Cast iron radiators

Steamhead (in transit)

Assuming

it could operate that way, which it can't all the time. BTW, have you noticed that not all condensing boilers use the standard AFUE ratings? Some of those wonderful-sounding efficiency numbers were not generated under standard test conditions. And, what about their efficiency in the non-condensing water temperature range? This is conspicuously absent.

We all know AFUE is flawed, but at least it gives us a way to compare one boiler with another.

We can save our steam customers the same amount using a steam boiler, which uses off-the-shelf replacement parts should they be needed, and without a risky conversion (and unlike some, we have the numbers to prove we can) so that's the way to go.

Tara, if you need some more eyes on this system, I've been known to leave the Baltimore area to consult.

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Uni R_3

I've noticed...

This really isn't steam vs hot water, this is conventional boiler vs modulating condensing boiler and AFUEs cannot be used to compare these 2 groups. The overall efficiency in non-condensing conditions which for a system with standing iron might be 50 hours out of a 5000 hour heating season is in the mid to high-80s - and this I've seen in print. A conventional gas boiler is hard pressed to hit mid eighties steady state and with standby flue losses can't be much more than 70% efficient overall. The lost BTUs pretty well all leave via the chimney...

In the absence of any more scientific comparisons we'll have to agree to disagree.

Steamhead (in transit)

The Utica rep

made a big deal out of this, saying advertised efficiencies on some mod-con boilers were achieved under non-standard test conditions. They're coming around again in a couple weeks and I'll get specifics at that time. I had them here but can't find them now.

Even a standard atmospheric gas boiler would be more efficient than an old round coal-converted boiler.

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Martin_3

I'm out of my area of expertise with steam, but it would seem to be that the simplest way to proceed is to get a new steam boiler and fix up the pipes. Most seem to agree that the pipe damage would be limited to a few areas.

You can always add A/C later on using a dedicated A/C such a mini-duct. Cooling should not be a top priority right now.

The benefits of converting to hot water heating are not worth the risk of the conversion if you're only planning on owning the property for 5 years.

I'm sure we'd all love to see some pictures!

Tara_2

Pictures

I took pictures of everything on Friday but haven't had the opportunity to download them. I'll try to get to it tonight

Unknown

where Tara ?

Where Tara with her pictures? Did some forced air company hijacked her and sold her the forced crappy air system?

Tara_2

Lol

My boyfriend gave me the wrong USB cord for the camera and has "misplaced" the right one. Nonetheless, it seems that I have lost the battle on keeping the radiators. I even tried to get my dad and him to read this thread but they were not interested, they have teamed up against me. The only positive outcome is that he won't dare complain to me about the gas bill...he'll never hear the end of it. Some people you just can't talk to. Dad had radiator heat growing up and hates it, my boyfriend hates the radiators, and I hate the fact that I have to buy 2 furnaces and 2 central air units to heat the house efficiently. I guess now it is time for me to move on to figuring out what I can do to make the house as energy efficient as poaaible. Thank you all for your advice, I really wanted to keep them

Steamhead (in transit)

At this point

I'd start looking for my own place, with radiators!

Is your father actually going to live there?

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Dave_4

Yea...

That'd teach em...

Tara_2

No, but the simple fact that everyone here is backing him up on ditching the radiators made it harder for me to convince them based off of information I talked about online, you know? I thought that the boiler specialist might be on my side but when he said I had a "whole lot of nothin" it kinda sealed the deal. I'm running out of time to close on this loan and am running out of energy fighting for my poor little radiators. Perhaps I will win with the next house.

Steamhead (in transit)

The boiler guy

told you the system was "a whole lot of nothin"?

Why did he tell you that? Did he give a reason, or did he just want to take your money on a tear-out? I'm betting it's the latter.

The more you tell us about the way this is shaping up, the closer I'd want to look at it. I don't know if you're being dealt with honestly.


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Unknown

I agree with Steamhead....

If its gonna be YOUR place, I'd dump the boyfriend and stay warm in ur heart with those steam radiators... I get the feeling that the "boiler" guy you had wasn't a true steam boiler specialist. Remember, the laon officer doesn't warm ur home and u are within your rights to what you want or how its gonna be done. Please don't get blow away by those "sorched air specialists". Do try to post thosw pictures!

Rich Kontny_4

End of Discussion

Tara,

Understand that these responses are from some of the best wet heating professionals in the business. They have made an extremely strong case yet peace at home and cost-effectiveness are ultimately the deciding factors.

The statement about a five year plan to stay in the house also seems to favor the scorched air system. Now that the dust is settled and the decision has been made,we wish you good luck with your project. If any other heat related problems arise you can be assured that you will find answers here.

Contrary to some of the later responses I know of no contributors to this forum who are marriage counselors.

Best of luck!

Rich Kontny

Perry_3

Tara: Sorry you lost on the discussion

Tara:

Another home owner here... Single guy, hot water heat, you'll love it. Several people mentioned looking for the right guy....


Ever consider relocating to Wisconsin... (let me know).

Note that last year I came to this site and got advice. I spent a good chunk of $$,$$$ to replace my boiler & Domestic hot water system, which inculded relocating the boiler in the basement to improve the layout of the basement. Great decission.

I will also note that if I had a house of your age, and a 5 year plan to flip it... I'd rip out all the walls; rewire, reinsulate, if necessary repipe, etc and be able to offer for sale a well insulated house that is wired and piped for another hundred years.

Perry

Tara_2

Thank you for the response. I ended up not purchasing the house. The expense of getting the house inhabitable proved to be a much greater expense and chore than I had originally thought. Thank you all for your help and responses.

bob young

pics

what happened to the pictures. the suspense is killing me.