Selling a Boiler

Dave_4

In October, 2007, I had an Atmospheric Gas Boiler (Steam)
EG-35 put into my apartment building in hopes that it would address the high heating bills. Unfortunately, it hasn't. I consulted with a highly reputable heating specialist and he said that I should have considered gettiing a highly effiicient boiler, installing it on the second floor and converting from a steam system to a forced hot water system. So, my question is...Is there a market for a 5 month old steam boiler? If so, how might I go about selling it? This is a serious question. The heating specialist that I consulted with thought it was very unlikely that I could sell it....I live in Southern Maine

Dave_4

Selling a used Boiler

In October, 2006, I had an Atmospheric Gas Boiler (Steam)
EG-35 put into my apartment building in hopes that it would address the high heating bills. Unfortunately, it hasn't. I consulted with a highly reputable heating specialist and he said that I should have considered getting a highly effiicient boiler, installing it on the second floor and converting from a steam system to a forced hot water system. So, my question is...Is there a market for a 5 month old steam boiler? If so, how might I go about selling it? This is a serious question. The heating specialist that I consulted with thought it was very unlikely that I could sell it but I wanted the thoughts of others. I live in Southern Maine. Thanks

Brad White_9

Used Boiler

Wow, a new boiler installed seven months from now.... pick my stocks Typo I am sure....

Yes, installing an atmospheric boiler certainly will address high heating bills- by creating them compared to what they could be.

Codes vary so there is some resistance to selling a used boiler and for liability reasons you may be hard pressed to find a taker.

Now, to reality: I suspect that even an atmospherically fired boiler is not all THAT bad, IF the steam system is properly set up, the boiler properly piped, the mains and radiators properly vented...your house is tightened-up... Let's explore that a bit first before you spend more money chasing savings by changing out the boiler.

Sure, hot water can be more efficient but the cost to get there from where you are now will require your lifespan to increase, actuarially.

Let's see what others say. I suspect some agreement here for Terry to keep the steam.

ALH_4

Fuel

I assume you mean October 2006. ;-) Could the insulation (or lack thereof) of the structure be an issue?

If the steam system is functioning properly, the only way to reduce the fuel bill dramatically is to reduce the heat loss.

Dale

boiler fate

I would condsider donating it to the local tech school, value is great and will save you something on taxes.

Unknown

Gee an

EG 35 is not a large model, if it was sized properly to begin with. I`m with Brad about checking into all the avenues as far as keeping the steam. I would think your looking at megabucks to convert. Not "knocking" your guy,,but does he have much experience with steam? Also,,,an EG can be used for HW too.

Dave

Xc8p2dC

phone rang off the hook

Got $1200 for a 1 year old 140K bangbang with all the controls and near piping>> W/S was about $1600 new
Most call where from landlords some flippers

Laws are for intalling used, so take the money and run> let them deal with it

Unknown

the eg 35

Its can be ethier water or steam boiler... I agreed what other said, its a small boiler but with the high gas bill, is the boiler properly piped and the building is insulated? That's where the money should go... Moving the heating unit to second floor got me some funny vibes about this heating company.. Can you post some pictures of the boiler that you have now? Improper venting will costs you money too...

Steamhead (in transit)

Your high bills

weren't the boiler's fault. But a tear-out and conversion is a frightfully expensive proposition because of all the labor involved. Some unscrupulous contractors push these conversions for just that reason- they can rake in the money from all the labor. And trying to convert an existing steam system to hot water can be a nightmare- we won't do this type of conversion or work on a system someone else has converted.

We have found that it is far more cost-effective to fix steam systems than to tear them out. Here is a link to one such job in a 32 unit apartment building- it's the same as in our Find a Professional ad but there are more up-to-date results in it. We cut their gas consumption by 32% while speeding up and equalizing steam distribution thoughout the building.

http://forums.invision.net/Thread.cfm?CFApp=2&Thread_ID=29563&mc=59

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Dave Larsen_2

Heatloss

As per Mr.Bean "and the most efficient mechanical system is still the one which never runs." There are so many elements that make up an efficient system, and the boiler is only one of them. Conversion costs and the problems that can follow make the decision to tear out a new boiler for another new boiler more than a little foolish. You can install the most efficient boiler known to man, but if you put it in a structure that isn't holding in the heat, you will still pay to run that boiler! Check insulation, windows etc, etc, before you blame the boiler for running too much.

Glenn Sossin_2

Agree

You most likely have an older home ? I would investigate staying with this new boiler and consider improving your heatloss numbers by looking into more/better insulation and/or windows. This would probably be a better idea and the biggest return on your $.

Another thing to consider would be modulating valves. Do all rooms heat evenly? Probably not. If thats the case -do you have a 1 pipe system? If so, you should look into self-regulating/modulating valves from a company such as Danfosss. This will allow you to prevent overheating in some rooms, reducing your fuel costs, and improving comfort levels without breaking the bank.