Steam to forced air or minisplits?

Steamhead

JoeReg said:

Was told by company that maintains it that it can't be converted to gas.

Well, well. They need to get away from those knee-jerk reactions. Here are a few examples where we've done just that- these boilers are re-branded as Columbias, but they're the same thing:

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/151822/two-recent-steamers

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/150537/three-recent-steamers

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/146210/this-weeks-steamer-replacement

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/146071/ez-gas-stays-boiler-is-upgraded

JoeReg

@KC_Jones what's wrong with the piping? I recall someone mentioning that copper shouldn't be used next the boiler. I spoke with Ezzy and he was very helpful and am waiting to hear back from Dave. I'd like to get their opinions before I start spending money on the steam system. Still waiting on cooling quotes with minisplits. Thanks again to everyone for all your input.

KC_Jones

The copper mainly and to my eye it looks undersized, but without being there to measure can't be sure.

KC_Jones

Also I just looked it up and Utica requires both supply tappings be used and it doesn't look like that was done.

JoeReg

If converting the Utica StarFire 3 to gas proves expensive/complicated, I may consider switching to hydronic? Can pex be threaded through the wall or do you have to open the walls up? The walls around my single steam pipe system are currently open since we had asbestos removed on them. So getting one line up would be easy, but getting the second line down might be a challenge. My logic in considering hydronic is that if I learn that the piping needs correction and the boiler needs to be replaced, why not invest in a system that would allow me to get zones and achieve higher AFUE? Even with a new steam boiler, I can only get to mid 80s in efficiency, but with a hydronic system, I can get up to 95%. Any recommendations on experts in hydronic systems that could give me a quote? I'm based in Fair Lawn, NJ.

Jamie Hall

@Dave0176 and @EzzyT both work in your area, I think, and are very good.

My own opinion, for what it's worth, is don't give up the steam. Even if your radiators can be modified to handle hot water, and they don't leak -- neither of which is guaranteed -- you won't really gain that much in efficiency -- almost certainly not enough to offset the cost of the conversion in any kind of realistic time frame.

JoeReg

Thanks. I'm waiting to hear back from Dave since I think converting to gas and keeping steam is my best way forward. My one concern is the boiler is oversized. How do I figure that out?

JUGHNE

He may look at a 2 stage gas valve if possible for that boiler.

HVACNUT

You can definitely convert that boiler to gas if desired and beneficial as opposed to replacement. A good cleaning, conversion burner, gas draft regulator (the location of the regulator is already correct for gas, not for oil), a spill switch and a stainless chimney liner.
If you decide on FA, a good steam humidifier with outdoor air sensor will make a world of difference. And though I'm not crazy about zoning residential FA, look into Arzel zone systems.

JoeReg

I had forgotten about the need to change the chimney liner. That's another expense. Dave said he will try to stop by today to take a look. Thanks for those suggestions @HVACNUT and @JUGHNE.

vxl

@JoeReg Sorry to bump up such an old post, but I was curious what you ended up deciding to do with your steam system and how it's been going. I'm currently in a similar situation - Northern NJ, old house, noisy steam heat, lousy insulation, and also figuring out replacement for window AC units.

ratio

@vxl, it's almost certainly cheaper (& more comfortable) to repair the steam system then to replace it. If you post pics, you can get an idea of what should be done, & try the 'Find a Contractor' link above.