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MOST EFFICIENT STEAM BOILER TYPE

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brandonf
brandonf Member Posts: 205
in Strictly Steam
Just doing some research.
For Natural Gas, is it better to get an atmospheric boiler or an oil boiler with a power burner?
I heard oil boilers converted to gas are less efficient, but can be more efficient with the tuneability of the power burner.
Opinions and thoughts are welcome.
Thanks in advance. 😊
Homeowner, Entrepreneur, Mechanic, Electrician,

"The toes you step on today are connected to the butt you'll have to kiss tomorrow". ---Vincent "Buddy" Cianci

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  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,834
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    We like to use wet-base boilers that are usually sold with oil burners and put gas burners in them. The difference in thermal efficiency is up to 6%. Here's a thread with a video of one- this one's a Slant/Fin Intrepid:

    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/161736/flir-video-of-slant-fin-intrepid-boiler-fired-with-carlin-ez-gas-burner
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 15,520
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    Agreed. Having a wet base boiler with the flame (almost) totally enclosed by water makes sense.
  • brandonf
    brandonf Member Posts: 205
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    What does "wet base" mean? (I'm still learning)
    Homeowner, Entrepreneur, Mechanic, Electrician,

    "The toes you step on today are connected to the butt you'll have to kiss tomorrow". ---Vincent "Buddy" Cianci
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,834
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    It means the flame is almost completely surrounded by cast-iron that has water on the other side. The usual atmospheric gas boiler has the flame completely below the cast-iron, which results in loss of heat from the boiler's base.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • New England SteamWorks
    New England SteamWorks Member Posts: 1,505
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    (Steam + Efficiency) = (Oil + MegaSteam)

    Nothing else close.

    Additionally:

    MegaSteam = Long Boiler Life
    New England SteamWorks
    Service, Installation, & Restoration of Steam Heating Systems
    newenglandsteamworks.com
  • brandonf
    brandonf Member Posts: 205
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    Ahh now I get it. Sounds like the route for me.
    Homeowner, Entrepreneur, Mechanic, Electrician,

    "The toes you step on today are connected to the butt you'll have to kiss tomorrow". ---Vincent "Buddy" Cianci

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