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VIDEO -- Nice downstairs, cool upstairs

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Gary_S
Gary_S Posts: 1
in Strictly Steam
Got a one pipe heat system. I live downstairs... Tenant lives upstairs... Tenant has lived in apartment for more than 10 years... He is complaining about the heat for first time.



I think it is reasonably comfortable (like my downstairs space) in his space, but he thinks different. Got the programmable thermostat on 68 degrees between 5 AM and 9 AM, then again between 4 PM and 11 PM. Balance of the time it is at 66 degrees.



My first step -- soak each radiator air valves in vinegar. Second step -- adjusted air valve fast/slow setting as appropriate.



After that, my bedroom and his bedroom are still definitely slower than any other radiator in the house... His space could be better. Things aren't balanced.



So now I am thinking that the main vents down cellar could use some maintenance and/or replacement. I have never touched them since I been there (over 15 years).



Should I soak those in vinegar? Or should I just replace? I have done some reading within this forum... Sounds like if I replace, the valve needs to be something specific..



I made amateur-ish video at --- <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVbFgfUHwLs">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVbFgfUHwLs</a>

Photo at the end of video shows two of three green main valves...



Your help is appreciated...

I have read and refer to it often "We've Got Steam Heat", good book!

Comments

  • JStar
    JStar Member Posts: 2,752
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    Balance

    68 may be too low for some people.



    This sounds like a perfect application for TRV's to control individual radaitors as needed.
  • nicholas bonham-carter
    nicholas bonham-carter Member Posts: 8,576
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    Upstairs out of balance

    I think the upstairs is getting heat more slowly than the downstairs, so add a gorton 2 to each main vent location, and give the hoffmans a soaking.

    Next try a constant setting of 67 degrees, and see if he is more comfortable. I give my tennants an accurate digital thermometer so they can tell me what the temperature is if they feel cold. Feeling cold is so subjective, that referring to a thermometer often reassures them they are warm, when they see what the temperature really is.

    You may also want to add slower vents to the downstairs radiators, so the thermostat does not get satisfied too quickly. Is the thermostat setup for steam (1cycle/hour)?--NBC
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