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December 10, 2008
Coop in Queens Heating Problems
Hi , i just found this website and realized that a lot of the questions were very similar in what I have been looking for help with.
I live on the top floor of a 3 building connected Coop that uses steam heating and have 2 radiators in my apt - we are on the top floor which is the 3 rd floor from the ground and we are furthest away from the boiler as it is located in the center building in the basement. All the owners on my floor share a problem of inconsitent heat when the main building seems to have to open the windows because they are getting 80 degrees and we are freezing. It seems as though when the heat goes on its only on for a short time and the radiator does get very hot but does not stay hot. I have spoken to the super and president of the board and they really dont know how to regulate the heat so all the apts are in harmony . I do not know much about the current system as they tell me the burner is new - this coop has replaced my windows for energy effeciency which really does nothing for me. I know they dont really now what hey are dealiing with and realize that the plumbers that are helping them are def not first rate. Any help I can get comments -things to suggest. They tell me that maybe the line is clogged but i feel that radiator is just not on long enough and if they turn it on longer the first floor will be sweating to death - what can I suggest what list of questions should I ask Please help. thanks
Comments
Check lots of posts in archive on balancing, venting and short-cycling of steam systems. Much info available.
Posted by: cmu at December 11, 2008 12:02 PM
Here is a list of suggestions: Change your vents so trapped air evacuates the radiators quickly. These are cheap and available at all hardware stores. Make sure your radiators are pitched slightly back to the valve so condensate drips back for return to the boiler. This can be done by slipping some shims or wood under a couple of the radiator legs. Make sure valves are totally open, not half way. Make sure vents are replaced on risers such as the bathroom and not painted over. You can also buy a piece of aluminum reflective board to place behing the radiator so heat is reflecting back into the room. Make sure no furniture or drapes block the radiators. By doing all of the above your heat distribution will improve.
Marion (retired r.e. professional)
Posted by: MarionG at December 12, 2008 1:09 AM
Thanks for the info marion -but Im way passed those 101 basic fixes for steam heat I do know how to use the search button Thanks for all the great.
Posted by: atomb at December 13, 2008 11:03 AM
The valves at each radiator around all of the buildings need to be rebalaced.
Each valve is about $3-5.
You need to gather enough support from your neighbors, and get the board to make a re-balancing effort.
Replacing the valves takes about 2 minutes per radiator.
They could do all of them in one day (with the exception of people that are not home at the time)
We just did this at the begining of the heating season.
It made a huge difference.
Posted by: Gosha at December 13, 2008 3:53 PM
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