Information request - high quality, small footprint, gas, steam boiler replacement

hand123

Hello,
I own an old home that contains the following
* A gas fired steam boiler that is over 10 years old
* The boiler is in a fairly finished basement (used for utility and storage, not living) and vents to a chimney flue shared with an adjacent gas water heater
* The system supplies steam to eight radiators: four of which are on the first floor above the basement and the remaining four are one the second floor

I am interested in replacing the gas steam boiler with the:
* I am very, very interested in reducing the footprint in the basement and am therefore interested in hearing more about dimensions of the device.
* A modern, clean, durable, high quality, long lasting, efficient gas steam boiler
* Works with the existing radiators
* It can continue to use the existing flue
* Lowest price is not necessary

I'm hoping users of this site can direct me to recommended brands and models so I can research further.

Thank you.

KC_Jones

How far over 10 years is it? Why do you want to replace? Is there something wrong with your current unit? If the one you have is around 10 years old and you are looking for some efficiency gain I wouldn't count on anything significant. The technology for steam hasn't made any big gains for decades. Unless you are having problems (like leaking) with your existing boiler your best bet is to just leave it alone and take care of what you have.

nicholas bonham-carter

The quality of most of the available boilers is in the installation, rather than the boiler itself. Different makes have different requirements, but as long as these are met in the installation, then the result will be the same.
Are you having some problems with the present system, which you think may be solved by a new boiler? Give us some details.
Post some pictures of a radiator, and the present boiler and its piping, and we can evaluate, what your choices may be.--NBC

Mark N

The way I read it is, he wants a boile rthat takes up less room. Post some pictures of what you have. I doubt a new boiler will take up less space.

KC_Jones

Mark N said:

I doubt a new boiler will take up less space.

If it is massively over sized maybe, but it would have to be huge to make a noticeable difference. Replacing an entire boiler to gain a little space would be a HUGE expense for a few square feet. Hopefully the OP will come back to clarify what their goal is.

hand123

Thanks to all for your quick responses. Sounds like if the system is working, I shouldn't mess with it. Sounds like a boiler replacement is a big expense for not much return if I am simply looking for a smaller footprint and newer (fairly unchanged) technology. I've also seen that replacing or refurbishing steam radiators is expensive. So, again, if it ain't broke, don't mess with it. If and when I consider fully finishing my basement and taking on other renovations, I may consider replacing the boiler and radiators. So for now, I'm not going to make any changes. Thanks again for the responses.

KC_Jones

You aren't considering getting rid of the steam heat in the future are you? You mention replacing boiler AND radiators. Those radiators in all likelihood will out last you and your kids so don't assume because they are old they won't last or will need replaced.

hand123

I like the steam heat. I've read that it is very efficient. I don't like forced air heat. I see no reason to convert the steam system. Sounds like I should not mess with a system that is working well until a repair need arises. Thanks again for your comments and advice.