Steam & radiator heat

Steam heat, done right.

So much of New York runs on steam — and prewar steam systems have their own quirks. Banging pipes, rooms that never warm up, a boiler on its last legs. We keep the old systems running and help you decide what's worth upgrading.

Cast-iron radiator and steam heating in a New York apartment

The challenge

Old systems, modern expectations.

Steam heat is reliable when it's set up right and maddening when it isn't. Knocking pipes, radiators that stay cold while others cook, and aging boilers are the usual complaints in prewar buildings — and most of them are fixable without ripping the system out.

We know one-pipe and two-pipe steam, how to balance heat across a building, and when an old boiler is worth repairing versus replacing. The goal is an even, quiet, efficient system — and honest advice about what it needs.

What we do

Steam service, start to finish.

Repairs, tune-ups, and the bigger decisions — for radiators and the boiler that feeds them.

Service & repair

Knocking, hissing, leaks, and dead radiators — vents, valves, and traps sorted out.

Radiator balancing

Even heat room to room, so the back bedroom isn't freezing while the front parlor bakes.

Boiler repair & replacement

Keep the boiler you have running well, or plan a right-sized replacement when it's time.

Conversions & upgrades

Add modern comfort alongside steam, or plan a staged path to a new system — without guesswork.

Good to know

How we approach steam.

One-pipe and two-pipe steam systems, both handled.
Prewar and landmarked buildings — we work within their constraints.
Repair-before-replace advice, honestly — we won't sell you a boiler you don't need.
Straight help deciding whether to keep, upgrade, or convert.

Common questions

Steam heat, explained.

Why do my radiators bang or knock?

That "water hammer" usually means condensed water is trapped where steam wants to travel — often from a radiator that isn't pitched correctly or a failed vent or valve. It's a common, fixable complaint, not a sign the whole system is shot.

Some rooms are hot and others stay cold — can that be fixed?

Usually, yes. Uneven heat is a balancing problem — the right vents and adjustments get steam reaching every radiator at a sensible rate, so the far rooms warm up without overheating the near ones.

Should I repair my old boiler or replace it?

It depends on the boiler's age, condition, and how it's sized for the building. We'll give you a straight assessment — many older boilers have years left in them, and we'd rather repair one that's worth keeping than sell you a replacement you don't need.

Can I convert from steam to something more modern?

Often, yes — and it doesn't have to be all at once. Some homeowners add modern cooling and heating alongside the steam they already have; others plan a staged path toward a new system. We'll walk the options and the trade-offs honestly.