The Air We Breathe
I have an old book on my shelf that came to me by way of my friend Paul Yunnie. Paul lives in England and is Chairman of the ASHRAE Historical Committee. I time-travel wi...
Heating Museum Help Topics
Take a stroll through HVAC history in our Heating Museum. This section of our website preserves history and answers that so-important question: What the heck is that thing? Whenever you run across anything unusual, chances are you’ll find the old literature about it right here.
Heating Museum Categories
Asbestos
Boiler Explosions
Boilers - 1959 to 1980s
Boilers Prior to 1959
Coal Heat
Controls
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Green
Greenhouse Heat
Heating History
Homeowners
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Old Ads & Magazines
Old Hot Water
Old Radiant
Old Steam
Radiators
Stories from Heating History
Textbooks
Thermostats
Very Old Stuff
Warm-Air Systems
Water Heaters
Recent Articles in Heating Museum
Antique Air Vents
Here is a chapter about air valves for heating systems from Alfred King's, Practical Heating and Ventilation, 1928.
Atmospheric Pressure or So Called "Vapor" Systems
This document about Atmospheric Pressure and Vapor Systems is from Audel's Plumber's and Steamfitter's Guide No. 3, which appeared in 1925.
Attaining Maximum Efficiency & Economy from Low-Pressure Steam Heating Systems
Walter S. Finken sold KEK, a boiler cleaner. In this treatise, he explains how dirty water leads to wet steam and plenty of system problems. Thanks to Alex Marx for scann...
Bishop & Babcock Vacuum Vapor System of Steam Circulation
This document from the Bishop & Babcock Manufacturing Company showcases their vacuum vapor system of steam circulation. Thanks to Patrick Linhardt for scanning and sharin...
Broomell Specifications (1924)
This document from October 6, 1924, outlines specifications for the Broomell System of heating. Thanks to Brian Reynolds who bought this rare document on eBay from the gr...
Broomell System Job Photos
Thanks to Robert O'Connor of New Jersey for sharing these photos of a Broomell heating system.
Broomell System Notes
Here are some notes about the Broomell System of Vapor Heating. Thanks to Patrick Linhardt for scanning and sharing this.
Broomell Heating System Patents
Here are patents from the early 1900s for the Broomell heating system. Thanks to Gerry Gill for finding and sharing these patents. It's a wonderful walk through heating h...
Trap Bushing for Radiators (1919)
Here is a patent for a trap bushing for radiators from F.J. Vaux in January 3, 1922. This one could easily stump you if you didn't know it was in there.