system balancing

thfurnitureguy_5

it requires only a few onces of pressure to to move steam. you should check the big main vents(usually in the basement), and the smaller vents on the radiators. Check for sagging main pipes also. Finally check for a pro who knows steam. A good inspection will save you a ton of money spent on wrong turns.

dave_113

how difficult is it to balance a steam heating system? is it possible for a novice to balance the system in order to get the heat/steam to the end of the line? is it a valve and vent thing? there's one section of the house/3 radiators that don't get warm,but do get faint puffs of air albeit cold air and very faint.
in a very general manner,how much would it cost to get a proffesional in here to do it. i know these questions might be loaded but your help is greatly appreciated!

Brad White_9

It is a vent thing...

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Laurie Marson

Balancing of Steam Systems

Check the boiler for the operating pressure, maybe the system pressure is insufficient to reach the end runs of the system. Generally steam systems are not balanced.

Steamhead (in transit)

Uhhh, Laurie

your typical steam system can circulate steam on 4-5 ounces- IF it is properly vented. That's no more pressure than you can produce with your lungs. Anything more is a serious waste of fuel. If the air can't get out, the steam can't get in.

Since about the turn of the 20th century, residential and light commercial steam heat systems have been designed to never need more then two pounds of pressure on the coldest night of the year. Further, they're designed to circulate at a few ounces so they don't burn up lots of fuel in mild weather.

If a steam system requires more than these pressures to heat the radiators, 95% of the time the air venting is inadequate. Proper venting will get steam to the ends of the mains in 1-2 minutes or so after the boiler starts producing steam. Many of us here on the Wall have proven this over and over again.

If you have a steam system that needs higher pressure to generate heat in the radiators, run, don't walk to the Find a Professional page of this site. Locate a steam pro near you, and let him (or her) show you how quickly and economically your system can work.

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