steam vent question

scott75

Please settle a bet for me. I'm a forced air guy (please don't beat me up) and had a debate of sorts with one of our plumbers about air vents on one pipe steam radiators. Are they designed to let air out of the system while it runs and close when steam hits it to keep the steam in the system, or do they stay open all the time and let steam out as well?

Also, does a properly operating steam system add humidity to the air?

Steamhead (in transit)

Answers

1. Air vents on radiators and steam system mains are supposed to close when steam hits them. If they don't, replace them.

2. Very little if operating properly.

So when are you going to build your first steam system?

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Unknown

so who won the bet?

Where we wetheads meet to get our first round of drinks?

scott75

I won. He's been plumbing for 30 years, I've been in the heating and air business 2.5. I couldn't believe he didn't know it. I actually have a steam system in my house, and have learned a lot here, thanks to all you guys. I know I'm about to get run over for this, but I just put in high efficiency heat pumps in my house. You can't beat the steam for comfort but I can't afford the price of oil anymore and we're only paying $.068/kwh for our electric rates. I didn't take the boier out of service.

Steamhead (in transit)

I'm sure

your electric rates will go up soon.

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Nick Ciasullo

Turn your boiler pressure down. That will help reduce your fuel costs.

Nick

scott75

My boiler pressure is down. I'm also sure my oil rates will go up. Even if rates go up, it will still be cheaper than running oil. And if it ever gets above the price of oil, I'll go back to the steam. I was putting in central air anyway. It only cost another couple hundred to go heat pump.