Replace steam with radiant?

Russ_6

I have an oil fired (single pipe) steam boiler that's exhaust goes through the floor and connects to the chimney above a closed off fireplace on the first floor. The base of the chimney is field stone. The house was like this when I bought it. I know it isn't safe or to code and would like to reapair it. So far, no one that I've had look at it wants to touch it.

I don't have any place inside the house to run a new chimney. If I vent outside, the exhaust pipe would need to slope down or the boiler lowered to clear a beam. But I would be concerned about turning the side of the house black if not tuned just right, and for aesthetics I wouldn't want an outside chimney on the side of the house. (Hip roof)

Some of the steam pipes are also in the way in the first floor. I am considering radiant floor because of it's comfort and ability to add solar at a later date. I can also direct vent the heat source for radiant. (Gas is also available in the house.) I do like steam heat. Any comments, suggestions, any one to talk me into or out of this?

Steamhead (in transit)

If you went with radiant

you would have to remove every ceiling below a floor where pipes would have to be installed. Then you'd have to put all new ceilings up. That's a lot of expensive work, and I wonder how long the payback would be.

A properly operating oil-fired boiler won't soot up the side of the house if direct-vented. And at least one manufacturer (Burnham) makes gas-fired direct-vent steam boilers.

Believe it or not, those exposed risers in the first floor were status symbols back in the day. They, along with the radiators, showed all who visited that you had all the "modern conveniences".

I'd keep the steam. When changing the boiler, make sure the mains are properly vented. This will save a lot of fuel.

Russ_6

The first floor ceiling is already removed to add insulation and for repairs. As I said I do like steam heat, but am still not convinced to keep it. I could do most of the radiant heat install myself, so it really would only cost 5 thousand or so. A direct vent blower for steam alone runs over $1500 I am told. Not to mention the other work needed.

I don't think the exhaust, even with a blower can slope, which is part of the problem, the boiler and pipes would have to be lowered to direct vent it.

Steamhead (in transit)

Check

the manufacturer's instructions of the unit you're considering to be sure about the pitch issue. I've seen some boilers with direct-vent connections on the side of the boiler instead of the top. This may solve your problem.

I suppose the deciding factor is if you're ambitious enough to install all that tubing. Don't underestimate the amount of work involved here, that's one reason radiant is more expensive than other methods. Make sure you're starting off with a good design, which will inevitably involve more tubing.