replacement team boiler

jake isaac

I need to replace my steam boiler. What is the most efficent brand that can be used for steam, hot water baseboard, and domestic hot water? Would there be noticable saving in fuel by changing to a gas or oil hot water boiler? Thanks

Mitch_6

I install mostly Weil Mclains

there steam boilers are different than the FHW boilers with the exception of the EG & EGH series. FHW you could use an Ultra, Munchkin or similar modulating boiler with excellent efficiency and take domestic hot water from an indirect.

Steam boilers are more old fashion cast iron (mostly conventional draft) so you are limited. In my area we see allot of Weil Mclains and Burnhams the difference is the same as some like Chevy Some like Ford.

As to gas or oil, I like gas since it requires less service and you don't get that oil / soot type smell in the house.

Mitch S.

Steamhead (in transit)

Depending on the loads

you might be able to use two smaller boilers: one for hot-water, one for steam. This has two advantages: first, if one boiler breaks down you still have heat in part of the house, and second, in summer you wouldn't have to heat a large boiler for your domestic water.

Before you choose oil or gas, find out what the cost per BTU of each is in your area- with ALL taxes and fees (which gas companies generally don't include in their advertised rates) included. Many people think gas is cheaper, which it generally was before deregulation- until they compare current prices.

If you install boilers designed for oil, you can change them to gas firing by changing the burners. But you can't change a gas-designed boiler to oil.

Any of the major brands should give good service if selected and installed properly.

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John Madden

Good suggestion

Steamhead is right. If you have both steam terminal units as well as hydronic then you really should consider 2 boilers. Using an indirect water heater for your DHW is a snap from a FHW boiler. As steamhead mentioned your summer energy savings in a few years would offset the additional up front cost. Do yourself a real favor and check out the professionals listed on this site. Then select from their recommendations. The best time to do a job right is the FIRST time!