hi, what type of radiator can I use in a direct system and where can I buy them?

Question

I have an old house with a direct water heater system and I am looking for radiators designed to cope with it and available on the internet
thank you
ER

Answer 1

Hi -Radiators will need to be brass, copper, or another 'rustless' material. Cast-iron or steel rads will rust through very quickly if connected to a direct system.
For information - A INdirect system keeps the tap hotwater separate from the water heating the radiators. This water, in the radiators, when heated to, if I recall correctly, about 140 degrees F loses most, but not all, of its corrosive qualities. Most of the oxygen is 'burnt off' the water by the heating process.
With a DIRECT system the water in the radiators is constantly replaced with fresh oxygenated water, this is what causes the corrosion in cast-iron and steel rads.

Brass/Copper rads would be a very expensive exercise. It would probably make good economical sense(be cheaper) to change your existing system (if possible) to an Indirect system and use steel radiators.

Answer 2

Hello Eric, my husband finds this website handy for DIY questions.It is helpful most of the time, worth a shot.

http://www.diynot.com/pages/pl/

Answer 3

Any non-ferrous type will be ok, aluminium/copper/brass, otherwise apart from corrosion you will get rust/discolouration in your hot water. Might be easier to make it indirect?

Answer 4

any modern radiators will work my advise is to go to a reliable builders merchant or plumbing supply shop, take with you the name make and (capacity)size of boiler and the measurements of the rooms that you are going to fit the radiators in, also list the size of existing radiators that will be remaining the shop will work out the btu ratings that you need and sell you the appropriate equipment it is also advisable to change the valves at the same time

Answer 5

As far as i know, you don't need any special radiators, by direct system do you mean you have no cylinder.