Understanding How Steam Heat Systems Work
As it name implies, a steam system supplies heat with the use of steam. This heating was once widely used but became less popular with the influx of newer and more efficient heating systems. Steam heat systems though are still found in older condos, apartments, and other types of multi dwelling units. The reason behind this is that in spite of their lower efficiency than newer systems, steam heat systems are still more reliable and its maintenance costs are lower. So for those buildings that are sticking to the use of steam heat systems, understanding how this system works can help you with repairs in the future.
The way how the system operates is really simple. It is made up of a boiler to contain water, a burner to heat the water, pipes to transport the steam from the boiler, and radiators or convectors to release steam into a room or any part of the building. Steam then cools down and condenses back to water and is returned to the boiler to be reheated.
The boilers in a steam heat system are heated with different types of fuel powering its burners. There are systems that make use natural gas, oil, or electricity. Electrically heated boilers are generally more expensive to operate than gas-heated and oil-heated boilers but they are more convenient to maintain.
Some buildings make use of radiators to transfer the heat from the pipes and release it to the room. The pipes that transfer heat to the radiators is exposed which may make this option more harmful. Its counterpart, convectors is safer to touch because they are usually cooler than the radiators.
To maintain your steam heat system properly and ensure that it is working fine, all of its major parts and components should be inspected at least once a year. Wear and tear is normal especially in the boiler so be sure that everything is always checked to keep it operating smoothly and as efficiently as possible.