Steam System Efficiency

David Nadle

for rental units.

ALH_4

Fuel consumption before and after

I am wondering what kind of savings those here who work on steam systems frequently have seen with the addition of Tekmar controls and TRV's? My experience is with hot water, so I thought I would ask the experts.

I found out yesterday afternoon that a friend's landlord is considering abandoning the one-pipe steam system in his 4-plex and installing individual forced air systems. I cringed at the thought. The building is 1890's 2-story uninsulated brick with mostly newer windows in Butte, Montana. The whole thing doesn't really involve me, but I hate to see the steam system abandoned for forced air and the old building hacked up for ductwork.

Are the Danfoss one-pipe steam TRV's sturdy enough to handle renters? Has the Tekmar 269 saved much fuel in anyone's experience?

I dont know what kind of $$ the owner is planning to drop on four furnaces, but I'm sure he could match the efficiency of those furnaces with the steam system for a fraction of the cost.

Charlie Taylor_2

I suspect the landlord's interest is in being able to stop supplying heat for his tenants. His plans will allow him to drop the rent and make his tenants pay the heat so he can eliminate his risks.

steven E.HEAT

i am a landlord of >100 tenants apts.and i find you must use 1 pipe trv"s but install a real small air vent so when they remove the trv they will put the air vent directly into the rad it will prevent overheating. but you must mastervent the system to avoid potential problems.