Steam Plumbing

Principles of Hydronics

• Hydronic heating uses a closed hot water or steam plumbing system to deliver heat efficiently. In steam systems, boilers heat water until it generates steam, which then moves through a network of plumbing pipes by convection or by pumping. When it reaches its destination, steam is transferred by radiant energy to warm the air and objects in the room. According to the Peerless Company, hydronic heating offers the most dependability, versatility and efficiency in home heating systems.

Boilers

• A boiler is a reservoir that contains water that is heated to produce energy. The boiler sits on top of an element that burns fuel to heat the water. Fuel sources include natural gas, propane, oil, solar and biodiesel. Firetube boilers heat air that is forced into tubes, which are immersed in water. Water-tube boilers use air to heat water-filled tubes. In both designs, steam is produced. A closed system returns steam to the boiler in the form of water to be reused.

Radiators

• Radiators provide steam heat not only through radiation, but also through convection. Convection initiates the movement of air currents when warm air displaces colder air, which ensures uniform heating throughout a room. Older, freestanding, cast-iron radiators absorb heat, which continues radiating into rooms after the heat turned off automatically. They have problems staying level and make noise, so newer baseboard radiators are more commonly installed, according to “The New York Times.” Another improvement of baseboard radiators is their ability to begin warming rooms more quickly than vertical radiators.

Radiant Floor Heating

• According to Richard Trethewey of “This Old House,” radiant floor heating offers comfort and efficiency advantages over forced-air heating. It is quiet, clean and does not force allergens into the air through the ducts in your home. In a typical configuration, boiler-heated water circulates through an under-floor loop system that delivers heat underneath hardwood or tile floors. Steam boilers use a heat exchanger to convert steam to hot water before delivering it to radiant loops.