Hoffman #40 vs. Gorton #1
- RelayMRO
- Dec 23, 2025
- 2 min read
Radiator Vents vs. Main Vents — A NYC Steam Heat Reality Check
In New York City, most steam heat problems don’t come from the boiler itself—they come from poor venting. For supers, building engineers, and HVAC contractors working in prewar buildings, two names come up constantly: Hoffman #40 and Gorton #1.
They’re often mentioned together, but they do very different jobs. Understanding when to use each one is critical to balancing a steam system, reducing complaints, and avoiding repeat winter calls.
What the Hoffman #40 Actually Does (Radiator-Level Control)
The Hoffman #40 is a radiator vent, installed directly on individual radiators inside apartments. Its job is simple:
➡️ Let air escape the radiator so steam can enter.
When the Hoffman #40 is the right fix:
Radiators are cold or only heat halfway
You hear constant hissing or spitting at the radiator
One apartment complains while others are fine
In NYC buildings, radiator vents fail constantly due to age, dirt, and decades of service. Replacing a bad Hoffman #40 is often the fastest way to restore heat in a single apartment without touching the rest of the system.
Key takeaway: The Hoffman #40 solves unit-level heating problems, not whole-building balance issues.
What the Gorton #1 Actually Does (System-Level Balance)
The Gorton #1 is a main vent, installed on the steam main near the boiler—not in apartments. Its role is more strategic:
➡️ Rapidly remove air from the entire steam main so steam reaches all risers evenly.
When the Gorton #1 is the right fix:
Apartments near the boiler overheat
Upper floors or far lines stay cold
Heat complaints are widespread and inconsistent
In many NYC prewar buildings, the original main venting is undersized or completely failed. Without proper main venting, steam never distributes evenly—no matter how many radiator vents you replace.
Key takeaway: The Gorton #1 addresses building-wide imbalance, not individual radiator issues.
This is where many buildings go wrong.
Replacing only radiator vents without fixing main venting treats symptoms, not the cause
Installing a main vent but ignoring failed radiator vents still leaves cold apartments
In properly balanced NYC steam systems:
They work together, not in competition.
Built for NYC Steam Systems
At RelayMRO.com, we stock both the Hoffman #40 and the Gorton #1 because NYC buildings need both tools. Whether you’re solving a single cold apartment or correcting a system-wide imbalance, we support steam heat professionals with fast, reliable access to the right parts—including delivery in as little as 4 hours across all five NYC boroughs and Westchester.
Understanding the difference is how you fix it right the first time.
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