Adjustable Radiator Vents Question.....Boilerpro

Boilerpro_3

I have never seen any adjustable Radiator vents that were not simply big and even bigger when it comes to venting rate. I want to be able to balance a system more finely. It seems that the only usable venting range in these adjustable vents is in the 1 to 2 range. Anything bigger than that tends to give you the same venting capacity as small main vents, which would throw the system out of balance.
I have also used the Armstrong vents with the interchangable orifices. Typically only the smallest orifices are useful.... maybe I just need to roll my own by drilling out the smallest as needed.

Boilerpro

bob young

comfort control

ever consider using danfoss temp. reg. valves in lieu of conventional air valves. a little pricey but should give pinpoint balance to every room. if you suceed don't forget to get paid for your talent. balancing a steam system is not childsplay. very time consumming.

John@Reliable_4

Boilerpro , Ever try / see a Vent rite #1

I live and work in a huge steam market outside of Boston. These Vent rites are great, we set them up close and explain to customer how to find tune them. They have settings 1 to 8 and with some time most will be able to get every room the same temp at the same time. Hope this helps John@Reliable

jim_14

I found some adjustable vents in

Home Depot, they were cheap enough for me to buy in quantity for my rads to expirement and balance my system. I intended to find the right mix of settings and then buy the stuff you guys use, i.e. Hoffman vents, but to my surprise theyve actually held up pretty good and I still have'nt gotten around to replacing them.

Anyway they have 6 settings:

1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 7/8 and fully open.. Oh and one more: CLOSED

I can take a digital pic and post it if you want to see it.

Boilerpro_3

I agree

I have found it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to balance a typical 2000 sq ft home. Intuitive knowledge of the air volumes of the different types of rads and heat loads of each room really help. And Boy you sure look good to the customer after your done!

Boilerpro

Boilerpro_3

If ....

the note I have in Steamhead's venting table is right, they have the same adjustment range as the Hofman, Dole, etc. Its about from .1cfm (hofmann 40) to .4 cfm (hofmann 4 and 4A, Ventrite 35 and 75, and Dole main vents). I was looking something on the order of .05 (Ventrite 15A) to .2 cfm (between the 15B and 15C) adjustment range. Thanks for your input!

Boilerpro

Boilerpro_3

Thanks, I'd be glad to see them. NM

jim_14

ok heres 2 pictures

screw on top basically holds down your setting once you slide it to the desired size. As you turn the top to the smaller setting it covers more of the hole as shown in picture 2. Simple but effective.

Steamhead

Oh Yes

the "U.S. Air Valve" made in Taiwan. HD buys them thru a supplier called Durst.

These are the only vents I've ever seen that actually split down the side.

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Steamhead

Another way around that

is to lower the pressure by using a Vaporstat.

I installed VR #1 vents and a Vaporstat in a seven-unit apartment building a few years ago. The hand-operable dial gave the tenants some control over their heat, and the Vaporstat kept the system from overheating.

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jim_14

Thats why they say USAV

on the sides of them! Yeah they feel pretty cheap, but their good for the homeowner that wants to expiriment with balancing their system before buying the real thing.

I think they were about $5 a pop

peddy

I bought these. They lasted for one season - then it seems the seals failed. When the rads heated all the way across, there would be a loud "click" and then these things would hiss like a muther! Enough to wake you up in the middle of the night. I need to replace mine soon. Any suggestions for a higher quality ADJUSTABLE vent that will shut down when a radiator fully heats? No need to lose valuable steam!

jim_14

try hoffman

I think they make an adjustable vent. Yeah these are cheap, but surprisingly they have lasted 2 or 3 years and I kinda forgot about them