This compact valve definitely eliminates the loud hissing sound that is so disturbing from some radiators, but it’s not great at providing a variable heat level — even at the closed setting a considerable amount of steam (and heat) is released. Overall, a good product, though. A beautiful compact design, and it seems very sturdy too.So I moved into a house from the 1950s being a child of the 1980s I wasn't used to steam heat. Previous owner took good care of the house but he left me with the cheap Home Depot steam valves which are made in China and when you shake them they feel like rock candy . After a few months I noticed that we heard this whistling sound in our kitchen and I realize that the steam was escaping because the valve wouldn't close. I read a lot about different types of valves holfman an other famous brands but I didn't like the idea of having to choose the size because the size of the whole depends how much Air escapes and makes your radiator heat up faster or slower . I didn't want to be put in a situation where I spent 25 bucks on a valve and the opening was too large heating up the radiator too fast and then having it fail and having steam come out of the large opening. I thought one at first and then I started to buy more and more for each radiator they're quiet they feel like very heavy lead weights they are very durable I would recommend to anyone if they hear it hissing or if they have water dripping from one of the valves just buy it . Just take a wrench try to go counterclockwise if the valve is on your left and if it's on your right turn towards you . Just make sure that the direction looks like it's counterclockwise and if you feel too much resistance try pushing back a little bit. After you remove the old valve just take some of that pipe tape use for shower heads the white stuff and wrap it around gently are used one layer just so I could feel the threads. I installed it and tightened by hand and then I realize that the valve was upside down so I tighten the rest with the wrench but not too much you will have to use a little bit of elbow grease but don't screw it all the way in. Once in a while I do here just a tad bit of a hissing sound it's not much I figure it's expected after all air have to escape but it's a nice town like the wish wish wish not the annoying sound like this teakettle going off. I can tell it's air because I put my hand next to it and I can feel the air coming out that steam. I think I have to mention is these valves can get pretty hot so you need something really durable don't settle for the Home Depot ones even though they're cheap because eventually they'll break they just can't hold up to the pressure of steam they should be banned. I know they're like $20 plus but it is the best investment I ever madeSteam radiator in my living room had not worked in 3 to 4 years. Changed several values from Plumbing store to no avail and was skeptical about calling a plumber.My research led me to this valve, and I decided to give it a try (with option to return)Walked in to my apartment a few days ago and the radiator was firing on all cylinders ?. Looks like this made a positive difference. Thank you.I will continue to monitor.We bought a house this summer that has radiators. This is my first time living in a house with radiators so I didn’t know how to maintain them. We have a steam system (one pipe) and one of the radiators in our living room wouldn’t heat up. I thought this was something wrong with the boiler system but after researching how boilers and steam radiators work it all made sense. Steam will never travel to a radiator if the air inside of it has nowhere to go, which results in a stone cold radiator. This meant that our old air valve had seized and wouldn’t let air out. I screwed on the varivalve and it instantly brought it back to life. It’s very small, half the size of traditional valves, but it does the trick. Very happy with this product.Why did I wait so long to fix this? My 1908 steam heating system is kind of scary! This radiator hissed and spit terribly. I couldn't be in the same room while it was heating up, afraid I would go out of my mind. I was seriously stressed.The Varivalve arrived promptly and was surprising easy to install. I watched a bunch of videos, but it was simple.With just my hand, I twisted off the old vent on the radiator --sooo glad it came off easy. I cleaned the area with a q-tip and alcohol. I opened the new box. Wrapped a little bit of plumber's tape on the screw and screwed it in by hand. There were no other parts. I didn't need any tools.I set the indicator in the middle. It's working beautifully now. Virtually silent while heating up --was that one little knock I heard? I'll wait to see if I need to adjust the valve when the weather drops below 15 degrees. But overall, I'm wholly satisfied and proud that I didn't call the plumber. Problem solved!!! (double fist pump, above the head)