Another Steam/Direct Vent Question

B_3

Howdy all - new join here.



My wife and I recently bought an older house in Maine, a sort of regionally common Victorian/mutt dating to 1888. High on our list of projects is to try to figure out how to introduce wood into our heating matrix for utility and enjoyment. Unfortunately we have only one single flued chimney, which is too small to add a secondary sleeve to.



That chimney runs up an internal chase and was initially used for what I suspect to be coal stoves on each floor. Now it is dedicated to the steam boiler in the basement. That boiler is long in the tooth, but has been regularly maintained and is still in fairly useable condition.



As it turns out, the evidence of pre-existing stove in the first floor parlor room is basically exactly where we'd want to put a wood stove now due to it's airflow and living centrality.



So, we're marinating on our options. Here are the facts and considerations as we currently view them:



-best case/long term solution would be to tear out internal chase enclosed walls, tear down the existing chimney, and rebuild larger, exposed and multi-flu to support wood stove and/or fireplace. But that's a daunting project unsupported by current budget or will.



-very little interest in a direct vent pellet stove or cutting a hole in the wall to run an insulated metal stove pipe directly out and up above the roof. Not in keeping with our long term goals or (admittedly subjective) interpretation of what the building "wants to/should be".



-strong desire to retain the existing steam radiator heating - it works like a champ, seems pretty well optimized in terms of radiators and insulation and we just like steam.



-boiler will need to be replaced sooner or later; 30yrs old  at least, firebox requires regular attention and is certainly thirsty/inefficient. It occurs to us that some sort of direct or forced vent replacement option could remove it from the chimney equation and allow that to be re-purposed for a wood stove.



So, that's a fast and dirty recap of the problem we're trying to solve. I've seen a few dated bits on the potential /apocryphal existence of direct vent gas steam boilers, and some chatter about forced venting options, but I know little to nothing about either.



Fair to say that our overarching objectives are to not pour money into short term solutions that don't fall somewhat in line with inevitable future expenditures and we have no desire to mar an old house that has resolute character.



Any input, feedback, warnings, tales of woe or advice much appreciated.



Thanks in advance.

B_3

asking again

bump; anyone out there know of any direct vent, gas-fired steam boiler options?

nicholas bonham-carter

power vented steam boiler

try this company:

http://www.peerlessboilers.com/SearchResults/tabid/37/Default.aspx?xsq=power+vent+steam

other mfg's may also produce this sort of arrangement, and may have representatives closer to you.-nbc

Charlie from wmass

There are units to power vent all boilers through the side wall.

The trick is getting a good location and making sure the venter is sized and serviced properly. We only install these for gas fired equipment but they are available for oil also. Fields Controls is one manufacturer.