Optimum Boiler Sizing

Jay Zebryk

Assuming my steam load calculations are correct, I need a boiler capable of generating 423 Square Feet of steam or 101,461 BTU's. The Utica boilers I've choosen are either 90,000 BTU (about 11% undersized) or 113,300 (about 12% oversized). Considering that Utica includes an allowance of 1.333 for "piping and pickup", which unit would be best? My concern about installing a slightly undersized unit is my full-time cellar workshop would now get too cold and require a radiator to make up for the lack of waste heat. Currently, all my cellar steam feeds are insulated with 1" fiberglass, and the boiler that I am replacing was "measured" by MassSave about ten years ago at 79%. It has no damper, however, and has a 6 inch flue pipe with a 12x12 inch draft box open at the bottom. The other factor of mention, is all my cellar windows (4) are old single pane types needing replacement as well.

Al Letellier_9

boiler sizing

Go to the larger size. Undersizing is never a winning choice. Use the larger boiler and downfire it a little. Mt two cents worth.

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Steamhead (in transit)

Al is right

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