Radiator Valves & Vent Controls, Hot Water & Steam Heat Control Guide
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Manual radiator valves
Which way to turn the radiator valve to control hot water or steam heat
Hot water vs. steam radiator valves - what's the difference?
Hidden Manual Radiator Control Valves on Heating Convectors
How to Adjust or Control the Level of Heat From Radiators
Automatic or Thermostatically Controlled Radiator Valves - TRVs
Automatic or Thermostatically Controlled Steam Vents
Guide to Choosing & Installing Adjustable or Thermostatically Controlled Steam Vents to Control Steam Heat
How to deal with radiator valves that are stuck or broken
Use of thermostatically controlled steam radiator valves for automatic room heat control
Use of thermostatically controlled steam vents to control steam radiators
Questions & answers about using, adjusting, & repairing radiator control valves and vents for both hot water and steam heat systems

Radiator valve inspection & troubleshooting: here we explain the use, adjustment, diagnosis & repair of hot water or steam heating radiator valves & steam vents to control heat output from individual radiators.

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Guide to Using, Adjusting, Diagnosing & Fixing or Replacing Hot Water or Steam Radiator Control Valves & Vents

This website answers most questions about all types of heating systems and gives important inspection, safety, and repair advice. If you don't know what kind of heat your building uses, we explain how to figure out the answer at HEATING SYSTEM TYPES. If your heating system is not working properly, see NO HEAT - BOILER or NO HEAT - FURNACE.

If your heating system radiators won't get hot, for hot water radiators or convector heat, see COLD HOT WATER BASEBOARD / RADIATOR; for steam heat see COLD STEAM HEAT RADIATORS for help in diagnosing the problem.

If your heat is provided by baseboards there will not normally be individual shutoff valves at those devices, but if your system uses one circulator and provides multiple heating zones (and thermostats) there will be zone control valves (usually near the boiler) that are opened or closed by the room thermostat(s). Cold heating baseboards are discussed at AIRBOUND HEAT SYSTEM REPAIRS.

Traditional "Manual" Radiator Valves

Radiator valves are opened to allow hot water or steam to enter and heat a radiator, or closed to turn off or reduce heat output from the radiator. By "manual" radiator valve we mean that you have to turn the valve open or shut yourself. We discuss automatic (thermostatically controlled radiator valves and other radiator controls below.

Which Way to Turn the Radiator Valve

If your heat is provided by individual hot water radiators or convector units, usually there is a control valve at each radiator or convector. Make sure that the control valve at the heating radiator is "open" or "on". Usually turning a radiator valve "clockwise" or "down" closes the valve (turns the heat At COLD HOT WATER BASEBOARD / RADIATOR we include links to additional detailed articles that will help you correct a problem with heating baseboards or radiators that are not working:

Check the radiator control valve: If a radiator is not getting hot: (steam or hot water) first see if the valve that controls it has been turned off. Try turning the valve counter-clockwise to see if it will open.

In our photo (left), the heating convector control valve was found at floor-level under the heating convector. The "open" and "close" directions for this "radiator valve" were nicely marked by the manufacturer (click to enlarge the photo).

If the radiator valve does not turn in that direction, try turning it in the other direction (clockwise or "closed") to see if the radiator valve is stuck. You may also find the same control valve at heating convectors (but not usually at heating baseboards).

While people sometimes turn off radiators in an un-used portion of a building we usually find that most radiator valves have been left in the "on" position - in fact turning off a hot radiator in some building areas could lead to its freezing and cracking.

Steam radiators, on the other hand, can usually be turned-off with impunity since steam radiators do not normally contain water in its liquid form. [That's true at least so long as condensate has not become trapped inside of the steam radiator.]

How to Handle Stuck Radiator Valves

Watch out: don't use excessive force to try to turn a "stuck" radiator valve. First, you may be trying to open a valve that is already in its fully-open position. Second, the valve may actually be jammed. Excessive force can break the valve or even cause a leak. If the valve won't turn at all counter-clockwise towards "open", try turning it the other way - clockwise, towards "closed". If the valve now turns you'll know it was already in its open position.

Broken Radiator Valves

Watch out: even if the radiator valve appears to be "open" - that is, turned fully counter-clockwise, if the radiator valve stem is broken internally you may be just turning the knob but the valve may be staying closed inside. If your radiator valve turns too easily or if it does not appear to raise (opening) or lower (closing) when turning, and especially if turning the valve makes no difference in the behavior of the radiator, the valve stem may be broken. (First check for air bound radiators or if your heating system uses steam, check for a steam vent that is not opening.)

Usually while turning a radiator valve to from "closed" to "open" position, if you look closely at the valve stem - the metal rod or shaft extending below the knob you are holding, and extending into the body of the valve itself - you'll see that as you "open" the valve the stem gets "longer" and often a less-oxidized, shiner part of the valve will become exposed as it moves upwards from having been inside the valve body.

That's a great way to convince yourself that yes, the valve is probably opening internally too, you're not just turning the knob. If the valve body has broken loose from the valve stem, that's an internal problem you can't see, but turning the radiator valve knob, even if it rotates, will not open a broken, stuck, frozen valve.

If only some of your hot water radiators, hot water heating convector units, or hot water baseboard heating sections are not getting hot and the radiator valve is open, see AIRBOUND HEAT SYSTEM REPAIRS (hot water heat) or if a steam radiator valve is open but the radiator is still cold, the steam vent may not be working. See RADIATOR STEAM VENTS and also STEAM HEATING SYSTEMS for details.

Types of Radiator Valves: Hot Water vs Steam

Hot Water Heat Radiator Valves

Radiator valve with air bleeder (C) Daniel Friedman

In our photo at left you can see not only the radiator control valve, but lots more information: we can conclude that this is a hot water heating system, not a steam heat system because first, the valve is mounted at the top of the radiator (water, not steam - steam enters at a radiator bottom but sometimes so does not water; the reverse is never true).

Second, the radiator control valve includes an air bleeder - that nut on the side of the valve body. In looking for an air bleeder in our article at Bleeder Valves it's easy to miss this particular air bleeding device.

Steam Radiator Control Valves

If your heating system uses steam radiators or steam convectors see COLD STEAM HEAT RADIATORS for help in diagnosing and fixing steam radiators that won't get hot. Excerpts from that article are found below.

Radiator control valve (C) Daniel Friedman

First check the radiator valve. It's standard to ask first "is the radiator valve turned on or "open" (fully counter-clockwise)?

But other problems can cause a steam heat radiator to stay cold when you want heat.

If a steam radiator valve is open but the radiator is still cold, the steam vent may not be working. Our photo (above right) shows a typical steam radiator vent. See Steam Vents and also STEAM HEATING SYSTEMS for details.

Hidden Manual Radiator Control Valves on Heating Convectors

On a heating convector unit there is usually an individual valve that lets the unit be turned down or off - but as our photo (left) shows, the valve can be a little harder to spot.

Unlike a radiator valve, a heating convector control valve may be hidden by the convector's steel cover, or it may be little and hard to recognize as we show here.

This valve, if it's not jammed by corrosion, is operated by a screw driver; it may be possible to get this valve working by gently loosening the lock-nut and then turning the control screw with a flat-bladed screwdriver.

Do not take apart this valve while the heating system is on and hot - you risk getting sprayed with hot water or you may start a leak that's hard to stop without making a mess and having to shut down the whole heating system.

How to Adjust or Control the Level of Heat From Radiators

Manually Setting the Radiator Valve

On hot water heating systems and two-pipe steam radiator heating systems you can adjust the radiator valve to:

Fully closed radiator valve - no heat is wanted from that radiator, but
Watch out: if you completely turn off heat to a hot water radiator in an area exposed to freezing the radiator is likely to freeze, break, and be ruined.
Partly closed radiator valve to call for less heat at an individual radiator - this setting can be used for both hot water heat and for two-pipe steam heat systems. On one-pipe steam heat systems the radiator valve is normally fully open (for the radiator to operate properly) or fully shut (no heat); you may find that some one-pipe steam heating system radiators will not work properly if the valve is left "in between" these positions.
Fully open radiator valve - to call for as much heat as possible from the radiator. For one pipe steam heat systems, if you want heat use this position.

If your hot water radiator is too hot or the room is too hot, you can partially-close the radiator valve.

If your hot water radiator is too cold, be sure that the valve is open and that the radiator is not air bound. Details are at COLD HOT WATER BASEBOARD / RADIATOR

If your steam radiator is too cold be sure that its supply valve is open. If it's a one pipe steam heat system (only one pipe comes to each radiator), be sure that the steam vent is working (you should hear it hissing when steam is rising in the system). Details are at COLD STEAM HEAT RADIATORS.

If you steam radiator is too hot in a two-pipe steam system, according to the U.S. DOE,

In two-pipe systems, older steam traps often stick in either the open or closed position, throwing off the balance in the system. If you seem to have problems with some radiators providing too much heat and others providing too little, this might be the cause. The best approach is often to simply replace all the steam traps in the system.

If your steam heating system pipes are noisy see BANGING HEATING PIPES RADIATORS wHere we explain steam condensate return problems that can cause banging clanging pipes.

There are additional methods for automatically controlling the heat output from individual heating radiators, for both steam and hot water heat: thermostatically controlled radiator valves and adjustable or thermostatically controlled steam vents. We discuss these controls beginning at Automatic or Thermostatically Controlled Radiator Valves - TRVs.

Automatic or Thermostatically Controlled Radiator Valves - TRVs

The radiator control valve opens or shuts to allow hot water or steam to enter and heat the radiator. An automatic or thermostatically controlled radiator valve allows you to set the desired room temperature. The valve will automagically open or close to attempt to control room temperature to the desired level. Keep in mind that with any heat control installed right at the radiator, the control will be sensing temperature in that location, not across the room, so some experimenting to find the best setting will be needed.

Armstrong thermostatically operated steam vent (C) Armstrong International Armstrong Corp. provides the RV-4 One-Pipe Steam Radiator Valve that operates as a room thermostat suitable for residential low-pressure steam heating systems. By installing a thermostatically controlled steam vent at each radiator, every radiator can be controlled or set to the desired temperature.

There is a central advantage of thermostatically operated steam vents over swapping out the actual radiator control valve for a thermostatically controlled radiator valve, that is, they are easier and less disruptive to control. The original steam vent is simply unscrewed and the new thermostatically controllable steam vent is screwed in at the same location.

Watch out: it's safer to install or change steam heating system parts when the system is not calling for heat and when the steam boiler and radiators are cold. Don't be fooled. If your heating system is on and the steam boiler is hot, unscrewing the steam vent on a "cold" steam radiator will allow steam to rise into the radiator (forcing air out of the steam vent opening) and you could be seriously burned by rising steam.

Thermostatically controlled hot water radiator valve (C) Daniel Friedman

Replacing Manual Radiator Valves with Thermostatically Controlled Radiator Valves

If you have to replace the control valve on a hot water or steam radiator or convector unit, consider installing a new valve that incorporates a thermostat as well.

Several companies provide thermostatically-controlled radiator valves including Armstrong, Danfoss, Hoffman Specialty, Jacobus (Maid'O'Mist) and others. The automatic radiator valve shown at left was observed on a typical modern European installation in Molde, Norway.

This (more expensive) radiator control valve lets you treat each individual radiator as a "heating zone".

As long as the room thermostat is calling for heat, each radiator can be regulated automatically when a thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) is installed..

Automatic or Thermostatically Controlled Steam Vents

Steam vent on a radiator (C) Daniel Friedman

When steam is first rising in a one pipe or two pipe steam heating system, the steam heating radiator will be cool as will be the steam vent. Our photo (left) shows what looks like a Hoffman 1A float-type radiator steam vent. This is a residential low-pressure (1.5 psig) steam vent. Similar models include the Hoffman Model 40 (6 psig) and model 70A (11 psig).

Two Pipe Steam Heat

In a two-pipe steam heat system, steam rises through the supply side of the radiator (where the radiator valve is found) and may push air and later condensate out through the return or condensate drain side of the radiator.

One-Pipe Steam Heat

On one-pipe steam heat systems the radiator valve is normally fully open (for the radiator to operate properly) or fully shut (no heat); you may find that some one-pipe steam heating system radiators will not work properly if the valve is left "in between" these positions.

Steam rises and enters each heating radiator through a single pipe, pushing air out of the radiator through its vent. Condensate returns to the boiler through the same pipe, passing out through a special passage in the radiator control valve.

Role of the steam vent on one pipe steam heat systems:

Unlike radiator valves that are closed manually or automatically to control the entry of hot water or steam into a heating radiator, steam vents are located at the opposite end of the radiator from the valve and are used to vent air out of a steam radiator so that steam can rise into and heat the unit. When steam reaches and heats the steam vent, the vent is designed to close and stop venting air (or steam), and the radiator will heat.

The steam vent opens, allowing air inside the radiator to be pushed out by rising steam that enters the radiator at the radiator bottom where a radiator valve is present and open.

The "hissing" sound you hear from the steam vent is air being pushed out of the radiator, and is normal. When the steam radiator and steam vent have become warm or hot, the steam vent closes (and is quiet).

Steam vents that won't open properly:

If a steam vent stops working and fails to open, rising steam cannot enter the radiator and it will be slow to heat or may not heat at all. If your one pipe steam radiator won't get hot, the air vent may be clogged or it may just be worn out and need replacement.

Steam vents that won't close properly:

If a steam vent stops working properly and fails to close, the vent will hiss and release steam (and sometimes produce condensate or water) continually all during the heating cycle, wasting heat, increasing heating cost, and in some cases creating a moisture problem or even a burn risk at the radiator.

At RADIATOR STEAM VENTS we discuss other steam vent problems such as spitting water, clogging, etc.

Guide to Choosing & Installing Adjustable or Thermostatically Controlled Steam Vents to Control Steam Heat

Types & Properties of Steam Radiator Vents

Thermostatically-controlled no-float steam vents
Float-type steam vents: an water+alcohol-filled float inside the steam vent heats, rises, and closes the vent as the radiator heats. The float also rises to prevent water from spitting out of the vent should condensate rise inside the radiator or vent. Rust or sediment can clog the float vent opening and interfere with its proper operation. Excessive steam pressure can also prevent the vent from operating properly.
Adjustable steam vents operate similarly to the float-type steam vents described above, but add the feature of adjustable air vent opening size so that the air venting rate can be better matched to the radiator size. (Larger steam radiators need a larger air vent opening.) Examples: Hoffman Model 1A (Part No. 401422) adjustable air valve with 6 settings (1-slow to 6-fast venting); VariValve® Quick-Vent. Those vents are designed for traditional steam radiators. If your steam heat is by a steam convector unit, different steam vents are required, such as the Hoffman Specialty Model 1B (Part No. 401425).
Adjustable-Thermostatically-operated steam vents (shown below) include an adjustable room temperature thermostat that allows the occupant to set the desired room temperature. Setting this control actually adjusts the rate at which the steam vent permits air to escape from the individual radiator, similar to the adjustable steam vents described above, but in this case once the thermostat is set, the automatically regulating steam vent is responding to the room temperature setting.

Each of these steam vent types is discussed below.

By controlling the rate at which a steam radiator gets hot, adjustable steam vents are a key instrument for balancing steam heat in a building.

Watch out: although adjustable steam vents can control the rate at which a steam radiator gets hot, these adjustable air vents are not identical in function and application nor is heat control using adjustable steam vents identical with that provided using thermostatically controlled radiator valves.

Thermostatically-controlled no-float steam vents

Hoffman specialty steam vent (C) Hoffman Specialty

Watch out: Some "thermostatically operated" steam vents include user-adjustable controls that permit the steam vent to operate as an individual room thermostat. But watch out: other "thermostatically operated" steam vents may be units that are not adjustable for controlling room temperature. These "thermostatically controlled" vents are describing how the vent works internally, not its function as an occupant-adjustable room temperature control.

Hoffman Specialty heating products offers thermostatically operated steam vents (such as the Hoffman Special Steam Vent Model 3 (Part No. 401419) no internal float, image at left) that can automatically regulate heat from individual steam radiators. These vents are used for Air Line or Paul Systems. The Hoffman Specialty Thermostatic Temperature Regulators (Series 1140 & 1141) are designed for commercial and institutional HVAC systems. These devices permit a set temperature ranging from 40degF. through 220 degF in increments of 40 degF. (no fine tuning).

Watch out: these steam regulators fail "open" (meaning heat fully on), so Hoffman warns that an alarm or cut-off must be installed where overheated water (or steam) could cause harm. Failure to follow this warning could cause serious burns, personal injury, or death.

For more conventional steam vents, take a look at the Hoffman Specialty series 2000 and the Hoffman Model 3 Steam Air Line Valve (Part No. 401419) for an example.

A Hoffman Vent, Model 3, is also thermostatically controlled, operates on temperature only, and does not close against water. Hoffman also produces conventional steam radiator vents such as their traditional Model 1A air valve, and also the Hoffman Model 74 float operated steam unit heater air valve. But these vents do not include a readily-accessible temperature adjustment. For steam heating convectors, different steam vent models are required due to the different operating pressures and vent locations that may be present.

Watch out: when replacing a steam vent be sure that you buy the proper vent for your heating radiator or convector type, or that the steam vent specifications of the new steam vent match the old one. Hoffman and other control manufacturers provide selection guidelines for steam vents as well as their other controls.

Float-type steam vents

As we introduced above, float type steam vents use a water+alcohol-filled float inside the steam vent heats, rises, and closes the vent as the radiator heats. The float also rises to prevent water from spitting out of the vent should condensate rise inside the radiator or vent. Rust or sediment can clog the float vent opening and interfere with its proper operation. Excessive steam pressure can also prevent the vent from operating properly.

Adjustable steam vents

Also as we introduced above, manually adjustable steam vents operate similarly to the float-type steam vents described above, but add the feature of adjustable air vent opening size so that the air venting rate can be better matched to the radiator size. (Larger steam radiators need a larger air vent opening.)

Examples of manually adjustable vent-rate steam vents include: Hoffman Model 1A (Part No. 401422) adjustable air valve with 6 settings (1-slow to 6-fast venting); VariValve® Quick-Vent. Those vents are designed for traditional steam radiators. If your steam heat is by a steam convector unit, different steam vents are required, such as the Hoffman Specialty Model 1B (Part No. 401425). Additional steam vents are listed at references below.

Adjustable Thermostatically-operated steam vents

Thermostatically-operated steam vents (shown here) include an adjustable room temperature thermostat that allows the occupant to set the desired room temperature. Setting this control actually adjusts the rate at which the steam vent permits air to escape from the individual radiator, similar to the adjustable steam vents described above, but in this case once the thermostat is set, the automatically regulating steam vent is responding to the room temperature setting.

Some adjustable automatic air vents for steam radiators include:

Gorton air vents - Tel: 908-276-1323 (size the vent to match the radiator)
Hoffman model 1A, also models Hoffman 40, Hoffman 41, and Hoffman 43 (different piping arrangements) have 6 port settings and operate at a maximum steam pressure of 10 psi (fine for residential systems). This type of steam valve allows you to adjust how quickly the radiator gets hot; it does not respond to room temperature.
VariValve® from Heat Timer Corporation, adjustable steam radiator vent for one pipe steam systems uses a sliding lever on the valve to speed or slow the venting from radiators. Useful in balancing steam heat distribution in buildings.
Vent-Rite #1 Adjustable Air Elimination Steam Vents (Barnes & Jones).
Watts Water Technologies, Model 0841005_SVA adjustable steam vent
Webstone air vent valves

Thanks to reader Paul Ruud for discussing improved steam heat controls and thermostatically operated steam radiator valves and air vents.

Watch out: If the radiator continually makes noises (whistling or wheezing) at the steam vent, there is a problem that needs to be fixed: a bad steam vent, steam piping problem, steam pressure set too high, or boiler oversized for the heating distribution system.

Watch out: to be sure your steam heating system and its controls are properly adjusted excessive steam pressure can be dangerous.

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RADIATORS
  BANGING HEATING PIPES RADIATORS
  BASEBOARD, CONVECTOR, RADIATOR TYPES
  COLD HOT WATER BASEBOARD / RADIATOR
  COLD STEAM HEAT RADIATORS
  LEAKS at BASEBOARD, CONVECTOR, RADIATOR
  RADIATOR or CONVECTOR COVERS
  RADIATOR or CONVECTOR INSULATION
  RADIATOR STEAM VENTS
  RADIATOR STEAM VENTS, AUTOMATIC
    Install Steam Vents to Control Heat
  RADIATOR VALVES & HEAT CONTROLS
    Radiator Control Valves & Vents
    Manual Radiator Valves
    Hot Water vs Steam Radiator Valves
    Adjust Level of Heat
    Automatic Radiator Valves
  STEAM TRAPS
  UNEVEN HEAT DIAGNOSIS

Barnes & Jones Corporation, 91 Pacella Park Drive Randolph, MA 02368, Tel: 781-963-8000calibrated steam traps and vents, Email: bnesbitt@barnesandjones.com. Vent-Rite steam vents for radiator control.
Energy Savers: Heat Distribution Systems, Steam Radiators & Hot Water Radiators, U.S. Department of Energy, web search 12/27/2010, original source: http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home
/space_heating_cooling/index.cfm/mytopic=12580
Gorton Heating Corporation, 546 South Avenue East, Cranford, New Jersey 07016, Tel: 908-276-1323, email: info@gorton-valves.com, fast venting valves for steam heating systems.
"Rv-4 One-Pipe Steam Radiator Valve", available from Armstrong International, 816 Maple Street, Three Rivers, MI 49093 USA, Tel: (269) 273-1415, Armstrong has offices in Beijing, China, Belgium, India and Mexico. Web search 12/27/2010, original source:
http://www.armstronginternational.com/thermostatic-valves-rv-4-one-pipe.
"Special Steam Vents", Hoffman Specialty heating products, web search 12/27/2010, original source:
http://www.hoffmanspecialty.com/pdf/hs900/HS900-3474.pdf
"Steam and Water Vents, Selection Guidelines - Steam Vents", Hoffman Specialty, web search 12/27/2010, original source:
http://www.hoffmanspecialty.com/pdf/hs900/HS900-stvents.pdf
Hoffman 1A adjustable steam vents, available from Hoffman Specialty, ITT, web search 12/27/2010, original source:
http://www.drillspot.com/products/51570/Hoffman_1A_Adjustable_Automatic_Air_Vent_For_Steam_Radiators
Hoffman Convector Steam Vents, available from Hoffman Specialty, ITT, web search 12/28/2010, original source:
http://www.hoffmanspecialty.com/pdf/hs900/HS900-conv109.pdf
Report 95-14, PB96-198163 Thermostatic Radiator Valve (TRV) Demonstration Project, contact NYSERDA. 17 Columbia Circle, Albany, NY 12203-6399 Toll-Free: 1-866-NYSERDA, Tel:(518)465-6252, Ext. 241. Web Search 12/27/2010, original source: http://www.homeenergy.org/archive/hem.dis.anl.gov/eehem/96/960509.html
VariValve® Quick-Vent from Heat Timer, adjustable radiator and main line vent valves for one pipe steam systems, web search 12/27/2010, original source: http://www.heat-timer.com/enFiles/ProductDocument/literature/VariV056082C.pdf
"Care & Feeding of Air Vents", Dan Holohan, Old House Journal Online, November 2004
Steam Boiler Inspection, Diagnosis, Repair books at the InspectAPedia bookstore - Amazon.com
The Steam Book, 1984, Training and Education Department, Fluid Handling Division, ITT [probably out of print, possibly available from several home inspection supply companies] Fuel Oil and Oil Heat Magazine, October 1990, offers an update, (see next item in this list). ITT Fluid Technology, 1133 Westchester Avenue
White Plains, NY 10604, tel +1 914 304 1700 fax +1 914 696 2950 www.ittfluidbusiness.com
Principles of Steam Heating, $13.25 includes postage. Fuel oil & Oil Heat Magazine, 389 Passaic Ave., Fairfield, NJ 07004.
The Lost Art of Steam Heating, Dan Holohan, 516-579-3046 FAX
Principles of Steam Heating, Dan Holohan, technical editor of Fuel Oil and Oil Heat magazine, 389 Passaic Ave., Fairfield, NJ 07004 ($12.+1.25 postage/handling).
"Residential Steam Heating Systems", Instructional Technologies Institute, Inc., 145 "D" Grassy Plain St., Bethel, CT 06801 800/227-1663 [home inspection training material] 1987
The Heat Efficiency of Steam Boilers, Bryan Donkin
Steam Boiler Operation, Principles & Practice, James J. Jackson
Thanks to reader Paul Ruud for discussing improved steam heat controls and thermostatically operated steam radiator valves and air vents, 12/27/2010.

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.

The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto"> 2010, $69.00 U.S., is available from Carson Dunlop. The Home Reference Book is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. InspectAPedia.com ^® author/editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume.

Domestic and Commercial Oil Burners, Charles H. Burkhardt, McGraw Hill Book Company, New York 3rd Ed 1969.
National Fuel Gas Code (Z223.1) $16.00 and National Fuel Gas Code Handbook (Z223.2) $47.00 American Gas Association (A.G.A.), 1515 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209 also available from National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269. Fundamentals of Gas Appliance Venting and Ventilation, 1985, American Gas Association Laboratories, Engineering Services Department. American Gas Association, 1515 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209. Catalog #XHO585. Reprinted 1989.
The Steam Book, 1984, Training and Education Department, Fluid Handling Division, ITT [probably out of print, possibly available from several home inspection supply companies] Fuel Oil and Oil Heat Magazine, October 1990, offers an update,
Principles of Steam Heating, $13.25 includes postage. Fuel oil & Oil Heat Magazine, 389 Passaic Ave., Fairfield, NJ 07004.
The Lost Art of Steam Heating, Dan Holohan, 516-579-3046 FAX
Principles of Steam Heating, Dan Holohan, technical editor of Fuel Oil and Oil Heat magazine, 389 Passaic Ave., Fairfield, NJ 07004 ($12.+1.25 postage/handling).
"Residential Steam Heating Systems", Instructional Technologies Institute, Inc., 145 "D" Grassy Plain St., Bethel, CT 06801 800/227-1663 [home inspection training material] 1987
"Residential Hydronic (circulating hot water) Heating Systems", Instructional Technologies Institute, Inc., 145 "D" Grassy Plain St., Bethel, CT 06801 800/227-1663 [home inspection training material] 1987
"Warm Air Heating Systems". Instructional Technologies Institute, Inc., 145 "D" Grassy Plain St., Bethel, CT 06801 800/227-1663 [home inspection training material] 1987
Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Volume I, Heating Fundamentals,
Boilers, Boiler Conversions, James E. Brumbaugh, ISBN 0-672-23389-4 (v. 1) Volume II, Oil, Gas, and Coal Burners, Controls, Ducts, Piping, Valves, James E. Brumbaugh, ISBN 0-672-23390-7 (v. 2) Volume III, Radiant Heating, Water Heaters, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Heat Pumps, Air Cleaners, James E. Brumbaugh, ISBN 0-672-23383-5 (v. 3) or ISBN 0-672-23380-0 (set) Special Sales Director, Macmillan Publishing Co., 866 Third Ave., New York, NY 10022. Macmillan Publishing Co., NY
Installation Guide for Residential Hydronic Heating Systems
Installation Guide #200, The Hydronics Institute, 35 Russo Place, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
The ABC's of Retention Head Oil Burners, National Association of Oil Heat Service Managers, TM 115, National Old Timers' Association of the Energy Industry, PO Box 168, Mineola, NY 11501. (Excellent tips on spotting problems on oil-fired heating equipment. Booklet.)
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