Columbia Boiler Conversion Question - Baltimore

MichaelG

I bought a 100-year old, three-story Baltimore rowhome in January which has a single-pipe steam system with seven radiators. The steam comes from an oil-fired boiler. The specs on it- Columbia CFSH3100SLB, 116000 BTU. The burner is a Beckett AFG. The tank is in my basement and looks pretty ancient. The boiler is 10 years old this year, according to the install date someone wrote on it.



My question is this - given the current economics of natural gas being so much cheaper than oil, and considering my house is already fed by natural gas for several other appliances (dryer, hot water heater, stove), how much sense does it make to ditch oil and start heating my house with natural gas? The follow up question is do I convert the existing boiler or start fresh? Some ballpark cost estimates for the job would be nice too, if possible.



I've owned the house since February but did not move in until June. During the late winter, just keeping the thermostat at around 55 cost around $400 in oil at about $4 a gallon. With my gas totaling around $0.90/therm, it's a compelling proposition to get rid of oil. Not to mention the convenience of not getting deliveries. In the future I may have renters, and gas heat would be easier to manage.



Sorry if this is more or less a repeat question, I thought there may be a different answer depending on the exact boiler in question. I happen to be a mechanical engineer by trade, but my knowledge of these types of heating systems is still very limited.Thanks for everyone's time and expertise.

Steamhead

That boiler

will run very well with a Carlin EZ-Gas burner. We've converted several of these 3-section Columbias, and as long as the boiler is in good condition (which we determine before converting it) and the conversion is done properly, there's no problem.



And we're located in Baltimore. Let's talk.

MichaelG

Wow

Now that's the kind of answer I was looking for! Well done, who knew I'd find a steam genius so close by.



The house is one of the "painted ladies" of Charles Village, around Guilford and 30th. I'd love to have you drop by to take a look at the system next time you're in the neighborhood. And let me know how to get in touch so we can chat a little more about the work to be done.



Also, prior to some recent floor refinishing, I moved all the rads out of the house to my backyard, where they're currently waiting underneath my porch for me to do some sort of refurbishment on them. I'm considering doing the scrubbing and repainting myself, but if you know any good folks in the area who offer those sorts of services (i.e. sand/soda blasting, powder coating), I'd love to hear about it. Thanks!

Steamhead

Click on my company name below

and you'll see our information as well as some pics of a larger job we did near you. Call and leave a message, or send us an e-mail... we're not in the office much.



For radiator refinishing, the only company I know of is Baltimore Finishing Works, 410-235-7326. They're over in Remington, and do great work.



Looking forward to talking soon!

RobG

Your in luck

MichaelG, You will be well served by conversing with Steamhead AKA Frank Wilsey (and not to leave out his partner Gordon Schweizer). If you go to the steam section of this site you can see photos of their work and note how highly they are regarded in the industry.



Good luck,

Rob