Steam boiler conversion

Will Hanson

faster to head east and come around the other side if you were to swing by. The steam system is going to be replaced with either forced air or warm floor condensing either way. The thoughts about the steam system are just to get some hands on with one. I worked with comercial steam systems for process when I was in the union. But thats a difrent animal. I really want to learn more about steam systems for space heating. Around hear its 99% forced air. The little bit of steam is in the San fransisco or Oakland area. By looking at the boilers I have seen replaced I don't think their are many good steam guys left to learn from around here. So I have Dans books, you guys, and the school of hard knocks to learn with. The neighboor of one of the other jobs in SF said they had a new steam boiler and the system still dosent work well. I want to ask her if she will let me work with it and I will charge her if I can fix it. I could learn alot that way.

Will Hanson

The steam boiler is

less than a year old its a Smith. I am bidding warm floors as part of a full gut remodel. The contractor that installed the boiler told the H.O. that the boiler can be converted to water. I have never heard of that but steam is not my thing. I am trying to learn more here and with some of dans books. I have my doubts about the steam install for the following reasons.
1 the boiler was replaced because some rooms in the house were cold. These rooms are still cold. Bad vents I am sure.

2 nylon ball valves in the main and return. Why even put a valve in these lines. I wouldnt think the nylon would live through the steam.

3 They used a taco air scoop hydronic air seporator on the main. The cap was screwed tight.

This is after a 5 minute look at the system. I was there to look at a new system not fix the old one. With these things in mind I find myself doubting the contractor on the boiler conversion thing. I dont know for sure and I am far from a authority on steam. I really do want to learn more about it though. I want to ask if they will let me try and fix the steam vents or replace them befor they demo just so I can learn a little. No charge of course. What about that with the boiler can you convert them water.

ed wallace

steam boiler

well sounds like the installer knows nothing 2 ball valves and an air scoop on a steam boiler makes no sense as to converting boiler to hot water usage yes its doable you need to remove the low water cut off, the pressuretrol and any other limit used on steam systems I say try fixing the steam before the gut job can you post pics or find a steam guy near you

Will Hanson

San Fransisco

Is where I do most of my hydronic work. I have looked in find a profesional and posted looking for a local steam guy. No luck so far. If I end up going back I will post pics. I really need to carry the camera at all times. The bid from the genral contractor goes in next week if he gets the job I will be able to play with the steam system before the gut. I know that regardless of what we do the boiler goes. They want to use a condensing boiler. I have been using the Knight boilers they have been great so far.

Steamhead (in transit)

Condensing boilers

are only for hot-water, not steam (yet). But if the Smith is only a year old, I wonder whether it would be cost-effective to replace it?

Which Smith model is it?

Unfortunately, SF is not very close to Baltimore.....

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