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Radiator steam vent cycles/runtime?

jgach11886
jgach11886 Member Posts: 13
in Strictly Steam
While the steam boiler is operating, how often should you hear the steam vents hissing out air? does it happen several times a minute, or is it supposed to happen every few minutes?

Just curious because I was in a home earlier today that I could hear it pretty often.

Thanks

Comments

  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 24,518
    In principle, the vent should be open until steam hits it, and then it should close and stay that way until the end of the burner cycle. If it's cycling open and closed, you may have condensate pooling somewhere.
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • Fred
    Fred Member Posts: 8,542
    It will vary, depending on if the radiator is fully hot, all the way across. Radiator vents will close on temp, usually around 180 degrees and after the air has been expelled from the radiator. They can also be pulled open by a vacuum and may open if the system pressure is to high, Make sure your system pressure is around 1, no more than 2 PSI. Most rad vents can open at or over 3 PSI. As long as steam is not escaping from the vent and system pressure is good, it should be fine.
    jgach11886

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