The Lost Art Of Steam Heating

David Kiley

Would those of you who have purchased this book recommend it to "laypeople" who want a better understanding of steam heat/and maybe some basic maintenance & troubleshooting of thier systems - or is it very technical, more geared towards professionals?

Unknown

It is the Technical Steam Bible.

On the list of Comprehensive Steam manuals, it is the most technical, the top of the list, short of engineering manuals.

I've worn out 3 copies in the field.

It also is one of the funniest, easy to read, instantly comprehendable, fun books about old buildings with steam and vapor heating. I have absolute beginners read the first two pages, and watch them get sucked in and not put it down.

Most beginners won't finish the whole book, as it gets pretty deep in the last parts. It's still worth it.

The I=B=R course, "Guide 2000", has two full chapters on steam heating. In the introduction, it directs you to The Lost Art of Steam Heating for a more complete guide to steam heat. That's a pretty strong endorsement, from boiler manufacturers.

It is THE book.

Noel

Doug_18

Lost Art

> Would those of you who have purchased this book

> recommend it to "laypeople" who want a better

> understanding of steam heat/and maybe some basic

> maintenance & troubleshooting of thier systems -

> or is it very technical, more geared towards

> professionals?

Doug_18

Lost Art

I am a layperson as well and this is one of the best books in my library. Dan does an excellent job of explaining everything there is to know about steam and the many different types of steam heat systems. It is not however a 'maintenance manual'. To keep yourself out of trouble I would recommend that you also purchase 'We Got Steam' which provides much less detail but adds important information for homeowners regarding what they should and shouldn't do to help maintain their systems.

Steamhead

\"Lost Art\" is for everyone

I was into steam heating before I read it, but never really "got" the old books. Then I read Dan's book and the pieces of the puzzle came together.... WHAM! I went back to my old books and they made sense for the first time.

It's rare to find a book of this nature that is equally useful to the contractor and the owner as well. But this is what Dan set out to do, and he did a great job.

Three words: Buy this book.

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Firedragon_4

Just got the latest version in

Baltimore, it's even better than that ole lopped eared version in my bookcase.

As an author of 8 books, scores of tech manuals and OEM I&O guides and hundreds of magazine articles it is my first 'go-to' book on the subject. It is THE definitive work, FACT!

Someone mentioned the IBR work, how many know that the entire section on steam in the NORA OTM is from 'Lost Art'?

Larry Weingarten

Dan manages...

to explain very technical things with a minimum of technical lingo. He teaches through stories and sneaks the know-how in under your radar while entertaining you. You can't help but learn. He's elevated technical writing into an art form!

Dean_9

books

As a homeowner I bought these books along with the EDR book and recommend them all

David Kiley

Hi Doug,

I was not able to find "We Got Steam" on the internet anywhere to order. Do you know where it is sold?

Thanks everyone for your advice, will be purchasing .

Larry Weingarten

where it is (yes, I'm not Doug)

Hello: Go to "books and more" at the upper left on your screen. Then "plain English books". Towards the end of the list is the one you're looking for. Don't be in a hurry as there is some good stuff along the way!

patrick linhardt

I wholeheartedly agree with all the other posts about this "classic", without it my knowledge of steam heat might be zippo. I've used it for years to help explain systems to contractors. I've taught all day seminars based on this book, every tech got his/her own copy. It is not for everyone however. So, I wrote a field guide for service technicians to use on the job to help them troubleshoot and repair low pressure (residential) steam systems. It is sold here on Dan's site, he wrote a great review. Check out "Linhardt's Field Guide to Steam Heating", it also is not for everybody. I wrote it for service techs, but a homeowner might get something out of it. Let me know what you think.
Best regards, Patrick Linhardt

Firedragon_4

Another great effort,

and worth every bit of the price.

Technicians take note; if you have both Dan and Patrick's books you won't need anything else.

I just finished a new seminar and these two were my bibles; the old testament and the new.

My hat is off top both of you, WELL DONE!

gerry gill

and the video,

dont forget the video.....its grrrreat..watched it so many times i can recite it.

Dave Bush

I'm the proud owner of your book, as well as all of Dan's

I just used your book today, Patrick. Well done.

(I also used the EDR book today. It saved our bacon...)

Dave Bush

Double clicked

In error, and wound up with double posts...

Boiler Guy

Patrick,s Book

Where can I order a copy of this book

THanks

Dave Bush

The "Books & More" section of this very website.

"Linhardts Field Guide to Steam Heating"

C&P Link:

http://www.heatinghelp.com/shopcart/product.cfm?category=2-116

patrick linhardt

thanks for the kind words

Thanks for your comments on the book. Its always nice to get positive feedback.
Best regards, Pat

patrick linhardt

thanks for the kind words

Thanks for saying "proud owner". Thats a real compliment.
Best regards, Pat

Dave Bush

My pleasure, Pat.

I like how you field-toughed the book, too.

With this and the Lost Art and EDR, there are NOOOOO excuses.:=}