STEAM HEAT A DEAL BREAKER ??

Question

SO MY WIFE AND I ARE LOOKING AT AN OLDER HOUSE TO RENOVATE AND POSSIBLY STAY IN... HOWEVER THE HEATING IS STEAM HEAT WITH THE OLD CAST IRON RADIATORS THROUGH OUT THE HOUSE.... FIRST TIME COMING ACROSS THIS HEATING SYSTEM... THE HOUSE IS HUGE AND HAS LOTS OF POTENTIAL BUT I REALLY DONT LIKE THE LOOK OF THE RADIATORS I FEEL THEY TAKE UP ROOM BUT IDK WHAT ELSE TO DO OR WHATS AN efficienT WAY TO CONVERT THE HEATING

Matt M. · Answer

@Nick Gee

Tons of houses by me that still have the old radiators. Personally I’ve had one, hot water not steam but same concept. You can either clean them up and paint them or buy covers (internet) or have a carpenter custom make for you. They are a great way to heat, as they stay hot for quite a while after the heat is not running.

Not something I’d ever get rid of or not buy a house because of.

Gail K. · Answer

I grew up in Illinois and we lived in apartments most of the time (my father was a janitor who managed three buildings and one of these gave the janitor the basement apartment rent free with the stipulation he was "on call" 23/7).  All we had was radiator steam heat.  There are still lots of properties (especially in the northeast) that use this method for heating.  Current radiators are probably more efficient than what we had so if you find the older ones don't look or work so well you can consider replacing them and keep the steam heat process.

Nick Gee · Answer

@Sean McKee thanks for the input, I also heard that covering may be a fairly expensive cost. we really are interested in the house it needs work but has tons of potential and space we need. we think we can get it for a steal..if we move forward and keep the radiators we will need to see about cooling options

Sean McKee · Answer

@Nick Gee- I guess it really depends on how you are evaluating the property. If it's purely for your to live in, then I think it is reasonable to go based on your personal preferences, with the realization the costs to convert will be fairly expensive and might not actually add value to the building.

If the end goal is an investment property, I would be much more cautious with converting, as you might not get the pay off you want. It really is going to depend on your market ,how common they are, and the condition of the existing system. Where I invest, radiators are pretty common and don't impact rents/value that much. I have a building with radiators and have no problem getting tenants.

Radiators work quite well in my opinion and unless there's a large payoff, it is better just to leave them.

STEAM HEAT A DEAL BREAKER ??

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