How To Balance my system?

Bill_78

I have a 1 pipe steam system, had some banging issues years ago and someone came and installed large vents in the basement and told me to insulate all the basement pipes. I did, and now my heat on the 1st floor is colder than 2nd floor by 10 degrees, so if I have my system set for 68 on 1st floor, our bedrooms will be 78 and the 1st floor is still calling for heat, I have read threads and question...How do you balance a system? I bought 5 adjustable vents, looks like it goes from 1-5, do I unscrew all 4 on the 2nd floor and screw in the new ones and set them for 1 or 2? When unscrewing the vents, any special advise? I don't want one breaking off, screwing the new ones on...use tape or dope?



Last question, my system in 9 years old(burnam v8), and was an energy good one when installed, how much better are the furnaces now? any advise on getting a new one? how much will it save on oil or should I switch to gas?



thanks for any advise...

Bill_78

more info

The 2nd floor radiators all have a  hoffman no 40in them installed about 1/2 up on the radiators and heat all of them heat compleatly. I have adjustable Hoffmans that have settings from fast to slow

Jamie Hall

Best approach

is to slow down those upstairs radiators.  If you are using adjustable vents, try setting them as low as they can go (but not off).



As far as getting the little things to unscrew... gently does it.  If they are being recalcitrant, try PB Blaster or some such on the threads (NOT in the hole of the vent, though!).  Sometimes gently tapping them will help them unscrew; like any other rusted on thread, you can also try gently tapping (after the blaster) and applying torque at the same time.