Which brand and model of steam boiler is the most reliable?

Fred

@frank11k I just looked at the specs for the Burnham 140K Boiler, The independence IN5 and it is rated at 358 Sq. Ft. of Steam which is about 20% more than you need but the next smaller Boiler, the IN4 is only 271 Sq. Ft. of steam. That is about 10% under-sized.
I think the model your contractor proposes (the 140K unit) is probably your best bet if you want to stay with Burnham. He should be able to down fire it by 10% to 15% when he sets it up, if he has an analyzer to tune the burner.

Fred

Hatterasguy said:

Fred said:

I think the 86K Boiler is about 22% over-sized.

140,000 BTUH input equates to 114,800 net.

The boiler, therefore, is oversized by 52% when the EDR of 295 ft.² is utilized.

We've discussed that it would be preferential to get to a place that is around 20%.

We discussed that a 30% Pick-up may not be required for every installation but I don't think anyone has agreed that 20% or any other number is right for any specific installation.
By industry standards, he will be about 22% oversized, based on Sq. Ft. of output on the rating plate relative to EDR calculations.
Can this OP step down to the IN4? With a 22% margin to play with, Probably. Is it something I'm willing to suggest he do? No. He needs to make that call on his own with the facts we give him.

Fred

Hatterasguy, Thanks for your explainations but until it is the consensus of the pros and the industry that the model for sizing a steam boiler has changed, I chose to stick with what works and there isn't much you can do to change that.
I explained to this poster that the boiler already has a 30% pick-up factor built into it that is not included in the boiler rating so nothing I said is misleading.
Anyone who wants to experiment with different models for the Pick-up factors can do so. I'm always interested in those discussions and maybe they will influence the industry. Until then it is what it is.

Fred

Hatterasguy said:

When you state that he is 22% oversized, that is the definition of misleading.

When you state that he is 52% oversized, that is the definition of misleading. Your statement assummes he needs 0 pick-up and that simply doesn't hold water (or in this case, Steam)

ChrisJ

Fred said:

Hatterasguy said:

When you state that he is 22% oversized, that is the definition of misleading.

When you state that he is 52% oversized, that is the definition of misleading. Your statement assummes he needs 0 pick-up and that simply doesn't hold water (or in this case, Steam)

Actually,
I'd say to does hold water until you prove it doesn't.

Fred

ChrisJ said:

Fred said:

Hatterasguy said:

When you state that he is 22% oversized, that is the definition of misleading.

When you state that he is 52% oversized, that is the definition of misleading. Your statement assummes he needs 0 pick-up and that simply doesn't hold water (or in this case, Steam)

Actually,
I'd say to does hold water until you prove it doesn't.

Come on @Chrisj It may hold a lot of water, as the steam condenses just as it gets to some of the radiators. Actually, I think one has to prove a model that requires some pick-up factor and has been used, successfully, across the industry to be wrong. Not the other way around.
EDIT: Proof, not Theory

New Hampshire DIYer

As a layperson, I know it can seem daunting to speak to your local plumber and insist on the right choice for a boiler when they are recommending something else. You WANT to trust them, but wonder if they really know what they're doing. However, I followed the wonderful advice on this site. I did my own EDR calculation, got my installer to (reluctantly) order a correctly-sized boiler, and it has worked out perfectly--even during the very cold winter just past. In fact, I probably could have gone down another size (and technically under-sized my boiler). As it is, my boiler is 35% smaller in terms of BTUs than the one it replaced. Don't hesitate to follow the advice you're getting here.

frank11k

I really appreciate every comment and shared opinion that each of you have posted. This board has expanded my understanding of steam heat exponentially. There's no substitute for experience and obviously I don't have much when it comes to steam heat. All of your input has helped me ask the right questions and reach a decision I can be comfortable with. I hope to have the IN5 ordered tomorrow morning. Now I've got to look at the vents.

Fred

Keep us posted on how this install goes. Best of luck! Make sure they do the near boiler piping (at a minimum) per the installation manual instructions.