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Hi All! Great to have found this resource!
We just moved into a one pipe steam heated home in Minnesota. and I HAVE QUESTIONS!
I've been reading Dan's books (and have a couple more on my Christmas list) but am looking for a little hand holding as a newbee. Unfortunately I don't see any contractors listed within 100 (or 200) miles. So i'm wondering if there are any recommendations for contractors in the Minneapolis area. I'm a little scared of getting a "knucklehead" and not knowing it.
FYI current state of my system is "ok". it works! but gets a little noisy (both expansion and hammer, depending on its mood).
Most of the basics described in 'We got Steam Heat' seem proper. Its a 4000 sq ft 1872 home. boiler is 1974. its been well maintained, i think. we have 16 radiators, all with their own personality. I've replaced 14 of the extremely old air vents, 2 are stuck/broke. also trying this weekend to replace the 3 corroded main vents (wish me luck).
I've notice my pressure gage bounces pretty good and so does the water in the sight glass (half inch or so). Is Skimming something a homeowner can do himself?
Anyway, let me know if anyone from Minnesota is on and if they have a 'coach' recommendation for me!
B
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Comments
Half an inch of bounce isn't that much. I wouldn't fuss about that, although a perfectionist might. What is the pressure gauge, though? Seems a little odd that it's bouncing around, unless it's a 0 to 3 psi...
Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England.
Hoffman Equipped System (all original except boiler), Weil-Mclain 580, 2.75 gph Carlin, Vapourstat 0.5 -- 6.0 ounces per square inch
They should be able to suggest a knowledgeable contractor in your area.
That said, I would also suggest you post his findings and recommendations here for a second opinion.
Hope this is helpful. Good luck.
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Thanks!!
Water in the sight glass looks nice and clean.
Hoffman #4 vents are way too small for main vents. Depending on the length and diameter of your main(s) larger vents, like the Gorton #2 or the Big Mouth are much better options.
Also, steam boilers are not sized based on Sq. Ft. of the house but rather the connected total EDR of the radiators. You may want to calculated the connected EDR of all your radiators and compare that number to the Sq. Ft. of Steam on the boiler name plate to determine if the boiler is sized properly.
Thanks very much for advice. I’ll order more of the bigmouths
And yep, calculating my EDR is on my to do list!!