Reduce Heating Costs?

The piping will have an easier time venting if your vents are operating and the boiler pressure is low. As soon as your boiler makes steam it will go rocketing through those pipes like nobodies business. Making sure your mains are insulated will ensure the steam stays in its saturated gas state instead of condensing back to agua before reaching the nether regions of your home.

steam_man

in About Brooklyn 10 years and 1 month ago

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cmu | 10 years and 1 month ago

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My steam system has a 4″ (I think, it’s large) insulated main running the length of the house (45′). I recently checked behind the walls at each end where the risers attaching to the main are concealed. At one side is what looks like a normal 1/4″ vent where the main slope downs to the return (the short vertical pipe is definitely not 1/2″) and on the other side there’s no vent at all. So does this need fixing? Do I need be a 1/2″ main vent at each end? And is this a simple fix or would I first have to get the system evaluated? I should say I’m happy with the way everything works afa heat amount & balance…I would like to know if better venting means gas savings? If not, best left alone?

steam_man | 10 years and 1 month ago

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cmu, if everything is working properly and the system is balanced, don’t mess with the venting. Insulate your mains and seal any drafts in your house. End of story.

cmu | 10 years and 1 month ago

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Thanks! I tried to imagine all that air having to be displaced and wondered if the boiler would have an easier time if venting was faster. However, the answer suits my procrastinating nature.