some savings to report...

jpf321

Since the install of my fuel gauge on 11/12/2010 I have burned through 802 gallons (including DHW use). Based on local daily HDD data, we have had 3248 HDD since 11/12/2010. Bringing my consumption to 0.246gal/HDD.



Having reviewed the data I had collected last year, my average consumption was 0.313gal/HDD .. using the same HDD (3248) I would have consumed 1006gal.



Therefore, I have saved myself 200gals ($700) either through steam system efficiencies (TRVs,Vents,Rads,etc), new boiler/burner install, boiler/main piping insulation, blown in-wall cellulose in several rooms, constant vs. set-back T-stat, etc.



At this rate, my efforts thus far will pay for themselves in about 5-7yrs (based on current oil prices). My intention is to blow a few more rooms with cellulose, and properly insulate the attic space with cellulose as well.



My problem room (too chilly - normally by 2degF) is still the kitchen and I have to consider replacing/tightening up the window and the exterior door, blowing cellulose, adding maybe some underfloor (basement) insulation as well. (Or move the T-stat to kitchen and move some TRVs around .. I know that T-stat in the kitchen could be a mistake due to cooking.)

Dave in QCA

Congratulations JP!

A fantastic job!  If I were you, I would definitely continue with the cellulose, especially in the attic where it will provide the most savings.

Rod

1st Floor Insulation

Glad to hear that all your efforts made a big difference. My basement walls are rock and insulating between the overhead joists was a noticeable improvement.

- Rod

Steamhead

Excellent!

and I'll bet you were just as comfortable, if not more so.

jpf321

well....

in terms of comfort .. the burn time to come up to satisfy the t-stat is longer on the properly sized slant/fin .. the fitzy that was 2x oversized would fill the rads much more quickly (20-30mins) vs. the slantfin which fills the rads in 40-50mins. therefore i spent a longer time at the lower end of my 1degF swing on the t-stat. perhaps this could be corrected with a fancy intelligent t-stat.



additionally, because I wrapped up the mains and header pretty tight i didn't have that "radiant" heat through to the 1st floor .. but on the other hand the heat got to where it needed to go (the rads) more efficiently.



i noticed today that I have the DHW aquastat set at 150dF so I could probably come down on that.



by far the best improvements I could make right now is increased cellulose insulation so that the house doesn't swing downward so quickly when the fire goes off.

Patrick_North

Two steps forward...

After similar projects and savings, I too "miss" my overyheated basement for the subtle yet expensive radiant floor heat effect on the first floor. Next step for us? Insulating the basement ceiling.

If you're looking to speed up distribution times, perhaps a Paul retrofit is in order. Says the guy who's thinking about himself and wishes more people were so he could question them about their approach...

Good luck,

Patrick