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Question about fuel usage on single pipe steam

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NewbieInQueens
NewbieInQueens Member Posts: 25
in Strictly Steam
HI everyone, I am trying to understand my natural gas consumption as it was pretty high last month!

In terms of the amount of gas my boiler burns, is that strictly by the number of hours? For example 1 hour will burn xxx amount of therms? Or can the gas usage per hour vary based on higher/lower pressure, cycle run times or other variables?

Thanks and Happy Holidays,

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  • nicholas bonham-carter
    nicholas bonham-carter Member Posts: 8,576
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    Yes to the timing question, as far as gas usage.
    If the system is unbalanced, and running too high a pressure, then the thermostat may take 15-25% longer to be satisfied, and therefore your gas bill will be higher.--NBC
    NewbieInQueensMilanD
  • Abracadabra
    Abracadabra Member Posts: 1,948
    edited December 2016
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    NewbieInQueens said:

    HI everyone, I am trying to understand my natural gas consumption as it was pretty high last month!

    In terms of the amount of gas my boiler burns, is that strictly by the number of hours? For example 1 hour will burn xxx amount of therms? Or can the gas usage per hour vary based on higher/lower pressure, cycle run times or other variables?

    Thanks and Happy Holidays,

    2 variables that can affect your usage are
    1. If you have a hi/lo 2 stage setup
    2. Short cycling
    if you have neither of those, then gas usage can be simply calculated by the time the burner is on.
    NewbieInQueens
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,832
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    There are plenty of good Steam Men in the NYC area who can help you get your steam system to use less fuel. Go to Main Site, then Find a Contractor and follow the instructions.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • j a_2
    j a_2 Member Posts: 1,801
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    Simply put natural gas is measured by the cubic ft thru the meter.....The fuel burn will not change on the boiler...how long it runs so satisfy the thermostat is another thing....This is assuming your boiler is in good shape and installed correctly...Post a picture...That will tell the folks here a lot.....Also do this....While all other appliances are off, don't worry about the pilots running....Then get the boiler up and running,let it run for a bit,this is called the steady state condition,the go to the gas meter, look for the 1/2 cubic foot dial,usually bottom left of the dials, set your stop watch to start when the dial is at 12 o'clock after one revolution stop your stop watch...this is called clocking the meter, report back your seconds per one revolution and some one here will tell you the attached load...it should closely match your boilers input when converted to BTUS....pretty simple ha....
    MilanD

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