Too Hot, Too Cold

Susan_6

We have a single pipe system with well insulated pipes (thanks to this web site). We have exterior wall insulation, new replacement windows, new wood door unit. There is not a bang or a clank in the system.

My problem is the temperature difference between the first and second floor. The temperature on the second floor can be 70 and first 57 -- neither of these temperatures is comfortable for us.

I want to turn off a big radiator on the second floor. I have tried new adjustable valves, which did not do the trick. I know turning raditors off is not recommended but what is the down side and will cool down the second floor?

Thanks for any suggestions or recommendations.

Al Letellier

too hot... too cold

You have a common problem with steam heat....Tstat on the first floor either satisfies before the upper floor gets hot, or all the heated air rushes up to the second floor and you have to turn down the thermostat to prevent over-heating up there. Thermostatic radiator valves are the answer for you. With a one pipe system, you can install thermostatic controls at the vent location on each rad on the second floor (doing the whole house is best).These devices shut off the vent when the manually set point is reached. You can set each on a the stat setting and the steam will stop entering the radiator, preventing overheating. We use almost exclusively, DANFOSS controls for this application. Consult the web, or better yet, your qualified steam heat contractor for details.

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jbplumber

Try this http://forums.invision.net/Attachment.cfm?RA2000 1PS Valve.pdf&CFApp=2&Attachment_ID=13518 Well maybe not Susan scroll down the wall to a thread on thermostatic rad. valves. Best Wishes J.Lockard

chuck shaw

Tunstall

I have used the Macon thermostatic valves/vents, from Tunstall, with great success. Very simple to install and set. The homeowner had the same problem you describe. With the addition of passive solar causing some rooms to really skyrocket in temp.

To get somemore information, look to the left, click on the virtual trade show, and scroll down to "Tunstall"

Hope this helps,

Chuck

Susan_6

Like This?

DANFOSS 1/8" STEAM PIPE 08500-00320 013G0140

Quantity in Basket: none
Code: 08500-00320
Price: $37.50
Shipping Weight: 2.00 pounds


Quantity:

DANFOSS 1/8" STEAM PIPE

Thanks. I am going to buy enough of this or another brand. Are any American made? I try to buy domeestically mfg'd items whenever possible. . .

J.C.A._3

Yep !

> DANFOSS 1/8" STEAM PIPE 08500-00320 013G0140

> Quantity in Basket: none Code: 08500-00320

> Price: $37.50 Shipping Weight: 2.00 pounds

> Quantity: DANFOSS 1/8" STEAM PIPE

> Thanks. I am going to buy enough of this or

> another brand. Are any American made? I try to

> buy domeestically mfg'd items whenever possible.

> . .

J.C.A._3

Yep !

Honeywell also makes them. Chris

Unknown

Susan , do you know if

there is insulation in the 1st floor ceilings ? Or is there a big area for heat to rise up near the stairs ? This is such a widespread scenerio where we work that many people shut down the 2nd floor heat in winter . Not being steam , this turns out to be a bad idea when the pipes freeze in the eves .

Boiler Guy

Honeywell

has one anomally. No vacum breaker. Also I believe H/W-Braukman valves are made in Europe. I prefer the H/W product but have experienced problems without having a vacum breaker to allow condensate return.

Susan_6

No insullation

in first floor ceilings. Also, no insullation in the cellar ceilings -- is that there any benefit to that? Yes, we have a lower and upper foyer where the heat can zip right up the stairs (odd set-up to this house as it was used as a two-family house). I like the suggestion of the radiator thermostats and want to avoid pipe freezing at all costs!