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Proper Venting does = Savings!!!

So thanks to you guys I've installed main vent (didn't have any) and improved the venting on the radiators.

I just got my gas bill for December..... compared to last year the average temperature was the same and the heating degree days were pretty darn close.

I used 14.3% less therms!  The price per therm has gone up so the cost savings year over year was more like 8%.  But if price/therm was the same that would be a 14.3% savings!  That is pretty substantial!

My boiler is 40% oversized and my near boiler piping is a complete mess.  I can only imagine the difference when I install a delay timer to reduce short cycling and correct the near boiler piping.

Maybe another 5-10%?!?!

Comments

  • SteamingatMohawk
    SteamingatMohawk Member Posts: 997
    Instead of a DIY delay timer, I suggest you take a look at the Hydrolevel VXT with the intermittent test function I have mentioned in other discussions. No extra wires, just buy the one with the proper voltage for your system. Go for the digital readout, too so you can monitor makeup amounts.

    In other discussions, some guys have commented on them. For my use, with an oversized boiler in a rental property, it's the safest solution.
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,159
    edited January 2021

    Instead of a DIY delay timer, I suggest you take a look at the Hydrolevel VXT with the intermittent test function I have mentioned in other discussions. No extra wires, just buy the one with the proper voltage for your system. Go for the digital readout, too so you can monitor makeup amounts.

    In other discussions, some guys have commented on them. For my use, with an oversized boiler in a rental property, it's the safest solution.

    Inexpensive, simple, easily installed, doesn't confuse the next tech. What's not to like?
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • AdmiralYoda
    AdmiralYoda Member Posts: 624
    Thanks guys, I'm going to check that out!  I have a manual water feeder now so I would definitely like this.
  • Gordo
    Gordo Member Posts: 856
    @AdmiralYoda : Here is a video on the features of the VXT water feeder. I hope it helps.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kF4WpyZdt4s&list=PLPrJrk_ajqswojOz
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    "Reducing our country's energy consumption, one system at a time"
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Baltimore, MD (USA) and consulting anywhere.
    https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/all-steamed-up-inc
  • AdmiralYoda
    AdmiralYoda Member Posts: 624
    @Jamie Hall @Gordo
    I checked it out....pretty cool and will function exactly as I want it to.  And the techs will have a clue what's going on.

    Question.  How do you set the baseline water level?  Install the probe where you want the waterline to be when all the steam is in the pipes and radiators?
  • SteamingatMohawk
    SteamingatMohawk Member Posts: 997
    If you get one of these and your arrangement would have the readout upside down, @Gordo has a Youtube video on how to modify the case so the valve can be rotated 180 degrees. It's not hard to do, just be careful when you put it back together.