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Posted by Jake on October 16, 2006 at 12:05:02:
In Reply to: Re: STEAM HEAT: air vents at each radiator most efficient? posted by HeatPro on October 15, 2006 at 22:31:00:
: 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.
***WHAT DO "STAM TRAPS" LOOK LIKE?