Are all brands of air vents the same?

Chris Bain

I'm replacing some of my steam radiator air vents, plus the main vent near the end of the line (a one pipe system). Are the $7 Durst (A884) that are available at Home Depot OK, or is there a better brand available elsewhere. Specific suggestions welcome (I'm in Port Washington, L.I., NY). Many thanks to all those who suggested I read Dan's book "We Got Steam Heat" which was incredibly informative and such a fun book to read that I'm going to give it as a Christmas present (and read his other books as well).

Chris

gehring_3

No

They are not all the same. I originally had Durst as well and they were noisy and some even failed. I replaced 100% of mine with Gorton vents. They are 2-3 times more expensive and only available at certain supply houses, but I found them to be very quiet and reliable. The ones for the radiators are numbered, 4,5,6,C,D from slowest to fastest so the trick is picking the right one for the particular radiator. I have a various combination of the different speed Gortons installed in such a way (depending on the radiator size, distance from the boiler and how hot or cool I want the room) so that my whole system is fairly well balanced and evenly heated (at least to my liking).
I am not a pro, so this is just from my own first hand experience. Gorton also makes sizes #1 and #2 for your main vents - you'll need to consult one of the experts for an exact determination of the type and number of each you will need for your mains. But for example, I sized mine by the seat of my pants and ended up with two #1's on my short main and two #1's plus one #2 on my long main. The result is that both mains heat at approx. the same time. I just guessed at that and it happened to worked out. The pros can give you a formula for an exact determination.

Chris Bain

Gorton vents

As I suspected. And I found them at www.gorton-valves.com with a simple website with good information. Every bit helps. Thanks. If anyone wants to chime in with their own recommendations, I'm all ears.

Steamhead

Most major brands of vents

will work well and last a long time if properly sized and installed.

Gorton has some useful information on their site, but their basic method has been superseded by "Master Venting". The principle here is to measure the amount of air and the time you need to vent it in, then pick your vents from the result. Dan includes charts for this in his "Dead Men's Steam School" video and workbook.

As an example, tell us what pipe size and length your steam mains are. We can calculate the air volume and tell you what vents you need.



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Ken_8

Gorton

Have installed many of these. Very good quality and performance. My first choice for years.



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scott75

Hoffman?

I see Hoffman a lot. How are they? And vent-rite?