old boiler, noisy radiator

bill wilson_2

I just purchased a two family house in Pittsfield, Ma that is about one hundred years old. The house has two identical boilers that were converted to gas from coal and look like big asbestos covered domes, each feeds 7 radiators, 3 on the first floor and 4 on the second floor. The radiators are all covered so I can not see them.

The tenant in the one occupied apt. complains of noisy radiators and high heating bills. I took a look at the boiler and it appears to have very dirty water in the glass and it would not drain when I opened the valve at the bottom, I assume it is plugged whith sediment.

Will replacing both these boilers be a smart thing to do?

Al Letellier_2

old boilers

Based on your description, yes, it would be a good thing to replace them. They are most likely asbestos covered and inefficient at least. The noisey rads may be due to bad vents..have a pro check it out for you.