what is correct? BTU's or sq. ft. of steam to select the perfect boiler???

baerlisnice

I have had 7 contractors come out, 5 of the 7 gave me a different formula to select the best boiler, so how am I to pick? whom to trust , we are cold and must decide , as there is about a 2 week wait, i NEED the wall's readers to help in the next 24 to 48 hours ; the megasteam 513 or 629, please your advice and guidance is needed!!!!

KC_Jones

Need to measure the EDR of all the rads then select the boiler based on that number. The manufacturer gives the rating of the boiler to compare directly to EDR calculation from system with nothing added.

We could walk you through the calculations for EDR if you like. It's not too hard if your radiators are fairly typical.

Did you call the contractor recommended to you in the other thread?

EBEBRATT-Ed

You can use BTUs or EDR. Radiators are usually rated in EDR, boilers are rated in BTUs or square feet of steam which 1 EDR=1square foot of steam =240 BTU/hr.

ratio

Given the prevalence of over sizing to a ludicrous degree, I'd go through your list of quotes from smallest to largest. Ask for pics of a few of their last few installs. Are any of them listed on the Find a Contractor link?

brandonf

All my research as a handy home owner has made me believe you have to size the boiler to the radiation. Period. And if you want to know if your system is oversized, calling someone with a fancy computer and a CAD program to calculate the heat loss of your dwelling. I would prefer to have as much info on my house and system to know which way to go. The other part of the decision process is finding a contractor that does amazing work..... On this forum the pictures are literally worth a thousand words. Best of luck.