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 ...

A new thermal vent spewing steam in the air at Yellowstone National Park is gaining attention, mainly because it's visible from a road rather than any significant change in the park famous for its ...