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How long should steam cycles be?

John Van Hoesen
John Van Hoesen Member Posts: 91
in THE MAIN WALL
So my system is working "fine." I'm just curious if it could be working better, I'm wondering how long typical residential steam boilers "run" before you get the tstat satisfied.

INFO:

Burnham V84
136,000 BTU's
8 radiators for 1400 square feet

I have the temp set low (56 at night and 63 at the highest at night). The boiler will run about 25-35 minutes, satisfy the thermostat and shut off. It seems to me that the boiler wouldn't have to run so long if it kicked in once an hour to warm the water back up? Or would a short 5 minute burst really not do that much with respect to saving on fuel? On the average, my boiler comes on about 3 times between 5pm and 10pm (it's been chilly lately).

Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts...

thanks!!!
J~

Comments

  • scott inM.E.
    scott inM.E. Member Posts: 68
    sounds about right

    I had an old Timken silent automatic and it would run 25-30 min on an initial call for heat, steam for 4-5 min., cycle on for another 2-3 then my stat would be around 70-72. If it was in the single #'s, the second cycle would last a little longer and maybe there would be a third.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    This will vary

    based on how well your house is insulated, how tight your windows and doors are, etc. What we normally see would be something like 3 cycles per hour in the coldest weather. This would ten mnutes on, ten minutes off, etc. It sounds like you are very well insulated and have minimal heatloss and infiltration therefore you have a lot less cycling.

    Glenn Stanton

    Manager of Training

    Burnham Hydronics

    U.S. Boiler Co., Inc.
  • John Van Hoesen
    John Van Hoesen Member Posts: 91
    Glenn

    I'm not sure it is because it is so well insulated, I'm thinking it's because I have the temp set so low... :) It was built in the 1860's and there is only insulation in the walls that I have re-framed... there are two main walls that have no insulation to speak of. :)

    I was just wondering if the boiler should indeed be running that long, seemed like if the burner ran in between thermostat calls, then the radiators might warm up a little more quickly... just a thought, learning this new system. :)

    Thanks!
    J~
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Not really

    Raising the water temperature to 212F takes little time and energy. Once the temperature reaches that point it takes some time to add the latent heat required to begin making steam. Based on this principle, warming the water up in between cycles would be a waste of energy in my opinion.

    Glenn Stanton

    Manager of Training

    Burnham Hydronics

    U.S. Boiler Co., Inc.
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