Steam heat benefits

Jamie Hall

to accumulate quite a list by the time we are through!
Quiet
No moving parts
Low maintenance
Even heat (assuming you have it set up right!)
Steady heat
Simple

For starters...

Glen_7

We have a 95 year old house that is 9,500 sq/ft. It has one pipe steam and we replaced the boiler and some near boiler piping last year. It is working perfectly. The reason for the post is that I have the house for sale, and would like to be able to explain in lay terms why steam heat works best in a home like this. People have inquired about why we didn't just convert to h/w or hydro when we installed the central air. I explained about the comfort, etc. but would like to know what you pros would say. Thanks.

Steamhead (in transit)

Comfort and efficiency

most people don't know the typical duct system loses 20% of what goes into it. That's how the scorched-air and heat-pump pushers get away with it.

Also the radiators heat the rooms without blowing air around- moving air makes you feel cooler. And they don't harbor mold or other nasties like you find inside ducts.

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Kool Rod

You might want to casually mention that steam heating works on very low pressure. I have an old house with an old one pipe steam system (new boiler) and have been asked several times if I didn't worry about such an old system being weak and blowing up. I guess that a lot of people equate the word "steam" with locomotives and naval destroyers.

JJ_4

Moisture in the winter?

My wife claims that her skin isn't as dry in the winter as when we lived in a house with scorched-air. I am guessing that some moisture comes out when the radiators vent air at the beginning of the cycle. We haven't had to have a humidifier while living with our steam.

Plus, sitting near a radiator in the winter is like sitting by a fireplace. No better place to sit and read a book.

Bob Gagnon plumbing and heating

Scorched Air is Dry

Because it blows the air around and evaporates the moisture off your skin. The heat you feel off a radiator or fireplace, is radiant heat, that's why it is so comfortable.

Thanks, Bob Gagnon

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jimmac

dont forget

don't forget with a house the size of yours..if the heat should not work in the coldest of days you will not freeze your radiators or pipes..
it would also have to bring the house to a more comfortable temp faster that hot water...if it had comparable piping

Rich Kontny_3

Cleaner

Indoor Air Quality is better with wet heat. No scorced air particles blowing around

Larry C_13

Less Electrical consumption

You also have less electrical consumption because of no water circulating pumps or fans.

Baltimore/Maine Doug_9

Low power requirements benefit

A battery backup with 24 volt inverter/charger will keep the steamer going for many days during power outages.

24 volt inverter/chargers are readily available. You could use 12 volt battery sets but 24 vdc systems are more efficient.