that chances are that the new runtal radiator size will be completely different than the existing cast iron units…. you will have to repipe either from below or create some floor damage to accommodate the new radiators

Guest User | 4 years ago

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queeniebrown101 | 4 years ago

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Does anyone have experience replacing cast iron radiators with Runtal (or similar) radiators? We won’t be making any changes to our existing piping system (2 lines, closed loop) or boiler, and Runtal has radiator models with sufficient watts/BTUs for the spaces we plan to put them in. We also plan to replace just a few (not all) of the cast iron units, so will have a mix of cast iron and Runtal on the same system.

We spoke with Runtal and they said this can be done, but advised not having more than 3 Runtals integrated into the system (which we won’t).

That being said, we have read on this forum (and others) that replacing a couple of cast iron units with Runtals might not be as straightforward as we’d like it to be, specifically around the different water temp required for the different types of units and impacts on the overall system.

At the end of the day, we just need to make sure the Runtal will keep the room sufficiently heated (which, according to the specified watts/BTUs, it should).

Photo of one of the cast iron units we are looking to replace is attac hed. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[0F58E4A5-BF9B-47C8-A558-5F95AD0C81C8](//muut.com/u/brownstoner/s3/:brownstoner:ZnV1:0f58e4a5bf9b47c8a5585f95ad0c81c8.jpeg.jpg)

lkrshacmzcy | 4 years ago

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I would bring in a company to do an evaluation; just make sure they are familiar with the units!

lkrshacmzcy | 4 years ago

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I would bring in a company to do an evaluation; just make sure they are familiar with the units!

Master Plvmber | 4 years ago

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Mixing radiator types gets problematic. Different materials heat up and release heat at different rates and it makes for persistent temperature swings in the rooms. Not cool .

queeniebrown101 | 4 years ago

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Thank you, Master Plvmber.

We haven’t been planning to switch out all of the cast irons for Runtals, but we could consider doing that if having a mix of units creates an issue.

If we go the route of having all Runtals, are there other issues we’d be faced with or would this be doable?