Which Steam Boiler Is Better??

SC

Shopping to replace a gas steam boiler within the next week, who makes the best or very good boiler?

The basement headroom is short, approx. 66". I've been told don't install one with a coil because I already have a seperate HWH.

It is an multi-family house with a 543K/432K boiler.

How many BTU's will I need? Formula is sq. footage or radiator sizes or both?

What more efficient atmospheric or "gun"?

Thanks

nicholas bonham-carter

best boiler?

the best boiler is one which has been selected by a competent steam expert, sized by him for the radiation, and installed/piped according to the manufacturers instructions.

if there is a stocking distributor in your area, it's even better.

the gun burners are a bit more efficient in that they can avoid a bit of heat loss during the off cycle, and could be modulated as a hi-lo burner. however they are louder.

also check your chimney, as it may need relining.

a vaporstat with low-pressure gauge will save you a lot of money over the lifespan as pressures higher than 8 ounces are wasting gas. these economical low pressures are unobtainable with the included pressuretrol.

put enough money in the budget for massive main steam line venting. if your installer does not mention the venting on his own, show him the door, or if on an upper floor, the window!

a copy of" the lost art of steam heating", available from the shop here would help you understand the principles of your system.--nbc

Charlie from wmass

I choose boilers by

What is most available in the local area. The boiler also varies due to the specs of the job. The boiler is sized by the radiators, any other way and they are not aware of what it takes to install steam properly. Here is a link to what you need to know. http://www.heatinghelp.com/article/236/Homeowners/1490/How-to-have-a-boiler-replaced-without-getting-steamed

The Steam Whisperer (Formerly Boilerpro)

It depends.....

Pay attention to NBC's comments.  With most gas steam boilers, there are not nearly so many issues with stocking parts for service as there are for many hot water boilers because most of the operating parts are universal. So many options are open as to brand.  The exception is when using a power burner set up.....The parts for the burners tend to be a little more specialized.  For the easiest to maintain and easy to install with good quality and top factory support, my vote goes to Slant Fin.  Their Galaxy steamers are great and you can use their Intrepid with a gas burner for even higher efficiency.....assuming a contractor has the proper equipment and knowledge to tune the burner.   As to sizing the boiler, it depends a lot of the type of system you have and the proficiency of the installer. Here is my take on sizing steam boilers....http://www.heatinghelp.com/article/11/Hot-Tech-Tips/1551/Taking-Another-Look-at-Steam-Boiler-Sizing-Methods-by-Dave-Boilerpro-Bunnell

SC

boiler installer

any suggestion of installers in the Brooklyn/Queens area of NYC?



Thanks for the replies