When to replace boiler?

Jim Holm

I live in a 100+ year old apartment building. We have a single-pipe steam system. There are between 100 and 150 active radiators on the system (many have been removed or are permanently turned off).

Our boiler is approximately 15 years old and going strong. It's a basic Weil-McLain. I don't know the total capacity of the boiler.

One of my neighbors claims that the efficiency gains of the past decade would make it very cost effective to buy a new boiler and control system for the building.

Anyone have ideas or suggestions about this? Is it an idea worth pursing further?

.

No, it would not be cost effective. There have been efficiency gains, but they will never pay for the cost of replacement of a boiler that has years of life left.

Steam systems are sensitive, though, and there are apparently several things you can do to improve the system's operation and thus its efficiency. Unfortunately, many so-called professionals don't know much beyond how to change out boilers. There are some real experts on this board, but they probably don't live in your area.

Mark Hunt

Your neighbor


may be referring to advances made on water boilers. Nothing really new as far as steam boilers that would justify removing the 15 year old unit you currently have.

Mark H

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Scott Gregg

Simple answer

When it breaks. In a well installed system with no leaks ans good water, that boiler might go 40 years...might die tomarrow.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Todd_9

boiler replacement

If it were me I would first verify that the boiler is the correct size for the building. For a steam system, this will involve measuring every radiator in the building, including ones that are turned off. Second I would get a relationship with a good heating guy and plan the replacement for spring or summer so that there is enough time to do the job right.

The existing boiler may be just fine and last many more years but its better to plan a replacement for something this large rather than try to scramble for who's available during a cold snap. At least get some of the leg work ready so you can make an educated decision. And I agree with the other posts as far as efficiency, steam boilers haven't made any huge leaps in the past 15 years, but making sure the existing one is working efficiently would be the most cost effective at the moment.

Constantin

Allow me to quibble...

We have seen efficiency gains as high as 80% in steam systems that have been tuned up by the luminaries like Steamhead, Mad Dog, etc. Until we know where this building is, we can't say for sure whether or not there is a steam expert in their area.

I would recommend reading "we got steam heat" and "The Lost Art of Steam Heating" as a good primer for the tenant to better understand what a steam system is all about and how to ensure it is running well. On the basis of that knowledge, selecting a good contractor that knows steam will become a lot easier.

Jim Holm

We're in DC

Sorry...my apartment is in Washington DC.

If anyone has a good recommendation for a boiler tuner, please let me know!

Thanks.

Boilerpro_3

You're in luck

One of the best is right over in Baltimore....The great "Steamhead". Put out a call for him, he hangs around here

Boilerpro"

Steamhead

Actually Dan Foley is closest

he's in Northern Virginia. But thanks for the kind words BP!

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Jim Holm

Thanks!

Thanks for the great tips and comments! I'll find one of my local experts to help our building bring our system back into its glory!

Dan Foley

Steam Boiler

Hi Jim,

I would be happy to survey your system and offer my opinion. I can be reached at 703-751-3288. I will be at ASHRAE Mon-Wed. but call me after that and we can set up an appointment.

-Dan Foley

Foley Mechanical, Inc.

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