I expected more savings

JasonB

Too many variables. The heatloss changes as the outside temperature changes. If we had colder days this year the heat loss was higher than the same time period last year. It is better to do bt Degree Days. Do gallons used per degree day.

Billy_12

Here is my history for reference;
I removed a 70 year old, 2000lb rust bucket of a steam boiler. No dropped headers, no insulation on any pipes. You get the picture.
I did my edr and installed a new Burnham Megasteam. All new near boiler piping, 3" dropped header, insulation on header and runs, new chimney liner. I even sealed up the house tighter.
I filled my tank from complete empty on Nov. 19 with 240 gal. I have about 1/8 tank left as of today (Dec. 22).
I've kept records on how much and when I filled for the past 3 years, so I could glance back and see when it was warm or cold for a fill cycle based on how long a fill would last.
The old boiler ranged from 3 - 5 weeks on aprox 230 gals. 3 Weeks being 20 degrees average, 5 weeks, 40 degrees average. These numbers aprox.
The new boiler with all the improvements will have only gotten 5-6 weeks on 240 gals with average temps being 19.5 for low and 38 for highs.
I really expected more from all the improvements. I thought for sure I'd see 2 months from 250 gals.
The system runs great. It's balanced, it vents, it heats. But how could the old system be so close? I know I need to get my numbers down better to be able to compare more accurately. I'm working on it.
I'm thinking that the first 2 weeks were probably inefficient because of the balancing and I hadn't skimmed or flushed the system.
My second thought is that I haven't had any analysis done on combustion so I'm not sure my flame is set right.
I'm just trying to think if I missed something.
Any steam guys in North Jersey who know what they're doing?

Jim Erhardt_3

According to your calculations, you've cut your consumption by at least 40%. I think you're doing well.

Want more? Never set your thermostat higher than 60 degrees, wear warmer clothes and you'll drop another 30 to 40 percent (assuming you keep it at 68 now). Best part is that the lower thermostat setting won't cost you anything.

Mad Dog_2

Maybe the ol' monster wasn't so bad.......

Do you recall if it was oversized? yes, a dirty steamer can burn more fuel. What was the old boy rated for? We do consult in New Jersey.....have one coming up in January. Mad Dog

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Billy_12

Hmmm, do I need to take a closer look at more accurate numbers? Perhaps I should wait another cycle of refilling the tank. It just seems that it's just a little better than the old and not an overwhelming savings which is what I expected.
Thermostat is set at 60 for nights and when we're at work, and 64 when we're home.

Billy_12

The old boiler was installed before there was insulation in the walls so I would assume it was at least 2x the size I have now. I don't recall the sq ftg of steam it was rated for.

radiconnection

If you've been buying oil from one company, the K factor printed on each bill will give you a good idea of savings. Consumption vs. degree day calculation.

Billy_12

UPDATE:
Thank you Mad Dog.
Filled the tank yesterday and it only took 179 gal. It's a 275.??? Ok, so I put a new gauge on and voila! I had almost 1/2 tank left. What this means is all my efforts are paying off. So the old boiler would average 240 gal per 3-4 weeks and the new baby will be 7-8 weeks depending on the temp of course. Wow what a difference. I still have to add 2 rads to the kitchen which should help distribute the heat better. So I'm happy.
I see the k factor. What does this mean and how do I use degree days in a calculation for oil consumption?

radiconnection

The K Factor on the bill is the oil consumption based on degree days.

Billy_12

GEEEEEZ, let me go back and read that again.