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How Steam Heating Systems Breathe Just Like You Do – The Secret to Troubleshooting

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RayWohlfarth
RayWohlfarth Member Posts: 1,927
edited December 2025 in THE MAIN WALL

In this weeks video, I discuss troubleshooting steam by understanding how it breathes. I had such a hard time with his as I was used to hydronic and air systems that dont breathe.

Ray Wohlfarth
Boiler Lessons
garretjh

Comments

  • Smag
    Smag Member Posts: 4

    It is useful to think about each radiator as a lung that must exhale (get rid of air) before it fills with hot steam, and then when it cools it creates a vacuum that draws the air in.

    I have a radiator that is often, but not always cold. Should I check the little valve that releases the air? Maybe replace it?

  • RayWohlfarth
    RayWohlfarth Member Posts: 1,927

    You could check it by listening to it from a cold start. Sometimes they get plugged and should be replaced

    Ray Wohlfarth
    Boiler Lessons