Steam/Hydronic Combination Boilers?

jguinta

I m renovating and old house in Boston. I will be replacing a steam boiler serving a one pipe steam radiator system. Is there a gas fired boiler that can serve both Steam and Hydronic Radiators?

I would like to remove a radiator in the kitchen to create more space. I was thinking about either kick space radiators or under floor radiant panels as a replacement.

If this is possible, what boiler makes would you recommend?

jguinta

The kitchen is approx. 165 sq ft, 8 foot ceilings. one 36"x48" window.

ethicalpaul

Almost any steam boiler can be set up with a hot water loop.

I had very easy success with Peerless (63 or 64 series). They give you two 1" tappings expressly for this purpose that are above the bottom of the boiler by about a foot (minimizing mud flow into the line) and below the waterline.

I even ran mine directly from the boiler (no heat exchanger, fewer circulators required), pumped with a cast iron circulator (not usually advised with boiler water, but my water is treated and clean) and it has been doing great for 3 years so far.

You will want a bypass loop so you can moderate the temperature of your hot water as desired (you don't want 212F water in your floor radiant)

This article tells you everything you need and more:

https://heatinghelp.com/systems-help-center/how-to-run-a-hot-water-zone-off-a-steam-boiler/

Jamie Hall

Any steam boiler will work. Some are a little easier to pipe and control, but they will all work. It helps -- as always -- to have a heating professional who knows what they are doing to do the installation.

ethicalpaul

It helps -- as always -- to have a heating professional who knows what they are doing to do the installation.

I wouldn't say always...

jguinta

thanks all!

STEAM DOCTOR

Weil McClain with a coil might be good idea. Kick space rads have narrow pathways. Easy to clog with dirty steam boiler water. 

jguinta

thanks