Retro-fitting an oil-fired hot water, iron radiator system-Is this possible?

Posted by Henry Bullock on August 13, 2008, 11:39:09 PM

Retro-fitting an oil-fired hot water, iron radiator system-Is this possible?
I'm thinking of introducing biodiesel oil to the blend gradually, to clean out the system, and get off oil, and I'm wondering if I can use solar hot water heating to pre-heat/re=heat the water, and further drive down the need for combustion. Is this possible? It's my mom's house, the family homestead, built in 1898. There's room on the roof facing south, and I'd like to recondition this house for the the long term. I don't know how to tie-in the solar hot water heating system to the old radiator system, but I'm guessing that there's a way. I appreciate any ideas, feedback and ideas. Thanks.
 

Posted by Tom Mayrand on August 15, 2008, 09:12:31 AM

Re: Retro-fitting an oil-fired hot water, iron radiator system-Is this possible? (Reply #1)
Henry, all you have to do is dedicate a few or install a few new radiators to work with solar hot water. I assume the radidators are the old cast iron type. Basically, if they are already converted to hot water, just cut them out of the loop, bypass, and repipe them so that solar hot water goes through them. As mentioned you can either use the existing heater or add some new ones. If you do add some SHW panels you may want to install a tank to be used for domestic hot water the rest of the year. You can even combine the SHW loop for domestic with the radiators. Just install the radiators on the return line going back to the panels for residual heat or add a second controller or aquastat and pump dedicated to the radiators. 
 
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