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3 vs 4 section bolier

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Jim G
Jim G Member Posts: 13
in Strictly Steam
I currently have a V33 burnham boiler. I have a hotwater llop on the first floor of the coil and a tap off the bottom of the boiler for a basement that is not used often. I have 2nd fl steam. I am getting a peerless boiler (oil) and one contractor want to install a 3 section the other contractor a 4 section. I live o long island in a 2200 sq ft home. should I get a 3 or 4 section bolier?

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  • Charlie from wmass
    Charlie from wmass Member Posts: 4,322
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    no way to tell from what you wrote

    Jim boilers are to be sized from the amount of square footage of the steam the system requires. you need that number to say what size of boiler you need. also you need to make sure the zones of hot water heat are properly connected to assure an efficent working system and proper system life.
    Cost is what you spend , value is what you get.

    cell # 413-841-6726
    https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
  • Unknown
    Unknown
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    Get the Book!

    Hi Jim-

    Here are a couple of articles that maybe of help to you.

    http://www.heatinghelp.com/article/236/Homeowners/1490/How-to-have-a-boiler-replaced-without-getting-steamed

    http://www.heatinghelp.com/article/11/Hot-Tech-Tips/128/A-Steam-Heating-Primer



    There are also several very good books on residential steam heating available on this website. They are written by Dan Holohan (who wrote the articles above). I would suggest you get "We Got Steam Heat"! http://www.heatinghelp.com/products/Books/5/61/We-Got-Steam-Heat-A-Homeowners-Guide-to-Peaceful-Coexistence

    It's easy reading and written so the homeowner new to steam heating can understand it. In an evening or two or reading you'll know far more about steam heating and this should put you in a lot more informed position when having your boiler replaced.

    You might also want to take a look in the "Find a Professional" section at the top of this page. There are a lot of good steam pros listed there. There are a lot of heating people out there but few are "steam pros" who really understand steam. That's where reading the book above comes in as it will tell you what questions to ask so that you will be able to determine whether the person, who proposes to install your boiler, really understands steam heating. 

      I have a Peerless myself and have been happy with it. You might also want to take a look at the Burnham "Megasteam" as a lot of the pros on this site say good things about it.  -

    - Rod
  • Jim G
    Jim G Member Posts: 13
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    steam bolier

    Thanks Rod.



    I agree that the Megasteam is mighty interesting.

    However: The contractors charge a premium for it and they have scared me away because they say I will need to put a chiminey liner in because of the lower stack temps. I am not sure I will recoup the added cost of the bolier plus 2 grand for a liner. lets say I am in for an extra 3 grand will I make up those $$?
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,835
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    Talk about spin doctors!

    The lower stack temps you get with the MegaSteam are exactly what you want. They indicate that this boiler captures more heat from the flame and transmits it to the water. You'll get that extra installation cost back, especially as fuel costs go up, which they will.



    Go with the MegaSteam. And the liner.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
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