Transfer steam heat equally throught building

Warren Weagant

A three story apartment building was built in 1929 in Portland, Oregon with a boiler, 2-pipe steam heat system. The third floor gets heat faster than the first floor. By the time the first floor gets enough heat to make the apartments warm, the folks on the third floor are getting too much heat. We were advised to install thermostats on each radiator valve to shut down fully heated radiators and thus allow the steam to go where it is needed. However, in the December 20, 2000 HeatingHelp newsletter, it is suggested that this will not work. In other words, it is implied that the steam will not change directions and go to where it is needed. So, what is the answer for equal heating of apartments in a three story builidng? There are about 35 radiators in all. Currently, we have placed the boiler on a timer and it usually operates for about 20 minutes at a time, several times throughout the day. Basically, I was about to have the thermostats installed when I read the 12/20/00 newsletter. Does anyone have a suggestion? Thanks.

Thad English

venting

On the steam main, are the third floor radiator takeoffs in line before the first floor takeoffs? If they are, this situation could be caused by broken or missing main vents. Check out those vents first. If not, then check the vents on the dry returns. Those need to be working to get the air out of those first floor rads so that the steam can get in there and heat the place.

It's certainly easier and less expensive to replace those vents than it is to start adding TRVs to 35 radiators.