WAY too hot in a 2 pipe steam system

DavidLA

Hi all-
Live in a 7 unit apartment building. Since the landlord replaced the boiler and installed a new heat timer (set at 50 degrees) the heat never turns off. Pressure gauge regularly reads at 5 psi and pressurtrol is set at 2.5 and .5.

I've regularly contacted managing agent who sends people over to check the system. But there is no change. We are all opening windows 24/7. Any ideas what may be going on here?

Your input is much appreciated.
DavidLA

BobC

You might try telling the management company they are burning A LOT more fuel than they should.

Bob

JUGHNE

A management company probably gets paid the same no mater how they manage or mis-manage.
You need to go to the holder of the checkbook that pays the gas bill. Find the people whose income is lessened by having to pay the bills. Maybe the CFO or CEO realizes the loss of profit incurred with open windows in the heating season.

To really make the point send a picture with most windows open,(date/time stamped) and especially with snow on the ground. This might send a visual image of dollars leaving out thru the open windows. And you could casually mention the new boiler control. (Which has given you excellent heating and allows for fresh air at night avoiding the 1918 flu virus. )

But on the other hand, many apartment people come here because it is too cold in their rooms.

BobC

JUGHNE said:

A management company probably gets paid the same no mater how they manage or mis-manage.
You need to go to the holder of the checkbook that pays the gas bill. Find the people whose income is lessened by having to pay the bills. Maybe the CFO or CEO realizes the loss of profit incurred with open windows in the heating season.

All to often the management company is there so the owners don't get bothered so these folks might not know who to call.

Bob

JUGHNE

But profit is profit, there has to be some Fariangi rule of acquisition that applies even to humans.

BobC

i wonder if the owners are the type who step over dollars to get at the nickels? I've known more than a few wealthy people and common sense was not one of their traits.

Bob

Zoso

I know I'm pointing out the obvious and addressing the symptom instead of the problem, but how about covering/blocking your radiators to cut back on heat transfer?

DavidLA

Thanks for the comments and info, everyone.

I saw the "boiler guys" in the basement, today. They told me that the outdoor thermostat is working. According to them, the problem is the boiler "doesn't know when to shut-off." And as long as temps are below 54 during the day and 50 at night the boiler keeps running.

A couple of you definitely figured out the technical expertise of this dynamic duo!

This doesn't make sense. Anyone with any insights and advice why the boiler keeps running?

FWIW, the other night it was 38 outside and my neighbor had her AC running :-)

DavidLA

Zoso said:

I know I'm pointing out the obvious and addressing the symptom instead of the problem, but how about covering/blocking your radiators to cut back on heat transfer?

We did. We are on the top floor and the heat radiating is killing us.

Fred

Do none of the valves on the supply side of the radiators work? If only have of them work, just close them. At a minimum that should reduce the amount of steam that gets to those radiators.

vr608

Is this one pipe steam? If so then Fred's suggestion is a good one, or you could also try just turning your vents upside down.

DavidLA

Fred said:

Do none of the valves on the supply side of the radiators work? If only have of them work, just close them. At a minimum that should reduce the amount of steam that gets to those radiators.

It's a 2 pipe system, vr608.

Fred, they are all off. Thing is the heat radiating from the pipes on supply side of the radiators, and the heat coming from downstairs makes it very hot.


It's crazy. Never lived in a situation like this, until now.

nicholas bonham-carter

Where are you located, so we can recommend a good steam man.--NBC

DavidLA

NBC-We are in Montclair, NJ.

nicholas bonham-carter

Have you found the find a contractor button here.
The installers you have used are not to be trusted, and you need someone else with knowledge of the heatimer control.--NBC

DavidLA

nicholas bonham-carter said:

Have you found the find a contractor button here.
The installers you have used are not to be trusted, and you need someone else with knowledge of the heatimer control.--NBC

Yes. Gateway Plumbing showed up. When I owned a house they were my go-to guys. What I know about steam boilers is from talking with them.

nicholas bonham-carter

You couldn't be in better hands!!--NBC

DavidLA

nicholas bonham-carter said:

You couldn't be in better hands!!--NBC

Except, I rent :-)
If I owned this wouldn't be a problem.
They are the best.

nicholas bonham-carter

Let us know what problems they found with the system.--NBC