Well, honey, based on the information provided, I'd say it's a steam heating system. But hey, don't take my word for it - why don't you double-check those pipes and see if they're hissing like a teapot or just warm to the touch? That should give you a clue.
In a steam heating system, energy is transferred by condensing steam back into water. Steam is generated in a boiler, then travels through pipes to radiators where it releases heat to warm the space. As the steam cools, it turns into water and returns to the boiler to be reheated and continue the cycle.
An operating system aquastat senses and controls the temperature of the water in a heating system.
a hot water or steam boiler
A radiator in a heating system uses conduction to transfer heat from hot water or steam to the surrounding air. The hot water or steam flows through the radiator, heating up the metal fins, which then warms the air in the room through conduction.
In a steam heating system, energy is transferred from the steam to the surrounding air or objects through conduction. The steam gives off heat as it condenses into water, warming up the radiators or pipes in the system, which then heat the space through convection and radiation.
I assume you have steam or hot water heat? The heating system is a closed system and shouldn't be affected by the main water being shut off.
A heating system that uses radiators to transfer thermal energy is typically a hydronic or steam heating system. In these systems, hot water or steam circulates through the radiator to transfer heat into the room. The radiator then emits heat into the surrounding space, providing warmth.
A closed system steam engine operates by heating water to create steam, which then expands and pushes a piston to generate mechanical energy. The key features of a closed system steam engine include a boiler to heat the water, a piston to convert the steam's energy into motion, and a condenser to cool and re-circulate the water.
In a steam heating system, the pipes transport steam or water vapor to the radiators to heat the building. Insulating the pipes reduces the amount of heat lost to the surrounding environment. Any heat lost in the pipes cannot be used to heat the radiators, and causes the system to be less energy efficient.
a hot water or steam boiler
By heating water
no because its not the water your using its the steam from the water