Newbie trying to figure out boiler capacity

Jim Kohler

I'm remodeling an older house that has a one pipe steam system. The boiler is a Weil-McLean 68 with 149K btu output under steam. Since there is only one radiator on the entire second floor and none in the kitchen, I'd like to expand the system and add 3 more (24h"x36w") radiators. The question is, can I do it with this boiler and do I take a chance at screwin up an old, but good system? Steam heat guys are hard to find here in VT and I'd like to know a little before I talk to anyone first. Thanks for any help!

Al Letellier

W/M 68 steamer

Jim, you didn't mention anything about the existing connected load. Measure it out and add the planned load to it. If it works....enough square feet of steam, then you have to check the piping sizes to make sure it will carry the added load. If you don't have it yet, order Dan's "Lost Art of Steam Heat". If you do it yourself, and you can thread pipe, it will give you most of the info you need to get it done. Use the find a contractor feature and find someone that may be willing to travel and advise. Pay him his fee.....if will be worth it. Good luck.

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

Jim Kohler

hmmm, I guess I really am a newbie....

Hey Al, guess I did forget to describe the existing load. Not sure exactly how it's measured, but I can tell you that there are five rads now, two 2'x3', two 2'x4'and one 2'x2'. The boiler has two 1.5" copper feeds coming out of it which connect to a loop of 3' iron pipe that circles the basement. The pipes that feed the rads off the iron loop drop back to 1.5" and 2" pipe. I would figure on adding 2 more 2'x3' rads and one 2'x3' (if I am lucky enough to find them somewhere). Thanks for the tip on 'Lost Art of Steam Heat'. If I can find the rads without busting the budget, I may end up doing it with some contractor buddies that know their way around boilers and it sounds like the book would be well worth it.