New Boiler --- or burner

steam novice

Thanks for the detailed message, Brad.

Much appreciated....Andrew

steam novice

Buy a New Boiler or Burner?

Hello, everyone.

I have a steam boiler that's about 30 years old and a burner that's about 15.

I would like to upgrade to a more efficient boiler or burner.

What would be the best choice: replacing the boiler, the burner, or both?

Thanks!

Empire_2

Hummmm....

I'd replace the boiler. The burner itself would have no affect on the heat exchange of the equipment, although you may decrease your firing rate if it is a gun type burner.. Get a new boiler/get a new burner with that new boiler. Tighter control is availiable and in my opinion I think It would be a wise decision.

Mike T

David Sutton_6

30 yrs...

I would recomend the new boiler, with just the burneryou may increase your combustion eff. but not by much. depending on the shape of the chamber you may need to replace that also, for over savings i would go with the new steam boiler....David

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steam novice

Which boilers and burners are most efficient?

Thanks for the replies.

Which steam boilers and burners are most efficient?

I have a 2200-square-foot farmhouse with four steam radiators upstairs and four downstairs. Oil heat.

Thanks!

Brad White_45

The most efficient steam boiler

is the one that is most correctly sized to your needs. I do not mean for that to sound glib, but you would be surprised how poorly many systems are sized.

The best steam boiler selection one that is the smallest which will meet your load as defined by a detailed take-off of your radiation (EDR) and not by the heat loss of the house.

(With hot water, which can vary temperature and can be more forgiving, sizing to the house heat loss is the correct method.)

See Dan's Books for sizing guidelines and there are other sources out there as well for the older, obsolete radiators. Burhham has good resources as do others.

Most steam boilers peak in efficiency in the mid-low 80's. 81-82% seems to be where they settle but some might be more. It all depends on sizing, system conditions. "Your mileage may vary."

There is just only so much you can do when producing a medium (steam) at a fixed temperature (212+, 215 average) versus the combustion process. But within that, make sure your venting is correct, pipes are insulated, pressure is kept low.... Lots of small inexpensive things to keep you at your best.

As for brands, Burnham, Weil-McLain, Smith, Utica and several others all have their followings. Support and service in your area are key. As for oil burners, there are far more learned minds on that subject than me on this site.

Just start with the correct sizing at least. Not too big and definitely not too small.

If you fail that, not a whole lot you can do about it.

David Sutton_6

Perfect Brad...Says it all

Thank you

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