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Posted by HeatPro on October 15, 2006 at 22:31:00:
In Reply to: STEAM HEAT: air vents at each radiator most efficient? posted by Jake on October 15, 2006 at 22:15:42:
Most residential steam systems are one-pipe to the radiator systems.
: 1) Is this two pipe system more or less efficient for steam heat?
++ More efficient than what?
++ Is the question about efficiency -
or is it more about how effective it is in keeping you warm? There is a difference.
Residential steam heat systems are inherently one of the least efficient of heating systems; but people like them for the hot radiators.
: 2) Only 3 of the maybe 20 radiators in my home have air vents for air release. These three air-vented radiators are all downstairs. What's the main idea behind these with steam heat?
++ What does this question really ask?
WOULD IT MAKE THE SYSTEM MORE EFFICIENT TO PUT AIR VENTS IN ALL THE RADIATORS, ESPECIALLY UPSTAIRS?
++ One-pipe systems require an air vent in each radiator.
There are a few types of two-pipe systems. One kind requires vents on every radiator. Another type requires vents on the branch stacks. Another type requires just one main vent near the boiler.
As you don't know which type you have it is impossible to say.
Look at the outlet pipe of the radiator to see if it has stam traps at the outlet. If so, then you don't need vents on the radiators.
As you have vents downstairs; but not upstairs, the system is a mish-mosh mismatch of designs.