I never knew that there was a Christmas version of an automatic air vent for a residential steam heating system. When I finally found it, I instantly knew this story would be for the holiday issue.

The author uncovers an early Trane float air vent—offering a look at coal-era steam heating design, failed radiator traps, and what contractors should watch for in aging two-pipe systems. The first ...

Clean air vents are one of the simplest ways to protect your indoor air quality, keep energy bills in check, and extend the life of your heating and cooling equipment. To do that well, you need to ...