13 best steam radiator air valve

A steam radiator air valve is an essential component in steam heating systems used for climate control in residential and commercial buildings. It is related to industrial equipment, particularly in the context of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, and falls under the category of Compressed Air Treatment.

Here's what you need to know about steam radiator air valves:

Purpose:
- Steam radiator air valves are designed to automatically release air and other gases from the heating system's radiator or steam distribution pipes.
- The primary purpose is to ensure efficient and even heating by eliminating air pockets within the radiator or steam pipes, which can impede the flow of steam.
Function:
- When the heating system is activated, steam is generated and flows through the pipes to reach the radiators.
- As the steam enters the radiator, it displaces the air inside.
- The steam radiator air valve is equipped with a mechanism that allows it to release air and other non-condensable gases as steam fills the radiator.
- Once the air is purged from the radiator, the valve closes to prevent steam from escaping.
Types:
- There are various types of steam radiator air valves available, including automatic air vents, manual air vents, and thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs).
- Automatic air vents operate without manual intervention and are the most common type. They open and close based on pressure changes in the system.
- Manual air vents require manual adjustment to release air.
- Thermostatic radiator valves are more sophisticated and can regulate the temperature of individual radiators by controlling the flow of steam.
Benefits:
- Steam radiator air valves play a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency of a steam heating system.
- Properly functioning valves help ensure that radiators heat up quickly and evenly.
- They also reduce the noise associated with air bubbles in the heating system.
Maintenance:
- Regular maintenance of steam radiator air valves is important to ensure their proper operation.
- Maintenance may involve cleaning the valve, checking for leaks, and replacing any malfunctioning components.

In summary, steam radiator air valves are vital components in steam heating systems, as they help eliminate air and gases from radiators and steam pipes, ensuring efficient and even heating. Properly functioning air valves are essential for the comfort and performance of a steam heating system.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best steam radiator air valve on the market

Emerson Swan 1 8"Angle Steam Vent, Adjustable

Emerson Swan

Based on 65 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Part, 1/8"Ang. Steam vent adjustable., Emerson Swan, 1/8"ANG. Steam vent adjustable. made in United States. Manufactured by Emerson Swan, Inc.

User questions & answers

Question:	my radiators have the valve on the top. Can this be mounted sideways
Answer:	you can mount it on the side but the top of the vale still has to be up. this is an angel valve shown
Question:	What the best settings for this one if you don’t want the radiator to get too hot to quick
Answer:	I start at 2-3 and work my way up or down. Most of ours are set between 2-4. I am not sure if 0 is completely off or it lets a little air out. These work great.
Question:	Did anyone have to use Teflon tape on theirs? I’ve heard it should not be used - just want to make sure.Thanks
Answer:	Teflon tape (one wrap)
Question:	Did anyone have to use Teflon tape on theirs? I’ve heard it should not be used - just want to make sure
Answer:	Either teflon tape or pipe joint should be used as a sealant. Don't allow either into the opening.

EZ Flow 20378 Air valve Radiator Angle 1/8in

EZ Flow

Based on 76 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Highlights: adjustable 1/8" Angle MIP maximum operating pressure 1-1/2 PSI maximum pressure 10 PSI

"Ez-flo" Radiator air valves
Adjustable.
1/8" Angle MIP.
Maximum operating pressure 1-1/2 psi.
Maximum pressure 10 psi.

User questions & answers

Question:	Any idea how the openings on the EZ-Flow dial ( 1/8 thru 7/8, etc) correlate to Gorton valve sizes, such #1- thru # 6 and # C , #D, etc. Thx
Answer:	I'm not sure but I have them on small radiators right up to a massive in floor one and they always seem to allow the right amount of steam through. The bigger the radiator the more open you will want it to be.
Question:	I have these valves, but I can’t figure out how to adjust them. Can anyone help
Answer:	1-these valves are automatic they are way better then the ones that are circled by far i had this valve for more then 3 years without any problem. 2- adjusting them they come in one size 1/8 angle valve. 3- they are quite then other valves 4- they only come in this size 1/8.
Question:	Will the air valve help stop the banging of pipe and if not what does
Answer:	No it won't stop the banging you need to get a heating person to look at your radiators.
Question:	is this a hydronic/hot water valve or is it for steam heat
Answer:	I am using it with my steam type radiators and they are just what I needed to regulate the pressure through my radiator system.The answer is steam heat.

Varivalve 925005-00 ANGLE VARI-VALVE (HEAT TIMER)

Varivalve

Based on 304 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The function of the radiator air vent is to provide a means for air to be driven out of the radiator as steam enters. At a given pressure the fill time of a radiator varies proportional to its heat capacity and inversely proportional to the venting capacity of the radiator air vent. It is possible to control the speed at which a radiator will fill with steam by installing a radiator air vent with a certain venting capacity. Used in this manner, radiator air vents are helpful in evening out the heat distribution in a building.

90 Degree angle style radiator air vent
1/8-Inch Pipe thread
Quiet operation, no clicking or hissing
Provides a means for air to be driven out of the radiator as steam enters, allowing main lines to fill quicker

User questions & answers

Question:	Can you use this horizontally
Answer:	As long as the valve is positioned so that the vent slot is above the thread and vent slit is parallel to the ground, this should be fine. Remember, this is a steam vent. The slot should not clog with steam/condensed water.
Question:	I have these valves on all of my radiators, how would I know if one fails
Answer:	I haven't seen one fail yet, but I imagine it's like most other valves. Either it gets clogged/seized and the radiator doesn't get hot, or the valve starts spitting hot water.
Question:	Are they make a lot of noise
Answer:	They do make a hollow blowing/whistling noise though are quieter than some of the vents with smaller holes.
Question:	will this fit on 2007 pt cruiser
Answer:	No

MAID O'MIST 0220-5L ADJ Angle Steam Valve

Maid-O'-Mist

Based on 95 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Adjustable angle steam valve, a vent port size for every room, from the largest size to the coldest rooms to the smallest size for the too hot rooms, easy to install on any radiator.

Adjustable angle steam valve, a vent port size for every room, from the largest size to the coldest rooms to the smallest size for the too hot rooms
Highly durable product
Manufactured in China

User questions & answers

Question:	If too much air is vented on one side of the house will that take away heat from the opposite side of the house? Seems to be an issue for me
Answer:	The vent controls each radiator. If one get to hit it stops. But if the thermostat is still on. The rest of the radiators will get wormer. Usually the farthest unit is little cooler. Depends the location of the thermostat
Question:	I purchased these and am installing now, does the air nozzle need to be facing up? I have one that feels like it will break if I tighten any more
Answer:	Yes, the nozzles should be at the 12 o'clock position (in order for air to be properly forced from radiator). No need to tighten the valve all the way, just make sure that it is snug and use proper thread tape.
Question:	Does a single valve come with all 5 sized vents as pictured
Answer:	Yes ,the single valve comes with 5 sized vents as shown in the pictures.I bought one of them last year,thank you.
Question:	How does the maximum venting capacity compare with a Maid-o-Mist "C" or "D" vent
Answer:	There are 5 different vent orifices that screw into the body of the type that I bought. The largest is the same as a D the second largest the same as a C.

Hoffman Steam Air Vent 401422 1A, 1/8" Adjustable Angle Steam Radiator Air Valve

Hoffman

Based on 85 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Hoffman steam air vent. 1/8" npt angle connection maximum pressure 10 psi maximum operating pressure 1-1/2 psi 6 port settings from #1 (slow) to #6 (fast) adjustable port for true proportional venting steam air vent. HOFFMAN steam air vent adjustable. Radiator air vent adjustable port.

From the Manufacturer

Hoffman Steam Air Vent. 1/8" NPT angle connection Maximum pressure 10 PSI Maximum operating pressure 1-1/2 PSI 6 port settings from #1 (slow) to #6 (fast) Adjustable port for true proportional venting Steam Air Vent. HOFFMAN STEAM AIR VENT ADJUSTABLE. RADIATOR AIR VENT ADJUSTABLE PORT.

Air valve (non-vacuum) float-type vent
Adjustable port for true proportional venting v 6 port settings from slow to fast (6
1/8" npt angle connection maximum operating pressure 1 1/2 psig (0.1 bar)
Air Valve (non-vacuum)
Float-type vent
Adjustable port for true proportional venting v 6 port settings from slow to fast
1/8" NPT angle connection
Maximum operating pressure 1 1/2 psig (0.1 bar)

User questions & answers

Question:	Should I put this in the 1st floor or 3 floor witch floor it’s this air vent for
Answer:	Every steam heater unit has to have a steam air vent. It allows cold air out of the radiator so that the hot steam can warm the unit and the room.
Question:	Is the Hoffman Steam air vent 40 the appropriate size for a home steam radiator
Answer:	Yes, I used the one I bought in a bedroom. The room is 12 by 13.
Question:	Can I use this on the third floor of a apartment building
Answer:	I’m using one on the third floor of my house, so I see no reason you couldn’t.
Question:	What is the difference between the ones with that little lip and without
Answer:	That little lip is essentially a float valve the shuts off air flow if condensate rises in the radiator high enough to trigger it. It turns out to be more important than I had at first imagined. I had replaced most of my valves with a small compact model that was a bit easier to control, and had no float valve. This turned out to be an error on all the radiators where the vent valve is mounted low on the radiator. Filthy condensate water spewed out onto the floor. Live and learn. Another tip: Don't use the "fast" setting. The air moves so fast that it tends to drag condensate along with it. While the Hoffman (with the lip) will stop it spurting out, it my shut off further steam from entering your radiator sooner than you want it to. I seem to get a better hearing result by setting the units farthest from the boiler a bit under the "fast" setting, and the ones closest to the boiler at "slow".

Hoffman Steam Air Vent 40, 1/8" Angle Steam Radiator Air Valve 401440

Hoffman

Based on 95 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Hoffman Steam Air Vent. Float-type vent 1/8" NPT angle connection Single non-adjustable port Maximum operating pressure 6 PSI For ordinary one-pipe system that doesnt require proportional venting Steam Air Vent. HOFFMAN STEAM AIR VENT 1/8" NPT. RADIATOR AIR VENT.

From the Manufacturer

Air Valve (non-vacuum)
Float-type vent
Single non-adjustable port
1/8" NPT angle connection
Maximum operating pressure 6 psig (0.4 bar)

User questions & answers

Question:	Will this work on steam convector units, or is it just for radiators
Answer:	As far as I know, it is for low pressure steam radiators. You would have to see what the steam convector units spec. for
Question:	how long to replace then
Answer:	If you are asking how long these vents last until they need replacing, I can tell you there are vents in my house that have been working fine for thirty years. However, once it goes bad it is gone. I keep a spare on the shelf just in case. As another answer said, the change-out takes only a few minutes - - unless the old vent was so corroded it breaks off in the threaded hole, and then you are in for some fun. If you are new to steam heat, I recommend Dan Holohan's book, "We got Steam Heat" as a good primer.
Question:	i have a mix of vari valves and maid o mist in my house and both seem to still have air coming out after the steam reaches the radiator. why
Answer:	well Vari Valves dont have a float, they are aggressive and fast venters, as for the maid o mists, well those only last a few seasons if your lucky, id replace those. This Hoffman is a VERY slow venter, which means your Rad will heat up more slowly. You have to choose a vent that suits your radiator and room's needs. Typically you want the rads closest to your thermostat to heat up more slowly than ones that are furtherest away.
Question:	at what location should this air vent be used.1st, 2nd, or thirdx floor
Answer:	You should use it wherever you have problems with air accumulating. Many systems do not need vents at every radiator, some systems do. If you have a single pipe that runs straight up, the air will tend to be at the top. But most systems have more bends, and multiple pipes are not unusual. So you may need more than one vent, or you may need it more on a lower floor. One good rule of thumb is to put one on the noisiest radiator, or any radiator that won't heat up, and then see how it works. Good luck!

Midline Valve 6J3I5-5 Steam Radiator Air Vent; Heat Regulator Valve; Angle Adjustable Mount; 1/8 in. MIP; Chrome Plated Steel (5 Pack)

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This Midline Valve Steam Valve is The Ideal Choice for Air Removal in Your Heating Systems around Your Home. It Features a Solid Steel Body, Secure Connection, Dainty Design, Easy Installation, and Quiet Operation. Manufactured With The Highest Quality Materials and Workmanship, It Will Serve Your Plumbing Needs Faithfully.

QUIET PERFORMANCE: These Mini Valves Will Balance Your Heating Systems Smoothly and Evenly, with no Hissing, Clicking, and Banging
SUPERIOR QUALITY: Heavy Duty Chrome Plated Steel Construction; Rust Resistant; Corrosion Resistant; Max Pressure 10 PSI
COMPACT DESIGN: Features a Neat, Elegant, and Super Dainty Design, Making it The Ideal Choice For Tight Spaces and Decorative Applications
Installs in Seconds; Automates Your Venting- No Manual Intervention Required
ADJUSTABLE: Valve Allows You to Control Your Heating Temperature Easily and Securely

Hoffman 1A Adjustable Angle Steam Radiator Air Valve Vent, 1/8" Size

Hoffman

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Adjustable angle, steam radiator, 1/8 inch size, Hoffman 1A adjustable angle steam radiator air Valve vent, 1/8 inch size. Made in United States. Manufactured by Hoffman.

LOT of 2) Maid-O-Mist Steam Air Valve #6 1/8" Angle Radiator Angle Air Vent

ssh

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NEW-Maid-O-Mist Steam Air Valve #6 1/8" Angle Radiator Angle Air Vent

Steam Heat Radiator Air Vent Valve 1/8" Angle - 10 Pack

HowPlumb

Based on 9 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This 10 pack of chrome steam radiator valves is used to vent air from radiators. Excellent option for rooms that become overly cold or hot. Replacing valves each year can greatly improve energy efficiency of your heating system. Eighth inch angle connection. Maximum Pressure: 10 PSI

10 pack of radiator air valves
Improve the efficiency of your valve by replacing every few years
1/8" angle MIP connection
Minimum operating pressure 1-1/2 PSI
Maximum pressure 10 PSI

User questions & answers

Question:	Does it bleed automatically or do you have to manually bleed the air
Answer:	It should bleed automatically. Air vent is at top and it should release any water after steam discontinues flow. Some of my radiators are slow to empty of condensed steam but that could be a leveling issue.

Plumbing 3/4" x 1/2" Main Line Radiator Steam Air Vent Valve New!

superlin

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Plumbing 3/4" x 1/2" Main Line Radiator Steam Air Vent Valve New!
A brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item in its original packaging (where packaging is applicable).
Quickly vents air from main line.

H&H) New Radiator Air Valve - Plumbing Steam Radiator Air Vent Valve 1/8" Angle - Max pressure 10 PSI - 1pc

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This chrome steam radiator valve is used to vent air from radiators. Excellent option for rooms that become overly cold or hot. Replacing valves each year can greatly improve energy efficiency of your heating system. 1/8” angle connection. Maximum Pressure: 10 PSI

New high-quality part
1/8" angle MIP connection
Maximum operating pressure 1-1/2 PSI
Maximum pressure 10 PSI
Improve the efficiency of your valve by replacing every few years

Auto Supply Mall Hoffman Steam Air Vent 40, 1/8 Angle Steam Radiator Air Valve 401440-2 Pack, Model: 401440, Car & Vehicle Accessories/Parts

Auto Supply Mall

Based on 11 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Hoffman Steam Air Vent. Float-type vent 1/8 NPT angle connection Single non-adjustable port Maximum operating pressure 6 PSI For ordinary one-pipe system that doesnt require proportional venting Steam Air Vent. HOFFMAN STEAM AIR VENT 1/8 NPT. RADIATOR AIR VENT.