europe72dead
Well-Known Member
I'm currently renovating my kitchen and need wall space where an old cast iron radiator was. I've already removed the cast iron radiator and capped the feed/return lines in preparation for the kick space heater I plan to add. Before I get started I want to outline my plan and ask a few questions. I'd love input of any kind.
I do know that my replacement kick space heater is inferior to my original cast iron radiator however the new kitchen design requires it. I also know that I should create a separate loop specifically for the kick space heaters as they will call for hot water more frequently than a cast iron radiator that continues emitting heat long after the boiler shuts off. Since my piping is in the basement I plan to add the kick space heater to the same loop as my radiators and if needed in the future, add a separate zone if things are wonky next winter. My current system is an old converted gravity fed system with 5 radiators on the first floor and 7 on the second floor (originally 7 on the first floor). The last piece of information before I begin- My kitchen originally had two cast iron radiators. One was replaced with a kick space heater in the 90s (photos below with monoflo tee loop) and the other one is what I'm adding a kick space heater to now. The finished room will have two kick space heaters. I'm planning to buy either (2) BM K84 or K120 Twin Flow heaters. I'll be replacing the original kick space heater at the same time as I add the second.
Question 1) Will having two kick space heaters in this loop effect other radiators? There was no difference in performance with the original KS heater in place this past winter. Should I keep my original kick space heater piping exactly as is? Now would be the time to change it if needed.
Question 2) Can I have pipe going from my main supply directly into the new/ additional kick space i plan to install and then return directly into the main return pipe or will I need a monoflo setup like in my original kick space heater.
Question 3) Do I need a low temp aquastat for my new kick space heater? I don't think the original kick space heater had one but I've already trashed it and can't be sure.
Question 4) Is there anything else I should be concerned about?
I plan to use copper or pex al pex and will be including a baseboard vent elbow on the return line so that I can bleed the unit. I will likely reduce down to 1/2" copper/pex directly from the 3/4" steel ball valve I've installed off the main and then run directly to the kick space unit.
I do know that my replacement kick space heater is inferior to my original cast iron radiator however the new kitchen design requires it. I also know that I should create a separate loop specifically for the kick space heaters as they will call for hot water more frequently than a cast iron radiator that continues emitting heat long after the boiler shuts off. Since my piping is in the basement I plan to add the kick space heater to the same loop as my radiators and if needed in the future, add a separate zone if things are wonky next winter. My current system is an old converted gravity fed system with 5 radiators on the first floor and 7 on the second floor (originally 7 on the first floor). The last piece of information before I begin- My kitchen originally had two cast iron radiators. One was replaced with a kick space heater in the 90s (photos below with monoflo tee loop) and the other one is what I'm adding a kick space heater to now. The finished room will have two kick space heaters. I'm planning to buy either (2) BM K84 or K120 Twin Flow heaters. I'll be replacing the original kick space heater at the same time as I add the second.
Question 1) Will having two kick space heaters in this loop effect other radiators? There was no difference in performance with the original KS heater in place this past winter. Should I keep my original kick space heater piping exactly as is? Now would be the time to change it if needed.
Question 2) Can I have pipe going from my main supply directly into the new/ additional kick space i plan to install and then return directly into the main return pipe or will I need a monoflo setup like in my original kick space heater.
Question 3) Do I need a low temp aquastat for my new kick space heater? I don't think the original kick space heater had one but I've already trashed it and can't be sure.
Question 4) Is there anything else I should be concerned about?
I plan to use copper or pex al pex and will be including a baseboard vent elbow on the return line so that I can bleed the unit. I will likely reduce down to 1/2" copper/pex directly from the 3/4" steel ball valve I've installed off the main and then run directly to the kick space unit.
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