Hot water and steam systems, also known as hydronic systems, feature a boiler that heats water and circulates it through a closed network of pipes to a set of radiators or convectors. Because water expands and contracts as it heats and cools, these systems include expansion tanks to ensure a constant volume of water circulating through the pipes.
Hot water and steam systems warm the surrounding air through a process call ed convection. Hot water radiators are linked to the system by pipes connected near the bottom of the radiator. As water cools inside the radiator, it is drawn back to the boiler for reheating. The radiators in steam systems have pipes connected near the top of the radiator. These radiators can be very hot to the touch. Convectors are smaller and lighter and may be used to replace hot water radiators, or to extend an existing hot water system.
Although the deli very of hot water or steam to the rooms in your house is considered a closed system, some air will make its way into the system. Steam radiators have an automatic release valve that periodically releases hot, moist air. Hot water radiators contain a bleed valve that must periodically be opened to release trapped air. It is usually necessary to bleed convector systems using a valve near the boiler.
Today’s hot water and steam systems are often fueled by natural gas. Older systems may use fuel oil. Fuel oil systems require more frequent maintenance of the filter and blower.
Hot-water radiators circulate heated water through pipes As it cools, water is drawn back to the boiler for reheating.
Steam radiators operate at a higher temperature. Steam cools in the radiators, returns to a liquid state, and then flows back to the boiler.
Space-saving hot water convectors work on the same principle as radiators, but use thin sheet-metal fins to transfer heat to the air.
