In this post, we're going to talk about heating your home with Steam Heat.

 

In Massachusetts, Steam Heat, which was the first and original heat "system", still can be found in many homes that were built before the widespread acceptance of forced hot air and forced hot water. As it's name implies, it uses Steam, not simply "hot" water. Conceptually, it's very similar to forced hot water.

 

How does Steam Heat Work?

The boiler heats the water until it boils and then the steam rises through the pipes that are connected to the radiators. The hot water vapor fills the radiators, which heats the metal that the radiators are comprised of, and then the metal heats the air in between the gaps of the radiator fins. Voila! Heat. The cycle is completed when the steam cools and precipitates back to water. The water returns back down the pipes where it is reheated to steam once again.

 

Advantages/Disadvantages of Steam Heat Systems

 

An Older Steam Heat Radiator.  This one has been

painted, as many have, to hide the corrosion commonly found.

There aren't any real advantages for steam heat, which is why it is not installed today. They are high maintenance, both the burners and the radiators require more care and have parts that can wear out. As it operates at higher temperatures, it's not as safe as the more modern systems. (Most steam heat is not unsafe either, but the radiators can heat to temperatures that will be painful, if not damaging). It's also a system that has difficulty heating "Evenly" throughout the home, and can be difficult to adjust. Naturally of course, it is also incompatible with air conditioning. Despite the disadvantages, many homeowners haven't removed their steam heat as it still is quite capable of keeping your home warm, and isn't so efficient that it warrants immediate replacement.

 

 

 

If A home has Steam Heat does it use oil? Probably, but it's not a given. Steam Heat systems can use gas burners/boilers as well. The delivery system, pipes that carry steam, is really separate from the heating elements of the system.  

Should I Pay More or Less for a Home with Steam Heat? If I saw two homes that were very similar but one had forced hot air and one steam heat, I would be willing to pay more for the one that had a contemporary heat system. I would have greater confidence that their would be fewer headaches, and I think the home would appeal to more buyers down the road when I sell it. Is it worth $20K more? Probably not, but at least 10K to me.

 

 

Do Good Things Today!

Matt Heisler

*All information is posted in good faith and is assumed to be reliable, but may rely on third party information sources.