Best Of
Re: Axeman-Anderson oil fired boiler vs. Burnham oil fired
What town do you live in? I'm in CT and will be going to providence tomorrow afternoon for a social event. Maybe I can stop by and take a look. Like everyone has said, you don't need a new boiler or more than likely a new burner. For some reason your cad cell is not seeing a good flame. could be the flame, the cad cell, the burner could just be dirty…
Your dealing with a company that doesn't train their techs properly and the techs are afraid to ask for help.
I sent you a PM,
Robert_H
Re: Steam-one boiler or two, and, Atmospheric vs Gun
The coal guy (first guy) may have made the best guess on sizing the equipment, after the installation, the coal shoveler would have been the modulating control. And often the women of the house.
The oil conversion guy then never wanted the woman to call him or send a sternly worded postcard to his office, so oversize the GPH nozzle.
The gas guy was more cautious and steps up a size.
Years later as all the vents are plugged or traps passing steam, the boiler gets changed and "You need a larger one", trying to correct the problems that are not in the boiler room.
JUGHNE
Re: Axeman-Anderson oil fired boiler vs. Burnham oil fired
For what it's worth, my axeman boiler was built in 1957. Still running, I've met Pete Axeman at the factory and was very impressed with their whole operation. They seem to be known for both quality design and longevity. Every time I've talked to them on the phone they've diagnosed my problem correctly.
Re: Replacing A/C with a Heat Pump, problems?
it shouldn't cost much more and will give you a back up source of heat if nothing else. The only difference is a defrost board, reversing valve and maybe another tXV and some check valves. It does have more parts to fail but if the rebate is big enough go for it. You may want to use the hP for heat in the sproing and fall.
Re: Old house heating: Steam radiators or forced air?
The OP should prioritize his needs.
There are advantages to steam heat and advantages to hot air.
By determining what is most important to him and to his wife, we can help him choose the best heating system to fulfill those wishes.
Comfort? Floor space? Personal aesthetics? Installation costs? Headroom and space utilization? Operating cost? Return on investment? Silent operation? Reliability? Equipment lifespan? Floor space? Temperature consistency? Desirability to future owners? Disruption of lifestyle/architectural elements from installation? A place to dry wet gloves?
Consider what's important to you , and the answer will be simple.
This is engineering.
Re: Old-School Solutions
The orifice will work anywhere you can keep the pressure controlled. In theory you could size the orifice for higher pressures and it would work there too as long as the utilization equipment has a consistent load and you could control the pressure at the higher pressure..
mattmia2
Re: Steam-one boiler or two, and, Atmospheric vs Gun
Gary....you're assuming the last guy did any math. Mad Dog
Re: Steam pressure question
I prefer a full ball valve but that’s up to you.
skim until clear. Check again after a few days of operating.
pecmsg
Re: Old-School Solutions
RayW, the orifice "trick" does work. I have used it a lot in my very small service area.
There is a chart for sizing based on the pressure applied. You can install such that will deliver 80% of rad EDR. You seldom need even 80% for most rooms.
These do what an adjustable controlling inlet valve do, if never tampered with, so you know what happens to those control valves. Constantly messed with or just drift their adjustment over time.
So open all the way and only get 80% EDR or have the ability to shut off completely.
I have often removed rad trap elements and not have a problem……..as long as the pressure is left set reasonably low.
JUGHNE
Re: Old house heating: Steam radiators or forced air?
@montysir Do everything you can to keep the steam. I grew up with it. As a kid, I remember how comfortable I was. When I moved out of my parents' house I have not been as comfortable. Having steam heat is terribly missed.
With an open mind and some imagination, those radiators can be made to look beautiful and can be a conversation piece for years to come.
You can even have each radiator heat each room on its own, adding to the comfort of your home.
And as for the so-called noises. Those noises can be eliminated, too.
Am I biased? No. It's just that I have lived through New England winters with hot water, warm air, electric heat, and steam.
Do everything you can to keep it.
Intplm.