Posted by John Donovan on November 19, 2001 at 10:12:46:
I'm laboring over whether or not to keep my old cast iron radiators steam or convert them to forced hot water when replacing my boiler. Should I stay steam or go forced hot water, which is more efficent and by how much ? My house is circa 1880s and I like the look but I plan to make this a rental property with in a year or two. The steam seems to be very hit or miss (uneven). So are there any accessories that would help me control my steam heat per room (like a thermostat on the valve?) Or do I really get the best bang for my buck by going forced hot water and converting the now steam radiators? Not being a plumber makes it difficult when you need to stick to some kind of budget I have a friend that is a plumber and will help me with most of the technical stuff but I'm really trying to keep the investment to return ratio optimal.
Thanks very much, JD.