new steam boiler -- condensing reliable?

Dan_15

I didn't realize that condensing boilers were not available for steam systems. One heating contractor referred by my chimney inspector recommended Munchkin over the phone, but I guess he didn't realize my situation. My oil company technician recommended a Weil-McLain SGO. If I went with that boiler, what do you think of the tankless wwater heater option?

Dan_15

replacing steam boiler -- is high efficiency reliable?

My boiler (steam heat) is probably the original coal-burner, switched to oil. It's still functioning, but my fireplace needs an overhaul (big hole in flue). This seems like a good time to replace the boiler. The oil tank in the basement also needs to be replaced, and the gas water heater is ancient. In central NJ, should I think about switching to a natural gas boiler? What about condensing boilers? I have heard that the money saved with their fuel efficiency is often spent on repairing them.

Brad White_38

As a practical matter

the use of condensing boilers is limited to hot water systems, not steam. (Steam is above the dewpoint of flue gas so precludes condensing in the way we use it regarding heating system combustion.)

If you have a hot water system already, there is in my opinion no better way to heat your home, for comfort and efficiency they cannot be beat.

But if your steam distrubution system (piping and radiators) is in good shape, a properly sized and controlled steam boiler will heat your house quickly, quietly and well.

Find a pro and get prices for both projects, steam or hot water, each properly sized (hot water sized to a calculated heat loss and steam to the measured radiator sizes in EDR for Equivalent Direct Radiation). Two methods, two media.

Steam boilers in gas or oil range at efficiencies of the low 80's (81% tp 83% being representative values) with conventional (non-condensing) hot water being a point or so above those.

Condensing boilers start at 92% and can go to the high 90's, 96% being a very good value with very low water temperatures.

Steamhead (in transit)

Think about the entire system

when changing that boiler.

Depending on what type of boiler you have, the savings from the new steam boiler could be dramatic. If your old boiler is round, it's probably not going to be more than 40-45% efficient on oil or gas since it has so little heat-transfer surface.

Some of the newer condensing boiler designs have had reliability and parts availability problems. I'm sure they'll be worked out, but do you want to be a guinea pig?

Compare the cost per BTU of oil vs. gas in your area, and don't forget all the taxes and fees the gas company throws in because they can. You might find oil to be significantly less expensive.

But once the new boiler is in, don't forget the rest of the system. The boiler's job is done when it makes steam- from there the system must move it to the radiators. Pipe insulation and rapid venting of air from the mains are key here.

Try the Find a Professional page of this site to locate a good steam man near you.

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