Knowing if Steam Boiler is right size

michael_15

The translation for steam is roughly 240 BTU <-> 1 sq ft EDR.

However, you'll want to know if the 186,000 rating is "input", "gross output/DOE", or "net" for steam. Check the label, if any.

If you add up your radiators and multiply by your pickup factor of 1.33 to 1.5 or what not, this should correspond to the gross output. Input/Gross Output is the efficiency of your boiler (the rest basically goes up the chimney). The "net" applies an approximate pickup factor (probably 1.33).

-Michael

Jeff_17

Knowing if existing steam boiler is right size

I have wandered off the wall several times and read Dan's article's about steam boilers, replacements, and "How they got to be so big..."
But can someone tell me how to convert my American Standard g-3's 186,000 BTU to EDR?

I know she works well....never short-cycles, and heats all the rads on the coldest days...especially this week! Plus, thanks to the Wetheads, Steamhead, Mad Dog, and Dan...my steam main vents work wonders!