Time to Get Hot

Big Al

OK, I'm inexperienced. I'm now living in my first house with single pipe steam heat. I'm wondering what kind of warm-up period is typical from dead cold.

How long from first firing up the boiler until the vents start to vent? How long from firing until steam starts moving and the radiators start to noticeably warm up.

I'm experiencing maybe 5 minutes until the vents start to make a little noise . . . 5 minutes more until the air is venting with vigor . . . and about 20 minutes total until the vents are cycling and the radiators are putting out decent heat . . . and maybe 30 minutes total until the pressuretrol kicks out at 1.5 PSI. Last night I bumped up the thermostat by 4 degrees and it took about 40 minutes for the stat to be satisfied . . . overshot by 2 degrees . . . and it stayed satisfied for a couple of hours.

Is this typical? I have no idea of what to expect.

Al Letellier_9

warm up time

From one Big Al to another, every system is different and the total warm-up time is dependent on the starting temps, both indoor and outdoor, the sizing of the system, how clean the boiler is (both on the fire and water side), how much temperature make up is needed, and whether or not the system is properly sized for the heat loss. You didn't describe your home's design or layout, but what you do say doesn't seem too far out of line. I would suggest you get a heating pro to evaluate your system and make any needed repairs/adjustments to insure proper and effficient operation of the system, and do it ASAP. Fuel isn't getting any cheaper and none of use are getting any slower in our work schedules....it's that time of the year.

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Big Al

Thanks Al!

It's a 175,000 BTU Burnham Independence gas boiler in a 2500 square foot drafty semi-insulated 90 year old house. We moved in in September and I am just getting started on the renovation.

I went through the system in September with a very nice guy who replaced the boiler a couple years back . . . the only half-decent steam guy in the county. I've worked with him on a bunch of industrial process jobs in the past. He seemed satisfied with everything, and explained what needed to be done for maintenance. Because of the lack of steam heat knowledge around here (a semi-rural area) I'm trying to become my own pro. My background: I have many years of hands-on industrial maintenance experience and (please forgive me) a mechanical engineering degree. I've been studying Dan's books, poring over Burnham manuals, etc. I've already found venting issues, too-high pressure settings, and incorrect near-boiler piping done by the pro. I've tested, torn things down and cleaned things up. I'm seeing improvements already. My most recent air vent addition took five minutes off the heat-up time. I'm not experienced enough to know what to consider optimal though.

Even if a pro is really good (and I'm sure you are), he doesn't live in the house. He'd be here for an hour or two, do what seems proper, go on to the next job, and hope for the best. I often have to do the same thing in my line of work. (Another set of eyes never hurts though.) I plan to observe and adjust until I think everything is as good as it's going to get.

For example, at my last house, we originally had an older standing pilot forced air furnace. Even though it had regular professional servicing before I moved in, a few things didn't seem right . . . huge pilot flame, burner turning off before the blower came on, etc. After cleaning it all up, I spent a couple of Saturdays watching the furnace cycle, measuring vent and room temperatures, bumping up the fan speed, adjusting the fan controls, tweaking duct dampers, optimizing the combustion mixture and pilot flame, heat anticipator settings, etc. until it was running just-so. I shaved about 30% off my fuel bill without spending a dime on new equipment. I ran that furnace another 15 years for about $750 a year. Those two Saturdays probably saved me $5,000.

I'm hoping that with the help of the nice people on this board, I can continue to learn about steam heat. It's really a fascinating adventure.

bill nye_3

Hey Al

Al, buy this book

http://www.heatinghelp.com/shopcart/product.cfm?category=2-109

J.C.A._3

From what you described....

Al's explanation sounds right.

As long as there aren't any slamming/banging pipes....the scenario you posted sound pretty typical...if not quicker than most.

BTW...Bill's right. Get the books and learn as much..if not more than the guys you call to fix it. A mind is a terrible thing to waste. The more you know....the better for you. Go for it ! Chris

Big Al

Thanks guys! I bought that book and "The Lost Art" too. I read them both pretty much cover to cover, along with the boiler installation/operation manual. Good stuff.

Why do I find steam heat so fascinating? It's so elegant in its simplicity and yet so complex and nuanced. Just changes in phase from liquid to gas and back move steam all over a building without even a pump. Very cool.

J.C.A._3

Oh Al....

If only everyone had the skills and "high school science" learning that you found so timely....Our jobs would be SO much easier!

This ain't rocket science...but certainly requires some thought...and proven principals that have been shown ...OVER and OVER again. Fine tuning has been the common "mis-denominator". Time teaches all. Chris