convector intake blocked - InspectionNews

John Dirks Jr · #1 (**permalink**) 11-06-2009, 09:06 PM

The house had a hydronic boiler feeding radiators that are inside of these convectors.

All of the convectors intakes were blocked. You can see the plywood attached at the bottom.

Why would someone do this? How will this affect the system?

Joe Laurieri · #2 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 02:09 AM

I would say pretty stupid.

The convectors are made to work to have air flowing around them to allow the air to draw the heat off of them and circulate it in the room thru the natural convection process.
Cold air sinks hot air rises etc..

These things usually work best when left out in the open to maximize their efficiency.

Most people still want to turn them into objects of decor or hide them out of the way.

The efficiency of that unit has been seriously compromised.

I would write it up and as a minimum open up the bottom to let the air get to them.

"I should know... I live in Montreal after all .........brrrrrrrrrrrrr

John Dirks Jr · #3 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 05:19 AM

Your thoughts were the same as mine Joe. Yoy can trust it was written up.

Darren Miller · #4 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 06:37 AM

John,

In some older homes that were built with hardwood floors and then someone installed wall to wall carpet, you will often find the carpet is too high to the baseboards.

I would say I call this out twice a month.

Good catch!

Joe Laurieri · #5 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 11:10 AM

Good work

It's a shame since some of the convectors ins some of the older houses are very decorative as well as being functional.

It's a shame to hide them.

In one of my properties I removed all of the coverings. had the radiators removed, stripped of paint - which helps the efficiency too...... and line the alcove with brass sheeting.

Now the work at their max and heat really well too.........