Posted on 01/26/2014 9:47:40 AM PST by EinNYC
Any FReepers have any idea why the radiators in my home are just sort of warm to the touch but not toasty? Or, even stone cold? Enough to cause 60-66 degree temps in the house, which is decidedly NOT comfortable? Is it bad valves? Bad boiler (but there's plenty of hot water from the sinks)? A bad pump? When the maintenance guys bleed the non-functioning radiators, hot water pours out, but the radiator was not radiating heat. Just as cold as stone.
The maintenance guys told me that a "second pump has just been installed", but I am still forced to wear double everything INSIDE my home. Everyone sits down to dinner wearing their winter hat, double everything and heavy socks, right?
Thanks for any information about what you think is ailing this non-functioning heating system.
my guess is calcium build-up on the inside of the radiator,acts like insulating it from the inside.New radiator is likely required.
If the kitchen taps are really hot, then air is probably the problem.
Jack Daniels will fix the problem.
It might be sediment/scale buildup — you could try asking the maintaince guy to put some CLR through it... or hit it a couple times with a hammer.
My guess air lock?
It sounds as though air is getting into the lines. I would look for leaks or malfunctioning pressure relief valves. Take some soapy water around the house brushing it onto all the joints and valves you see.
Air in the system?
It seems like a continuing problem, I would call a heating specialist, and get his opinion. Maintenance men know a little of everything, but they are not specialists.
Also do searches on heat, radiator problems and so on:
Here is one:
Energy for boilers has become very expensive. I wouldn't be surprised if someone has made "adjustments" somewhere to save money.
That’s the ticket!
Hit CAST IRON with a hammer!
Brilliant!
ROTFLMAO
So, maybe you should just bundle up this winter and spend your money on upgrading your homes cooling system.
Joking aside, if your pumps are in good order, it sounds as if you have a flow restriction, or thermostat problem of some sort.
“When the maintenance guys bleed the non-functioning radiators, hot water pours out, but the radiator was not radiating heat. Just as cold as stone. “
Impossible. You can’t get hot water from a cold radiator.
The radiators are full of air which needs to be remived.
If there is a valva at the TOP of the radiator then open it, let out the air and close it.
If there is no valve then the system must be purged.
> Hit CAST IRON with a hammer!
> Brilliant!
You don’t want to do it while it’s on, or *REALLY HARD* but enough to smack the sediment off the walls... and it’s not as good a solution as running CLR or some-such solvent through it.
How cold is it outside? Maybe your heating system isn’t adequate for -40 degrees.
Or a restiction/blockage downstream of the radiator.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.