Old Style Radiators

Is is possible to replace our old-style radiators with forced-hot water baseboard heat? What problems would this entail? What effects would this have on cost of heating and effectiveness of heating?

 

I did exactly what you are asking, for two old cast iron radiators. Sure wish I had not. It is very easy to do, plumbing wise, however, the old radiators are obviously quite heavy, will work your back.

The downside is the new copper/finned baseboard radiators put out MINIMAL HEAT, as compared to the old radiators. The only time you get any heat is when the furnace and circulator pump are running, but they are cool to the touch 10 minutes after the circulating pump stops. You just cannot replace the tremendous heat sink you have with a cast iron radiator, and expect some finned copper tube to be comparable.

The good news is, I only did it for two radiators, and have since bought one replacement cast iron radiator, so now I am down to one copper finned tube in a 3d floor bath, and it is supplemented by an oscillating ceramic heater. Since this bath is primarily guest quarters, it is not a problem. However, when I find another cast iron radiator, bathroom size, it is history.

I wish I had asked someone before I changed anything.