Why is steam rising from the New York streets?

Why is steam rising from New York’s streets? It has to do with New York City’s steam system. This system provides both heating and cooling to much of the city. The steam in New York is a common sight. This system can be identified by fuming manholes on the streets and orange-and-white striped steam funnels. The heating system is made up of approximately 105 miles (168 km) of steel pipes that run beneath New York’s streets. I’ll tell you more about how New York steam works below.

Eric's Index

1 Steam on New York Streets
2 FAQ

Steam on New York Streets

The steam in New York that you see rising from manhole covers and the steam from the orange-white funnels is actually condensation from the city’s heating and cooling system. This may happen when cold water comes into contact with hot pipes or if one of the underground steam pipes leaks. If a leakage happens, a hole has to be dug, but sewer manholes also give access to part of the system.

The reason these ‘chimneys’ (steam funnels) are used is to ensure that all traffic can be clearly routed around them. As a result, the steam will not bother anyone because it will rise higher from the ground. In addition, the steam, which might be extremely hot, cannot spray straight into someone’s face.

New York Steam System - Steam on New York Streets

Cooling in New York

Steam in New York can also be used to power large steam chillers. This provides air conditioning and other cooling in buildings. Museums in particular make use of this, such as MoMA and the American Museum of Natural History. This not only makes it more pleasant to walk around the museum, but it also helps protect the art and other artifacts on display.

New York City Steam System

Since March 1882, New York has been largely heated by the New York steam system. Over 105 miles (168 km) of steel pipes run beneath the city streets, providing steam to almost 1,500 buildings. The steam system heats several buildings, including the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and Grand Central Station. In these locations, the hot water coming out of the taps is also heated using the steam system.

How does the NYC steam system work?

The entire steam system works as follows:

Water enters a steam generator where it is first purified to ensure that no harmful substances can be released.
Subsequently, the water is heated with natural gas in one of the boilers until it reaches a certain pressure and temperature, typically around 456 degrees Fahrenheit (236°C).
It is then distributed to all the buildings through the pipe system.

The company behind the system since the beginning is Con Edison, which is why it is also known as ConEd in New York.

FAQ

This has everything to do with New York's heating system. The steam pipes and vents you see in NYC are part of the infrastructure of this system.

The steam on New York streets is not harmful, but it can be hot. That's why you often see vents placed; these make sure that the steam can't get in your face or obstruct traffic.

Steam can also be seen in New York during the summer months. This is due to the high temperatures of the pipes running underground. However, the peak steam season is winter, when the air is cold.

The locations of the steam pipes vary, but I often see them on Lexington Avenue between 50th and 60th Street. So you could check this street out if you’re looking for them. Alternatively, just walk around Manhattan until you come across one! For photography, the early morning on cold days often provides the best visibility and most dramatic effect.