How Does a Steam Heat System Work?

As the term indicates, a steam heat system is a way of providing a heating system to a house or building by way of steam. Although steam heating used to be very popular, many newer systems have surfaced lately. Still, it cannot be denied that steam heating systems are more reliable and easier to maintain than any of the more heating systems prevalent today.

In addition, a heating system upgrade can be a very complicated and expensive process. 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.

Understanding the Steam Heat System

A water boiler, a burner, radiators/convectors and pipes are the major components of a steam heating system. 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 the way stem heat is distributed all over a building. As the energy spreads, the steam reduces its temperature and converts back into water, which is then reheated by the boiler.

How the Boiler Is Heated

The boiler can be heated by the burner in various ways. Usually, oil, electricity or natural gas is used. Boilers heated by electricity are generally more expensive to operate than those that are heated by gas or oil. However, they are also way easier to maintain and don’t become as damaged as the other two when they actually break. Electrically heated boilers are usually found in bigger buildings, while gas and oil-heated boilers are more commonly used in smaller buildings and residential properties.

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 that work in a setup in which pipes that transfer heat are partially covered. Convectors and radiators are made in different shapes and sizes, and convectors are generally safer to touch because they are cooler than radiators. Still, they should be both handled with care.

Steam Heating System Maintenance

Although steam heat systems are relatively easy to maintain, they do require regular maintenance to remain in good condition. The system must be thoroughly checked by a qualified professional at least once per year.

The user can manage the system’s day-to-day care needs. For instance, this includes checking the boiler’s pressure and water level gauges from time to time. If the water level dips too low, the boiler will only keep getting hotter and hotter without actually heating the building. Water should be added at the soonest possible time. If the pressure level is too higher, the danger could explode. This can be avoided by loosing the air valves temporarily until the pressure normalizes. Lastly, the air valves should also be oiled every now and then.