Understanding the Steam Heat System
As indicated by the term itself, a steam heat system is a method of providing heating to a house or building through the use of steam. Although steam heating used to be very popular, many newer systems have surfaced lately. Still, it is undeniable that steam heating systems are more dependable and easier to maintain compared to any other modern heating system used nowadays.
Additionally, upgrading a heating system can be a very complex and pricey endeavor. If you own a building that uses a steam heating system and you have no plans to upgrade, you just have to understand its basic operations and how to fix it.
Basics of the Steam Heat System
There are four components of a steam heating system – a burner, a water boiler, pipes and radiators/convectors. The system functions in a rather straightforward manner. The boiler turns the water into steam by applying heat to it. The steam then makes its way through the pipes and into the radiators and/or convectors in each room. This is how the steam heat is spread throughout a building. As the energy spreads out, the steam cools down and reverts back to water, which the boiler heats again.
Heating the Boiler
There are several ways the boiler can be heated by the burner. Usually, oil, electricity or natural gas is used. Electrically heated boilers are generally pricier to run than those compared to those which are oil or gas-heated. However, they are much easier to maintain and don’t has as much as damage when they do break compared to the other two. Electrically heated boilers can be seen in larger buildings, while boilers that run on gas or heat are more common in homes and smaller buildings.
Radiators Against Convectors
In a steam heating system, radiators work to transfer heat via completely exposed pipes. Convectors, on the other hand, are heating devices in a set up where there is partial shielding of the pipes that move heat. Convectors and radiators are of several shapes and sizes; and because they are cooler than radiators, convectors are generally safer to touch. Still, extreme care is necessary when handling either.
Steam Heating System Maintenance
Steam heating systems may be low maintenance compared to the others, but this still require periodic maintenance to stay in good condition. A qualified service professional should come to check the system at least once every twelve months.
The daily care needs of the system can be handled by the user. For example, the boiler’s pressure and water gauges must be monitored. A low water level means the building will not be heated and the boiler will simply keep getting hotter and hotter. Water has to be added the soonest. If the pressure level becomes too high, the boiler may just end up exploding. To make the pressure drop back to normal, the air valves can be temporarily loosened. Finally, air valves should as well be oiled on a regular basis.
Source: May xong hoi