Millivolt steam system

JM_2

I have an older millivolt steam system in my house. It works fine I guess its from the 70's. I was wonder if it is possible or feasible to switch the gas valve from a millivolt system to a more modern one. The large pilot of the millivolt system  results in a about 40 t0 50 bucks a month. I would like a smaller flame at the pilot.



Thanks



John M

jim s_2

Age of boiler

Why not put the money you will spend on all this towards a new boiler?



I feel it would be money well spent in the long run rather than try to retrofit something over thirty years old.

Steamhead

Like one of these

which will give the best available efficiency on gas-fired residential steam........

Constantin

Are you sure it's just the millivolt system?

$40-50 a month for gas would be far more than I think a mV system can use. The smallest constant pilots are on the order of 50 BTUs, though mV systems usually use bigger ones. But even at 250 BTU/h, you'd be looking at less than two therms of gas being used per month. In most places, that's less than $5 worth.



I suspect that there are other issues at play. Does this boiler provide just heat or heat and hot water? In particular, is this a boiler with a tankless coil?



Don't get me wrong, there may be very good reasons to switch to a new boiler. In order to make the best decision though, describe your system in greater detail, if possible.

Tim McElwain

Advantages of

millivolt system is if you have a power failure you still have heat. There are many others in particular how many service calls have you had on your system?



As to cost to operate, you probably have an .018 size orifice in the pilot at 7" W.C. pressure (the pilot is not regulated so it is on line pressure) you are spending about $100 to $130 a year on the pilot depending on the cost per CCf of gas in your area.



As others have suggested if your operating costs are extreme there may be other issues. Have a professional take a look at your system and see if any adjustments can be made. Do not rush into anything as I can tell you millivolt systems are great and other than the fact that maybe the package is a little old the comfort of knowing you will have heat when there is a power failure ifs a big one.