Steam system control opinions

Mike T., Swampeast MO

I believe that's the very basis of the "Heattimer" control system for steam. You put the thermostat <I>outside</I>, and the control takes over both the duration and frequency of firing cycles. I think that the fancier versions completely automate the process via indoor feedback from some central location with simpler versions requiring greater levels of intervention/adjustment to get everything working properly. Such a system is ideally suited for use with thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) as each and every radiator will effectively become its own zone without any other changes to the system.

The Heattimers are likely too expensive for "common" residential systems, but if the homeowner wants first-class, I believe such is the best way.

I'm not a steam man, but from all I've read, residential steam systems other than in mansions are not well suited for zoning. While TRVs make a system <I>act</I> like they are zoned, they do not <I>behave</I> as if they are zoned--instead the boiler only sees a SINGLE load that varies in size according to both the weather and the desires of the occupants. Combine the TRVs with a Heattimer and you'll be as close as possible to a hot water system with both mod-con and constant circulation.

Shawn Woodrow

maintain temp or not in a steam system

Just asking what are your opinions on setting up a large steam system with two zones to maintain temp. I'm of the opinion that the system will be more efficient and comfortable in colder weather, if the boiler is left on and cycles by the Pressuretrols rather than cold starting on call for heat. I just spent half the day correcting someone elses mistakes with the zoning controls while doing that I noticed that the boiler was cycling off the T-stats. That got me thinking I always set up steam systems to cycle on Pressure or use T-stats in mild weather then have an outdoor temp sensor set so the system turns on and cycles on pressure anytime it is below that set point. This ensures the customer has a more steady heat in the house and can help with the efficiency. Opinions?

Chas_2

temperture averaging thermostats

Just recently disconnected a heat timer in favor of a white rodgers thermostat with remote sensors .I used 2 sensors one in each trouble apartment and it's work better then the heat timer ever did ,aptartment temp are perfect at 70 and the short cycling caused by the heat timer are gone cut the run time on a mild day by about 20 minutes shorter per heat timer cycle .Still waiting for the gas comsumpition report but i fiqure i'm saving them about 3 to 4 hours of short cycling time at a mimiun per day peace and good luck clammy