What is the highest effiency boiler that makes sense for steam h

Steamhead (in transit)

and some boilers built for hot-water systems can cool the flue gases to the point where the latent heat in the water vapor of the exhaust gases can be recovered as the vapor is condensed. The water temperature must be lower than 140 degrees or so for this to occur- so it can't happen in a steam boiler.

However, this introduces a few other gotchas- like the fact that you can't exhaust this type of boiler into a conventional chimney. And you can't just stick some vent pipes thru the foundation wall- there are minimum heights and other clearances that must be observed.

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MVO

steam efficiency

What efficiency boiler makes sense for steam heat? Our boiler tested at 78% combustion efficiency. Net stack temp 480F,CO2 10%,CO zero. Members of the Meeting are pushing for a high efficiency boiler. Obviously heat gained from condensation will be of no use to the steam. What is the max one can go with steam heat--- 85% or what????? This is a steam heating system in an 1860 Quaker Meeting House. Members want to be as green as possible. I have been advised to just have our Red Flash coal boiler with an Economite gas burner cleaned for soot and forget about a new boiler. I need a maximum percent increase of efficiency number to plug in to calculate the possible saving per year off our $6676 annual gas bill.

Steamhead (in transit)

Who told you that

the gas company? Wouldn't surprise me........

The Redflash is a thermal sieve. If the flueways are baffled it will do better, but nothing like what a new boiler would do. A modern wet-base boiler with a power gas burner would show a combustion efficiency in the mid 80s and a much better thermal efficiency than a Redflash.

You really need a good steam man. Where are you located?

"Steamhead"



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Bob Gagnon plumbing and heating

How big is the

house? The bills seem high. Thanks, Bob Gagnon

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JohnG_3

Obviously heat gained from condensation will be of no use to the steam.

I don't understand this. I thought that all heat extracted from the combustion of the fuel could be used to heat the house. Why is that not the case?

Nelson_5

I recommend dan's book

entitled The Lost Art of Steam Heat (sold on this site) and pass it around to the members. There is a lot more to a well-running and efficient steam system than the boiler. The book would be a fun read for your members and might help them appreciate your meeting house more.

I rank the book among my favorites of all time. I think it is a tribute to anyone who wants to make the world a bit warmer.