Replacing a home steam boiler

Jon Montgomery

I've got a 1923 built home with a large steam boiler that I'm looking into replacing. I'd like some reccomendations in terms of types and options. The local gas company tells me my two line system and radiators are "hot water convertable" if that would be a smarter choice. I live in Minnesota where it's about -3 today...

Al Letellier

new boiler

I am not a big fan of converting steam piping to hot water use. I know it gets done a lot, but we've experienced problems ever time we've tried it. If the steam system works well and heats the house, stick with it.
As to boilers, all the American boiler makers have steam boilers, but I am partial to the Weil McLain. I think it's the best one out there, and they're made out in your part of the country.
Good luck.

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

Dale

one or 2 story

If it's a 1 story home with a basement I would convert to a condensing hot water boiler, constant circ. outdoor reset. That way the heat in will match the heat out. As it is you need to match the rads and you may be way oversized. I was in a converted system recently and the owner loved it compared to the old steam system. A 2 story house is a bit more rish since there's pipe in the walls that may hold 2 pound steam but may not hold 16 psi of water. Steam can be made to work well but it can never be as fuel effecient as modern condensing boilers correctly installed.

Steamhead

On a system like that

depending on the water temperature used, a "condensing" boiler probably won't run in its condensing range much since the water temperature is too high. There go the potential savings....

Jon, it sounds like you have a Vapor system there. This was the Cadillac of heating in the old days and is still one of the best systems out there. It is likely much more cost-effective to fix this system than to convert it. Try the Find a Professional page of this site to locate someone near you.

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

Mad Dog

absolutely correct

stay with the steam, sir. Mad Dog

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