Systems Help Center

Our comprehensive HVAC Systems Help Center covers a wide range of HVAC-related topics, including air conditioning and heat pumps, geothermal, hot-water heating, thermostats and controls, solar, steam heating, and warm air. We also have a section of informative and entertaining articles to help you sharpen your HVAC business skills. And our Heating Museum is a captivating journey through the evolution of HVAC technologies. 

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Recent Articles

Vapor Heating: The Imico System

The Imico System was a rare vapor heating system. "There is no air valve at the radiators in this system and no trap on the return end of the individual radiator. Vacuum ...

Published on 06/16/2014 4:23 PM
Posted in Heating Museum
In-Air-Rid Vent Patent

The In-Air-Rid Vent is one of the finest steam-heating products ever made. In this patent, L.M. Stadelhofer says of his radiator and air valve, "My invention relates to n...

Published on 06/16/2014 4:20 PM
Posted in Heating Museum
Inverted Bucket Traps

Here is a very clear explanation of how bucket traps work, what goes wrong, and how to avoid problems. Austin Roche, Hoffman Specialty's Chief Engineer, wrote this in Mar...

Published on 06/16/2014 4:18 PM
Posted in Heating Museum
It's All In The Venting

Unfortunately we don't have a source for this article called "It's All in the Venting" by John Schulz, but it's probably one of the best articles we've ever read on air v...

Published on 06/16/2014 4:15 PM
Posted in Heating Museum
Johnson Vapor Heating Systems Book

This book is from the Johnson Vapor Heating Company in Boston, MA. It is not dated, but is most likely from the very early 20th Century. Thanks to Brian Reynolds for shar...

Published on 06/16/2014 4:13 PM
Posted in Heating Museum
Kriebel Vapor Heating Patents

Here are circa-1909 patents for H.K & I.Z. Kriebel's air and vacuum controlling device, as well as their system of steam heating and air and vacuum controlling device, au...

Published on 06/16/2014 4:07 PM
Posted in Heating Museum
MEPCO Steam Traps

MEPCO Steam Traps were widely used on the Dunham-Bush Vari-Vac system. Thanks to Brad White for sharing this information with us.

Published on 06/16/2014 4:00 PM
Posted in Heating Museum