Old steam boiler
Hi, I am in need of some advice. This is the basement of my fathers building and I’ve had some HVAC technicians come out to assess the situation and they said they couldn’t do anything about our boiler system because it is so old and has asbestos. They said we have to call a specialist to remove the asbestos, however we’ve talked to a building inspector and they said the asbestos is fine where it is. What can I do to salvage this situation without having to spend so much money. What should I do?
Second issue I’m coming across is on the 2nd and 3rd we have old boilers which they are saying we need to do a flue repipe.
Comments
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That asbestos is in bad shape. It may be fine for the location that it is in for the occupants of the building because they don't go there. But as for a technician that needs to go there to work on the flue pipe, that stuff will flake off and become airborne. That is the danger of asbestos in public places. If it can become airborne, then it must be encapsulated or removed. I will not work in that environment. Looks like Dad has neglected the building for some time as far as the heating system is concerned. That old boiler is not dependable, needs maintenance and probably should have been replaced years ago.
But that is a story that many buildings have. Eventually that neglect catches up to you. Now it is time to use all that money you saved over the past 20 years not spending it on proper maintenance and use it to replace that relic. I hope you put that saved money in a safe place so you have it available for this situation.
Edward Young Retired
After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?
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Speaking as a homeowner, you have a hand fed coal fired steam boiler that was converted to gas at some time in the past.
Removing the old boiler and all the asbestos on the boiler and piping would allow you to use the current piping or at least most of it for a new boiler that is gas fired or a coal stoker boiler set up for steam heating that would be auger fed.
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Hello, thank you all for replying. I’m super overwhelmed helping my father and I’m not sure what the right course of action this is. The HVAC technician sent me an invoice regarding everything and how much it will cost. Does this seem right to you guys?
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I agree, it's time for a new boiler. That one is probably about 40% efficient on gas, so you'll see some return on your investment.
Where are you located? We might know someone who can help.
Also, we do not discuss pricing on this forum. You need to edit that out. See:
All Steamed Up, Inc.
Towson, MD, USA
Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
Oil & Gas Burner Service
Consulting
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The Services described is what you'll need to get the old boiler up and running. Please edit out the prices.
Trying to squeeze the best out of a Weil-McLain JB-5 running a 1912 1 pipe system.1 -
Sorry about the prices! I edited the pictures and they should be gone. My father’s building is located in Beacon, New York. I’m wondering would it be cheaper to do this course of action or to just get a whole new HVAC system?
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WOAH!
One of the rules is that we do not discuss pricing on specific jobs. it is in the rules of this site.
Can you remove the price quotes and or redact the prices from the quotes and repost them
You can use the Edit Feature by clicking on the three dots above your comment.
Edward Young Retired
After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?
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Updated and edited!
Also this company wants to send out a comfort advisor around noon time too. I’ll make sure to update.
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Speaking as a homeowner that uses coal for fuel,
Low water cut offs are required for code.
My opinion is that for all the money that they are suggesting you spend an EFM DF520 set up as a dual fuel boiler to burn gas or rice coal to make steam with a double drop header with modern controls using 2 low water cut offs and a manual water feeder would be much less work and money after the old boiler and the asbestos is removed to heat the entire building.
Keeping the entire heating plant in the basement would avoid any issues with historic preservation as the home was heated with coal fired steam heat to begin with. There is no need to add the navien or dankin heating systems and all that would go with them as you already have a steam system that works and just needs new vents throughout in my opinion.
A double drop header would allow the system to create dry stem more quickly that would reach all the radiators more quickly and the dry steam heat would heat them faster and hotter and stay warmer longer.
An EFM DFF520 coal stoker steam boiler and set up for dual fuel would only require a 110 volt electrical line that could also be connected to a small portable generator if needed. The EFMDF520 comes in 2 parts and can be set up quickly near the coal room with its coal auger feeding system.
I am sending you a PM.
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As far as what to do about your current situation, It is time to bite the bullet, get a loan and replace the boiler with something new that will be safe to operate, have a warranty, and be easy to repair.
You have a dangerous condition where carbon monoxide can enter the living space. So I would shut off the gas to that boiler and get it replaced in short order. You don't want to be the subject of an article in the local newspaper or local TV broadcast.
Edward Young Retired
After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?
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If you have steam throughout the building, fix that. No need for a Navien or Dankin (except to profit the installer) 😉
Hate to admit it, but it's probably time for a new boiler and near boiler piping. Set it up right and steam heat is great.
Trying to squeeze the best out of a Weil-McLain JB-5 running a 1912 1 pipe system.0 -
Comfort advisor??????????????????????? Dont let them in!!!!!!!!!
You need to have a heat loss study done by a reputable firm that will use an infrared camera and a blower door to find the air leaks as you would qualify for financial help or grants to upgrade the doors, windows, insulation etc.
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The comfort advisor is free of charge and will just let us know what other things we might. However, I know so far the best course of action is to fix these boilers and doing the flue pipe.
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Beacon and the entire Hudson Valley is not a very good area to find companies that are proficient with steam boilers. Gotta be careful with who you deal with there. A lot of companies that are highly sales oriented there that will sell you a steam boiler when they don't know how install and service them correctly.
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I called up the company and put a pause on everything and contacted a company that works for the city of Beacon which will be honest with us and work in our interest. Thank you all.
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