Radiator under desk idea??

Kungur · Post by **Kungur** » Thu. Nov. 15, 2018 1:33 pm

Though we have radiant heat one area, our mudroom/office, is always a bit chilly. The reason was part of it was built over an existing exterior porch before I installed the radiant heat. Do no pex in that area.
My idea is to route a 1/2" pex supply and return to the area underneath the counter/desk and have a small radiator.
Wondering if 130F water would be enough or,and I have the option of water right off the boiler.
So ideas for a inexpensive radiator and other thoughts are welcome!!
Thanks!

lzaharis · Post by **lzaharis** » Thu. Nov. 15, 2018 3:05 pm

Can you have or tolerate a narrow tall 3 tube radiator on the opposite wall? That way you can have a nice radiator cover and no cats fighting and throwing fur all over to claim space under the radiator and avoiding getting a foot or two clawed and drawing blood :^0

Post by **Rob R.** » Thu. Nov. 15, 2018 3:20 pm

Not everyone has cats...but if he does, they are probably enjoying the radiant floor in the rest of the house.

A small radiator with tempered water would be a good idea for nice steady heat in a confined area. You could also use full temperature water and cycle it with a thermostat, but that might cause more temperature swings than you want.

If you can handle a raised floor area for your work space, look up "Quik Trak" panels. A radiant panel on the wall is another possibility.

Post by **StokerDon** » Thu. Nov. 15, 2018 3:59 pm

The radiant wall is a good idea.

I also like the idea of a small cast iron radiator run off the radiant floor loop. And, yes you will definitely get heat out of 130 degree water with a radiator. A small one won't overpower the room with heat but would stay nice and warm to put your toes on.

-Don

Kungur · Post by **Kungur** » Thu. Nov. 15, 2018 5:18 pm

Any idea where I might get a small radiator?

Post by **StokerDon** » Thu. Nov. 15, 2018 5:26 pm

I found all of mine on CraigList.
https://harrisburg.craigslist.org/hsh/d/cast-iron ... 52983.html
Be careful, once you start finding them, your garage might look like this!

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-Don

Kungur · Post by **Kungur** » Thu. Nov. 15, 2018 5:40 pm

I just checked my local CL and nada.

Post by **Rob R.** » Thu. Nov. 15, 2018 5:46 pm

Google panel radiators.

Dave 1234 · Post by **Dave 1234** » Thu. Nov. 15, 2018 5:52 pm

I find them by searching '' cast iron '' . The ones for a hot water system will have all of the top loops connected so they flow on the top and the bottom.

Dave

Post by **StokerDon** » Thu. Nov. 15, 2018 6:25 pm

Rob R. wrote: ↑
Thu. Nov. 15, 2018 5:46 pm
Google panel radiators.

That's a real good idea. They are usually ornate and you hang them on the wall.

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-Don

Post by **Rob R.** » Thu. Nov. 15, 2018 7:02 pm

You can also buy new ones made out of steel. Some come with a TRV so you can have temperature control.

lsayre · Post by **lsayre** » Thu. Nov. 15, 2018 9:28 pm

What about using a short run of hot water baseboard? Small and efficient.

BunkerdCaddis · Post by **BunkerdCaddis** » Thu. Nov. 15, 2018 11:34 pm

You could always build one... saw this up in Alaska several years ago >>> https://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/SpaceHeatin ... 040676.JPG

Post by **Rob R.** » Fri. Nov. 16, 2018 6:00 am

lsayre wrote: ↑
Thu. Nov. 15, 2018 9:28 pm
What about using a short run of hot water baseboard? Small and efficient.

Sure - but don't expect much radiant heat from it, especially with 130 degree water. It would certainly take the chill off though.

hotblast1357 · Post by **hotblast1357** » Fri. Nov. 16, 2018 6:05 am

BunkerdCaddis wrote: ↑
Thu. Nov. 15, 2018 11:34 pm
You could always build one... saw this up in Alaska several years ago >>> https://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/SpaceHeatin ... 040676.JPG

I was thinking this, like 1” black iron, wouldn’t take much.