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September 21, 2008
Heating Temperature Control
I live in a 16 unit, 4 story building with steam heat. The temperature is controlled by a thermostat in one of the apartments. This situation is not working out and we are looking for a solution to maintain a steady, consistent temperature throughout the building. Has anyone found a system that works for them? So far the suggestions have been an outdoor sensor, a sensor in a common area, or multiple sensors throughout the building.
Thanks!
Comments
Your question (temperature control and consistent distribution) is much broader than info below, but radiator thermostats might be a useful component:
How to Install a Radiator Thermostat | Video | Heating
In this how-to video, gain control of an overheated steam radiator with This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey.
www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,1638722,00.htm
Unfortunately, the two links below are for U.K. Maybe you can find equivalents in U.S. at pexsupply.com:
content.honeywell.com/uk/homes/trv.htm -and- heatandplumb.com/acatalog/Honeywell_Thermostatic_Radiator_Valves.html
Posted by: vinca at September 21, 2008 12:32 PM
you need a heating professional to deal with this problem.. steam heat is a complex problem, and if you do it yourself, you will just fuck it up and make it worse.. this happens to be my specialty, but i charge $250 just to look at the job and give you a list of options...let me know if this is an option for you
Posted by: eman at September 21, 2008 9:51 PM
Your system is not distributing heat evenly. Most often this can be corrected with proper radiator venting.
The warmer areas should be vented more slowly and the warmer areas more quickly.
The problem may also be a result of a single main vent (usually mounted on a horizontal piping in the cellar) gone bad.
I agree that this is usually a problem best left to a trained professional.
Even installing sensors and an outdoor reset system will not mask poorly-vented steam heat.
Posted by: Master Plvmber at September 22, 2008 1:24 PM
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