Big Thanks to All

Maine Vent

A word of thanks to all the Pros on Heating help, and also to all the very smart “homeowners” who have contributed their knowledge and advice to me.

Recap: November 2011 new boiler, new Riello gas gun, start up went OK, skimming went OK.



Here is link to my previous thread on the problems. I’ll abbreviated them for you.



<a href="http://www.heatinghelp.com/forum-thread/139525/System-load-vs-Burner-output">http://www.heatinghelp.com/forum-thread/139525/System-load-vs-Burner-output</a>



1. Radiators not getting hot all the way across.

2. Boiler ran for a long time to get heat.

3. Main vent need more venting.



Thanks to Steamhead, Jamie, Mike Kusiak, Dave in QCA, and all the others.



Here are my lesson learned.

Get Dan’s Books.

Boiler was way under fired, we went from a #3 orifice to a #4 orifice in the spring of 2012. Upon fall startup 2012 I still felt we were under fired per Dave’s in QCA back figuring. And we were under fired still.



I had Aaron Hamilton come over and we went to a #5 orifice, around 159,000 btu’s.

In the spring of 2012 Aaron made a adjustment to my main vent, I went out and re piped it to add another big vent, we have a Groton #2, and a Hoffman 75.on it along with a 3oz gauge.

Now boiler is popping corn inside like crazy, boiler pressure at the boiler is 1 to 2 oz.

Steam to end of the main in about 2 minutes. Pressure at the end of the main ½ oz to 1 oz.

Hugh improvement.



Now to back to basics part, balancing this system.



My original steam Pro, Al Leitialien passed away in Oct. of 2011. Al recommended VariValve vents. I know the rap on these is are not good. But I got them because he is Pro and I’m not.



Well last winter I went out and bought 10 Hoffman 1A’s just for back up. I felt like the VariValves were not working right. Panic mode at that time.



Ahead to fall 2012, got the right btu’s for my load, got clean boiler, getting good heat, but not balanced at all.



I took off all the VariValves on Saturday, replaced them with the Hoffman 1A’s set all the Hoffmans on #1 setting, and lit it off. I could not believe the results.



Every radiator was getting hot the same time, they all heated all the way across very evenly. I made a change to 1 radiator, I opened the vent to #3 position and that one now heats evenly like the rest.



Got gas bill for December we used 154 therms, compared to last December 170.5 days were a little off, but compared 35 days Dec.2011, to 35 days Dec. 2012, = about 180 therms, but now we are all warm the rooms upstairs in this old place are a little cooler at night, which just right for sleeping.

Everyone’s advise was used on this adventure, my next move is to some steam master tablets to help clean up the water and regulate my ph.



I have always said on here when I post, what Great Pro’s and Great Homeowners who share their knowledge with us.



Credit to Dan, you have made a Great forum for us to get and share information, and also to give back a little thanks to all the posters.



We have kept a little piece of history alive for the next generation of Pro’s and also for next set of Homeowners who someday will take over this old gem on mine.



Hope you all have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday, & Happy Hanukah.

Thanks again