PLEASE HELP: Spending A Small Fortune on Oil Powered Steam Heat

Long Beach Ed

If I were paid to advise you, I would suggest minor upgrades on the steam distribution. The advice given here is all excellent. The venting is problematic and can be easily balanced. The boiler is piped incorrectly but would have to be observed to determine if any re-piping would help. It may not be cost effective.

I would, as mentioned by others, also replace the oil burner in the existing boiler with a gas burner, though the payback of this rests on future commodity pricing continuing to follow the 30-year trend.

You'll save maybe 20%+ of your fuel costs if properly done, mainly in the differential between oil and gas pricing in your area, and more efficient combustion. The boiler, which is a modern type must be properly cleaned and serviced. Minimal alterations must be made for the gas work. Some minor savings and improved comfort would result from improved steam circulation and balancing.

If they were in good condition, I would leave the oil tank and save the oil burner to easily transition back to oil if gas prices soared or oil prices plummeted.

I'm viewing this as an investor, landlord and engineer. Hire the low bidder or a poorly trained plumber and all bets are off. You get exactly what you pay for and sometimes not even that.

It sounds like your biggest problem here is your ability to locate and engage a qualified tradesmen.

nicholas bonham-carter

Not sure how the pressuretrol could lengthen the burn time, which depends on the thermostat control, unless your boiler is oversized.

If your main venting is adequate, and there are no obstructions, such as standing water, the radiators should all get steam at the same time, with no time lag, as steam travels very fast, if the air can be let out swiftly.
the modern Honeywell VisionPro thermostats can have remote sensors, which when placed in a more weather-exposed room, can react more quickly to a drop in outside temperature.—NBC