Janitrol Type J hot water boiler

Jim_82

My 1909 home is about 3500 square foot, and the "beast" in the basement is, I believe, original to the house, although converted from coal to gas sometime long ago. When I moved in, the only thing that told me anything about it was one piece of decaying paper that says it's a type-J boiler. The heating system is gravity hot water going to 3 floors of the home.

My question is whether anyone works on a dinosaur like this any more. I've heard that although this isn't the most efficient boiler in the world, it's well-built, doesn't have any leaks or major problems, and could last a fair number of years still before I'd have to sink serious $$$$ into a replacement.

The reason I'd like to find someone who works on these though is just for a consultation, servicing, etc. I'd like to know if there are some ways to extend its life ... like updated mechanicals for the gas burner and thermostats, and possibly a circulating pump to push the heat out into the house faster.

Anyone have any ideas on this? The companies I've called just take one look at it and insist that replacement is the only way to go.

Thanks in advance for any advice.
Jim

clammy

old

If the system is that old you may just be putting good money to a lost cause .The first thing to do is have some one do a combustion eff test on it and she what she runs at ,as for updating it may all be waste of time .How old is your car ?One final note when she does go just remenber it will probalby be winter and you'll be pay prime rate and may get a quick change out when you may need more .Also get a heat loss done on your home and a survey on the out put of the existing installed radition before you let anyone install anything peace and good luck clammy.