boiler sizing

Steamhead (in transit)

owner of Triple Crown P&H in Floral Park. Click on "resources" above, then Find a Professional and follow the instructions.

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mike jones_2

new replacement STEAM BOILER sizing

i know bigger doesnt mean better, but
the usual 3 section steam boilers have 850 to 925 sf. of steam. our 900 sf of radiators does not include 2 risers for bathrooms, 5 stories tall with no radiators on them, and only the cellar risers are insulated due to lack of access to apartment risers.

if we go with the larger 3 section at 925 sf of steam 450,000 btu, Smith boiler, we would never be able to add several radiators to a planned addition without a separate system. (even though this is surprisingly much more btu than our ancient 300,000 BTU boiler which is american standard with 925 sf. of steam)

i know bigger doesnt mean better, but if we get a 1200 sf 4 section, could we fire it lower for now until the planned addition to the building and avoid problems like short cycling?

Steamhead (in transit)

That would probably work OK

but I wouldn't down-fire it too much. And ANY adjustment to the burners should be tested with a digital combustion analyzer to insure safe operation.

How soon do you plan to build the addition?

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mike jones_2

upsizing boiler safely

the addition is planned in 3 years, and probably won't have it/s own HVAC since it is a duplex of the existing top floor.

as suggested, this will be a gas gun, not atmospheric like the old boiler, and if possible it will be lo hi lo or fully modulated. am looking for a good steam guy in new york to be sure it is properly and safely fired and tested on install. its just a shame that the sq ft heat load is right at the max on 3 sections. measured all 25 radiators in the 10 apartments.