Steam Heater Questions

KD_2012

Hi- I am still in the process of trying to have a new steam heater installed. I have gotten some great advice from this site, so I am hoping to get some more.

Can you please help me undestand what these terms mean, and why the key points I should know about them in selecting a steam boiler:

1- A.G.A Input

2- MBH

3- DOE Heating Capacity

4- Net I=B=R ratings Steam (sq Ft)

5- Net I=B=R rating Steam (MBH)

6- Net I=B=R Rating water (MBH)

7- Min Chimney Size, what is the difference between 12 (only) and 12" x20' 

Below are the boilers we are looking at, we currently have a HB Smith 600k BTU boiler.  None of the plumbers measured our radiators, so I am doing that tonight as suggested by people on this site. I got the instructions off of the weil McLain web-site. below are Weil McClain boilers.

THANK YOU!!! From a girl who doesnt want to make the wrong choice!



<span style="font-size:12pt">Model</span>

<span style="font-size:12pt">A.G.A. Input (MBH)</span>

<span style="font-size:12pt">DOE Heating Capacity (MBH)</span>

<span style="font-size:12pt">Net I=B=R Ratings: Steam (Sq. Ft.)</span>

<span style="font-size:12pt">Net I=B=R Ratings: Steam (MBH)</span>

<span style="font-size:12pt">Net I=B=R Ratings: Water (MBH)</span>

<span style="font-size:12pt">Min. Chimney Size</span>

<span style="font-size:12pt">LGB-5</span>

<span style="font-size:12pt">520</span>

<span style="font-size:12pt">421</span>

<span style="font-size:12pt">1317</span>

<span style="font-size:12pt">316</span>

<span style="font-size:12pt">366</span>

<span style="font-size:12pt">12</span>

<span style="font-size:12pt">LGB-6</span>

<span style="font-size:12pt">650</span>

<span style="font-size:12pt">527</span>

<span style="font-size:12pt">1645</span>

<span style="font-size:12pt">395</span>

<span style="font-size:12pt">458</span>

<span style="font-size:12pt">12</span>

<span style="font-size:12pt">EGH-125</span>

<span style="font-size:12pt">550</span>

<span style="font-size:12pt">440</span>

<span style="font-size:12pt">1375</span>

<span style="font-size:12pt">330</span>

<span style="font-size:12pt">383</span>

<span style="font-size:12pt">12" x 20'</span>

Rod

Boiler Size Questions

Hi-  In answer to your questions:

1- A.G.A Input   = BTU of fuel per hour   



2- MBH   =  Thousands of BTU per  Hour



3- DOE Heating Capacity  =    Output in MBH



4- Net I=B=R ratings Steam (sq Ft)  =  This is the output in Square feet of steam and already has a 1.33 % "Pickup Factor" calculated in.  This figure needs to be close to the total EDR figure of your measured radiators.



5- Net I=B=R rating Steam (MBH)  =  Same result as # 4 above but given in BTU per hour - and also has 1.33 factor calculated in.



6- Net I=B=R Rating water (MBH) = Ignore this as it is only used for Hot Water systems.



7- Min Chimney Size, what is the difference between 12 (only) and 12" x20'  = "!2" is most probably the ID the minimum ID (internal diameter) of chimney flue and the "20" relates to the minimum height of the flue (chimney) for proper draft.



If they don't measure your radiators, they are incompetent when it comes to steam. Do you have the sheet to size your radiators and calculate EDR?

You really need to find a steampro! Tell us where you are you located and perhaps we can recommend someone.

- Rod

KD_2012

Thanks for the info

Hi Rod, Thanks for the quick response and information. A steampro referral would be awesome! I live in Hoboken, NJ. Thanks again!

KVNJR

NJ Steam Pro

I've had Shane A. Foster Hydronic Heating in Union Beach NJ (Monmouth County) do some work on my system. An excellent experience overall. Courteous, knowledgeable, and willing to talk to you about your system. Don't know if he would be willing to go north to Hoboken, but it would definitely be worth a call..