The best approach is often to simply replace all the steam traps in the system. If you seem to have problems with some radiators providing too much heat and others providing too little, this might be the cause. In two-pipe systems, older steam traps often stick in either the open or closed position, causing unbalance in the distribution system. Shims should be inserted under radiators to pitch them slightly toward the pipe in a one-pipe system or toward the steam trap in a two-pipe system. This will cause banging noises when the radiator is heating up. Both of these effects can cause the radiator to tilt, preventing water from properly draining from the radiator when it cools. Steam radiators can warp the floor they are on and thermal expansion and contraction over time can dig ruts into the floor. Air vents can sometimes be cleaned by boiling them in a water and vinegar solution however, they usually need to be replaced. An air vent stuck open allows steam to continually escape to the living space, raising relative humidity and wasting fuel. A clogged air vent will keep a steam radiator from heating up. One-pipe systems use automatic air vents on each radiator, which bleed air as steam fills the system and then shut automatically when steam reaches the vent. Regular maintenance for steam radiators depends on whether the radiator is a one-pipe system (the pipe that supplies steam also returns condensate) or a two-pipe system (a separate pipe returns condensate).
Non-insulated steam pipes often deliver unwanted heat to unfinished areas, making fiberglass pipe insulation - which can withstand high temperatures-very cost-effective. The first central heating systems for buildings used steam distribution because steam moves through piping without the use of pumps. As a result, steam systems make it difficult to implement control strategies such as a night setback system.
RADIANT ONE STEAM PLUS
The process of boiling and condensing water in this type of system is less efficient than more modern systems, plus it typically suffers from significant lag times between the boiler turning on and the heat arriving in the radiators. Steam heating is one of the oldest heating technologies.