Should we replace our old steam furnace

RR_2

Have a steam furnace - (I call her "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang") - For efficiency reasons my husband thinks we should replace it. I do not want to get rid of my radiators - I love them but am having hard time finding a replacement steam furnace and someone to install it - that knows what they are doing. Some of the people we have talked to want us to convert the radiators to hot water. They are talking about drilling the radiators to convert them to hat water or replacing them..no..no..no...I really want to stay with the steam. Chitty Chitty works fine but probably guzzles the fuel - we live in an 1860 brick home- piping exposed in corners and lots of beautiful old radiators.....any advice?

Timco

Way to go, stand your ground...KEEP THE STEAM!!! Where are you? Have you tried the 'find a pro' feature of this great website? Depending on how old Chitty is, and what you put in, you may save half your fuel bill.

Tim

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RR_2

We are in Connecticut. One of the people my husband spoke with said we could save 20pct of our fuel costs...anything more is a super bonus...

Will check out the find a professional link thanks...new at navigating here but will try.

Probably would have abatement issues when/if we replace Chitty since she is covered with asbestos - which was common practice when she was installed....

Timco

You will find many companies for the abatement. Most will also pull the boiler. I say half, assuming your current boiler is way over-sized, as most old snowmen are...and you replace it with a mod-con sealed combustion 90% boiler. You can take it all the way and make your DHW (domestic hot water) with the new boiler and gain efficiency over your water heater as well. This of course will cost, but you will gain it back in less fuel consumption and greater comfort. Converted steam rads work fine, but if you already have steam, keep it.

Tim

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

RR_2

Thanks for the info - I'm feeling empowered - will do everything I can to keep the steam...

checked your "find a professional" info - see you do radiant heat...I just posted another issue we have here concerning our radiant heat...maybe you can help me with that one too..

Timco

At the very top of this page next to shop, click on find a professional and enter your zip code. As you may have seen, I am nowhere you...or I'd love to help.

Tim

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Steamhead (in transit)

RR, how about

taking some pics of the boiler and a few radiators and posting them here? This way we can be more specific about what you have. And do look at Find a Professional- we have plenty of steam men in Connecticut.

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