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How can I control the heat?

Allison
Allison Member Posts: 1
in THE MAIN WALL
Forgive the question from a heating novice:

I just moved into a new studio apartment and for the life of me can't figure out how to control the temperature -- much less firmly I.D. the type of heat I have:

I think the system uses some type of steam heat because I hear a constant loud hissing. There is one pipe with a valve on the right side, extending from the floor to a platform of metal coils. At the opposite end of the coils (upper left) is a bullet-shaped cone (sorry, don't have a picture right now). I know there should be an air vent opposite the valve, but cannot find it. In addition to radiant heat, it feels like hot air is coming out of the vents on the heating unit cover.

Based on the description, can anyone tell me what kind of heat this is?

The apartment super said I should not touch the valve but could tape over the air vent to try to control the heat output.

Is there anything else I can do either with my individual unit or ask the super to help control the temperature? It is burning hot in my apartment.

Many thanks!

Comments

  • Mike T., Swampeast MO
    Mike T., Swampeast MO Member Posts: 6,928
    Nature of the beast...

    Others here are much more familiar with steam, but I believe this is a VERY common problem in old steam heated apartment buildings--particularly early and late in the heating season.

    The "bullet-shaped cone" IS the vent--it releases air in the radiator but closes to steam.

    The hot air coming out of the vents is the natural convective air current produced by the radiator.

    The valve on the radiator should be either full open or full closed, NEVER in between.

    I believe the tape over the vent opening was suggested because it would slow the exit of air (thus the entry of steam) dramatically. You might try that unless you want to open window(s).
  • Unknown
    Unknown Member
    Instead of tape...

    Check out this vent valve, that can replace the bullet vent on your system. It won't stop the heat in the middle of a cycle, but it will stop the vent from letting air out on the next cycle, which prevents the steam from coming in. Does what the tape does, only with a thermostat.

    http://www.2hsc.com/pdfs/Page149.pdf

    Noel
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