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Steam expert near Springfield MA

Ralph Slate
Ralph Slate Member Posts: 1
in THE MAIN WALL
Hi, I live in Springfield MA and have an older one-pipe steam system. I have a copy of Dan's "Lost Art..." book, have read it intently, and have also read much on steam heat on the internet. I have come to the conclusion that although my system performs pretty well, it is in need of some optimization.

My problem is that no heating contractor I talk to seems to fully understand steam heat. I've had a "turn up the pressure" suggestion, I've had someone suggest that I install hot water heat, but no one has shown me that they are an expert on steam. Most people don't even know what I'm talking about when I mention "main vents". No one can tell me the best level at which to keep the boiler filled.

My system is somewhat bizarre; the first floor has just 3 radiators on it, with the rest of the rooms being heated by convection ductwork from a large radiator situated in the basement on top of the boiler. That radiator is made up of 4 sections, each with separate vents, and I even believe that the returns filter through it somehow so that the hot water's energy gets reused. But don't quote me on that.

I have searched in vain for main vents, but came up empty; they just don't exist. When the system starts up every vent in the house hisses like crazy, so I assume they're venting all the air from the system. I replaced all the vents when I moved in, so they're all working, but they have a nasty habit of hissing, then loudly "pinging" shut once the steam fills the radiator. That doesn't seem normal. I could use some advice as to what types of vents to use -- I'm using Hoffman #1a (the adjustable one).

According to my pressure gauge, I see the pressure in my system at 5-10 psi -- which I understand isn't very good. My understanding is that it should be about 1/2 psi.

I have a 3 floor house, and have turned off the valves to the radiators on the third floor under the assumption that there's no need to heat it. I don't know if that is buying me any savings or if it is just causing me other problems -- I don't get any water hammer, so that's not an issue.

So after all that, my question is, does anyone know a good steam heat contractor near Springfield MA? I'm willing to hire someone, but just can't find the right person.

Thanks,

Ralph Slate
Springfield, MA

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