new boiler

kpc_34

you do any boiler work get some insulation in the walls....

casperheemskerk

new boiler???????

Hello:
I thought before I go ahead and opt for a new boiler I would elicit info from the pros.
Here's the situation. My home is approximately eighty years old and currently has a one pipe steam system with three zones. The system works well except for the heat bills which last year ran $221/month on the budget. This winter the budget will go up to $262/month. The attic insulation needs to be improved and there is no insulation in the walls. Also the windows and storms are original. The 330,000 btu steam boiler was installed in the early 50's and seems to be working well up to this point. About three years ago I replaced the three main vents and dropped the system pressure down per dan holohan's instructions. I think I saved about 15% on my heat bill.
In spite of these heating costs I love the house and don't really plan on moving. Here's the crux of my problem. I solicited three new boiler estimates ranging in price from 6 to 13 thousand dollars, not exactly chump change. The cheapest estimate was for a Peerless 236 mbh boiler at 6 grand. The second was for a Utica PEG 150 at $10,700, (I questioned the size by the way). The third came in at just under thirteen grand and didn't specify a particular brand. I realize that it's hard to compare these without more specifics but the question I have is if this expenditure is justified. Maybe I should just improve the insulation in the attic and see what happens to my heat bill. Any thoughts or ideas out there that might shed additional light on this situation. Thank you for listening.

tim smith

We don't talk dollars here but throw the low out

No one can do that job well for that price. 2nd, the estimates should all include what make and model, what controls are included, ie 1 or 2 low water cutoffs, 1 or 2 pressure controls, we always do 2 of each as it is required here and redundancy is a good thing with steam boilers as controls to gum up and or stick. Do they skim off boiler when done with install to remove oils and impurities from steam line? Is a chimney liner required/included? Boiler permit? Backflow preventer. All things to find out. Would also be a good idea to have them flush out returns and check all air vents and traps and inform you of their operation and or need for replacement. This may not be included but would be a good idea to have them do a check on system components and give you a report. J

oil-2-4-6-gas

insulate the attic, insulate the walls-- it will be a good amount of money,,but with the cost of energy --you will definetly cut down on your heating and air conditioning costs -- you can insulate the attic yourself ---walls are a different story