Steam systems have the reputation of being the “bad boy” of the industry and I believe it may be unfounded. Many contractors will suggest replacing the steam system with a new system but it may be fiscally unrealistic to do so. In many instances, conversion of the system from steam could require replacement of the entire system, including piping, boilers and radiators. If the client cannot afford replacement, the next option would be to optimize the existing system.
One of the common misconceptions with steam systems is to approach it as you would a hydronic system. If you do, the system will never operate correctly. Steam systems have to be serviced holistically as what happens in one room can and will affect other parts of the system.