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Old NRC

SenorDrew
SenorDrew Member Posts: 1
in Radiant Heating

I have an old 1950's house. One of the heating systems is a wood/coal furnace. I've never used it since purchasing, but would like to try it out as the NG is very costly during winter time.

The plate is not readable, no manual for operation and no prior knowledge on the system.

There's 2 temp wheels what are they for?

That that I can read on plate is NRC heat exchanger series.

Rear looks like a motorized flapper for vent/air

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Comments

  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 23,270

    I would have a boiler pro look at it. Safety controls and valves may need to be updated. I'm not sure the flue piping is to code.

    Do you have access too low cost wood or coal? A place to store it and keep it dry?

    It takes some care to fire a boiler like that, you need to adjust the firing to the load to prevent over-heating.

    You will certainly have a warm basement when you are running that beast.

    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 16,400

    The aqustat on top of the boiler runs the red circ pump on the left side, what the other strap on aqustat does I can't tell.

    Running that system is a "hands on" experience and is not set it and forget it. You also need some control to prevent an overheat situation. Maybe a dump zone.

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,364

    It's actually a "Heat Extractor". These were very common back in the day. I'm surprised that one is still there and set up for coal.

    Check your local regulations. In some places such as Baltimore, coal-fired residential heating units are prohibited, because they make a lot of smoke.

    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • PRR
    PRR Member Posts: 226
    edited August 14

    the NG is very costly during winter time.

    Hard to imagine any fuel cheaper than street-gas. If heating with gas is painful, you want sealing and insulation. The difference between my 1830s house and my 1980s house is remarkable. Good fiberglass was available and waiting in gas-lines focuses your priority. Glen did a bang-up job here in the 1980s.

    Yes, you can find a truckload of 'free' wood (come to my house), maybe even some sad old coal 'free', but ongoing past the first load it is labor and hassle.

  • HVACNUT
    HVACNUT Member Posts: 6,298

    IMO, you've got a 95% Weil Mclain Ultra Gas sitting there with a brain, doing nothing. I'd gladly trade the cost of a few dollars extra for gas and save on my labor. Up and down and up and down and up and down.

    Is the WM hooked up and safe to operate?

    What provides domestic hot water?

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