Dear heating help friends, HELP please help with heating..no choice bye bye steam :(( HePEX pipes??

LS123

Hello all.

I hate to disappoint some of you that I had communicated in the past my plans to keeping my oil steam system.

Lots of details below but looking for answers to the for questions below?

Basically these are my questions. you probably would have to scan this note to respond.
(Q-1) Based on old radiator heater dimensions, how do I calculate size of new radiators?
(Q-2) How do I figure out correct size new of hot water radiators?
(Q-3) Has anyone else used HePex pipes? Do you have any good or bad experience with HePex pipes?
(Q-4) I am considering US Boiler Co oil hot water boiler model MPO-IQ. Has anyone have had a bad experience with this model?
(Q-5) Seems like closed radiators are less work, but is it good?
(Q-6) how do I get the right size of the boiler?

Unfortunately - I have to switch primary reason is the cost of having all the black tubes moved up by 6 inches so, I could have them out of site. The estimate I got to re-pipe ( not sure if this is a real word) , or rearrange (basement steam pipes) would cost me same amount as getting a new boiler and getting in installed.

So the steam is now out, I will have to go with oil hot water.

As some of you know steam oil boiler, pipes, radiator I have are all about 70 years old.

So --I am going to put a whole new hot water heating system (new oil hot water boiler (MPO-IQ) , HePex (Oxygen Barrier PEX Tubing -- apparently stronger than Pex-Al Pex)) and new radiators.

By getting a new system, I would not have to be bothered with anything except oill price, and regular clearing of the boiler and the system

*Attached pictures have dimension of one of the steam old heaters.

(Q-1) based on old radiator heater dimensions how do I calculate size e of new radiators?

(Q-2) How do I figure out correct size new of hot water radiators?

New radiator heater specs listed below

This is one of the heater I found at Home Depot.
Pensotti (brand) 20 in. H x 24 in. L Hot Water Panel Radiator Package in White
4,313 BTU output provides optimum heating to your space
** Compatible with hot water closed loop systems
** 180°F average water temperature ensures efficient operation

(Q-3) Has anyone else used HePex pipes? Do you have any good or bad experience with HePex pipes?

Uponor (Wirsbo) hePEX is heat-transfer tubing with an EVOH oxygen diffusion barrier. The oxygen diffusion barrier meets the requirements of the German DIN Standard 4726.
Uponor (Wirsbo) hePEX is compatible with both Uponor’s (Wirsbo) ProPEX fitting connections and QS-style fittings.
Uponor (Wirsbo) hePEX is manufactured to ASTM F876 and F877, and is designed for closed-loop hydronic heating applications. Uponor (Wirsbo) hePEX tubing is rated and listed by the Hydrostatic Stress Board of PPI at: 200 degrees F at 80 psi, 180 degrees F at 100 psi and 73.4 degrees F at 160 psi.
Note 1: 5/16" hePEX tubing is used for the Uponor (Wirsbo) Quik Trak system.

(Q-4) I am considering US Boiler Co oil hot water boiler model MPO-IQ. Has anyone have had a bad experience with this model?

(https://file.ac/21euCO1oZvDWOz88MxY7hw/MPO-IQ Product Data Sheet.pdf)

Thank you all!!
\-LS123

hot_rod

https://www.expressradiant.ca/pdfs/product_classic_sizing_how_to.pdf

LS123

thanks @hot_rod

hot_rod

The steps to determine if those rads will work and derate info in this issue
https://www.caleffi.com/sites/default/files/file/idronics_25_na.pdf

HVACNUT

Have you committed to the contractor?

If not, check out the Energy Kinetics System 2000, EK-1 Frontier. Far superior IMO.

What burner is offered with the Burnham boiler?

LS123

@Havcnut, good to hear from you. No commitment to any contractors. I have up to 6 moths to sort this out. I have run in to Enegry Kinetics. thanks for this, I will check it out.

Canucker

@LS123 is that silver radiator pictured one of yours? If it is, it will work with hot water. @Charlie from wmass is suggesting a hot water conversion? Or were you not able to reach him? I'm having trouble believing that moving pipes up 6 inches will cost as much as properly converting a steam system to hot water. I've been wrong before though

LS123

@Havcnut, other oil boilers by Burnham is V8H. I remember someone mentioning it had issues with heat exchanger (ref to V8H)

HVACNUT

> @LS123 said:
> @Havcnut, other oil boilers by Burnham is V8H. I remember someone mentioning it had issues with heat exchanger (ref to V8H)

I'm not a fan of Burnham in general but take that with a grain of salt. The V7 and V8 were (are?) definitely prone to leaking.

LS123

greetings @Canucker. thanks for the note. I will have to reach out to @Charlie from wmass on his cell... I have about 6 months to get this project done. Yes I kid you not, it cant be a mistake, because the contractor went in to details. He was a really nice person. I am guessing if they could have got the pipes closer to 70 years go they would have done it (perhaps that was not an issue as back then very few people probably had finished basements.

If pipes cant be moved at a reasonable price, I would have to replace pipes with HePex, get new radiators (because water run around 20-30 PSI) as many have mentioned if I convert to water this 70 year old system, sooner than later I will be facing water leaks and damages.

Steamhead

@LS123 - Get some more estimates. Find a Steam Man and have him look at it.

LS123

@Steamhead , thanks! I need to complete a project in the basement where core steam pipes are preventing me from completing it. Also looking forward to speaking with @Charlie from wmass soon.

Steamhead

Don't do anything until you talk to him.

LS123

Agreed, I think I am at a super state of confusion . Its like a love hate relationship to me...steam or hot water?? Anyone been in one?? I am going to speak with @Charlie from wmass soon. I also have a new friend who happens to be active, experienced and significant amount of contributions to heating help community... I will share his name if he feels comfortable because possibly I do not want to disclose his location, just in case in the past if I had disclosed my location... thank you @Steamhead !

Jamie Hall

With any kind of luck -- and cooperation from the government -- @LS123 can have this project on hold until either @Charlie from wmass or I can get a chance to look at it and see what really needs to be done -- and can be done.

LS123

sounds good @Jamie Hall . I could wait few weeks, or even couple of months. I think perhaps soon @Charlie from wmass agreed to speak one of these days soon. He has been busy. I am looking forward to speaking with both of you.
Thank you!

JUGHNE

Have you had any asbestos removed?
Any pipes you move will most likely require it gone.

Could be done while waiting for steam fitter to start.

Something you could consider now if you are committed to revamping.
BTW, an outside door to the basement is to your advantage for workers to avoid contact with the homeowner.

LS123

LOL @JUGHNE , I am the home owner I am hoping you are referring to avoid contact because of Covid-19... if that is the reason, I totally agree with you!

JUGHNE

My point is that if you have an outside door to the basement, then any asbestos abatement company may be more inclined to work on your system as they do not have to pass thru your house and have contact with homeowners. They may bump you up to the short list of jobs.

The same goes for boiler/steam fitters.

LS123

thank you for the clarification. I was thinking in terms of the virus that's going around...

LS123

thank you all for your feedback! I have requested to have this discussion to be closed. All your contributions helped me a lot.