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Plastic vs brass air vents

AMW
AMW Member Posts: 9
in Radiant Heating
I have steam radiators, and the radiator company wants to replace all the air vents, since apparently some aren't working and all are very old. They say they have a model that made of brass, and a much cheaper model that has some plastic. Is it worth it to buy the more expensive air vents without plastic?

Comments

  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 25,263
    yes. But make sure even the metal ones are good ones. Not all of them are...
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
    Gordo
  • Gordo
    Gordo Member Posts: 857
    edited November 2019
    @AMW : Is this video helpful regarding your steam radiator vent choices?
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ugIrg9bquk
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    "Reducing our country's energy consumption, one system at a time"
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Baltimore, MD (USA) and consulting anywhere.
    https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/all-steamed-up-inc
  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 9,718
    @AMW, some old boilers that look like they should be steam are actually hot water boilers. If it is steam ... it will have a sight glass where you can see the water level.



    If it has a Pressure Temperature gauge its hot water


    You can't put steam vents on hot water radiators and you can't put hot water vents on steam radiators. Be sure what you have! Post pictures if you have any questions. There are plenty of us that will be happy to help.

    Steam systems can be problematic, and many plumbers and HVAC technicians are not familiar with the Quirks. when you find a guy that knows about your steam system, make sure you keep him!

    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?

  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 9,718
    Follow-up
    I've never heard of a steam vent with plastic! Is there such a thing?
    Maybe i'm just too snooty to go cheep on steam repairs. :smiley: LOL

    Steam can get over 220'F might melt most plastics . Hot water however is a different bird, and I have seen plastic floats inside them.

    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?

    Intplm.

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