Steam boiler needs replacing?

kaskarn · October 2024

Howdy all, we purchased a house a couple years back (Northern NJ) and are starting to learn more about the joys of homeownership.

The Peerless 100k BTU steam boiler that heats up our 2.2k sq-ft house was installed in 2014 (the radiators + pipes are much older). From the state of the heat exchanger, the previous owners were proper goofs and probably never maintained or paid attention to it.

I've attached two pictures that show the heat exchanger last year, and as of yesterday. The maintenance guys (Gold Medal Service) told us the unit was shot, probably had a leak somewhere (which they couldn't find) and needed replacing asap. I'm not a plumber and generally don't know things good, but I am inclined to agree based on the pictures they took; however, it still seems to run OK at this time (radiators get hot, nothing is exploding or leaking).

I thought I'd ask whether people agree this is an emergency, before blowing 15k$ on a new boiler + servicing (we'll be getting other estimates because that sounds outrageous?)

Cheers

Jamie Hall · October 2024

Doesn't look that bad. The question is — does it use water when it is running? That's really the only sure diagnosis. A good steam system shouldn't use more than a gallon of water a week — and perhaps much much less.

So — fire it up and see how much water it uses.

And learn all you can about steam heat — our leader here on The Wall wrote a neat little book "We Got Steam Heat" available from the site store — highly recommended.

EzzyT · October 2024

@kaskarn that doesn’t look good at all could require replacing.

Where in northern NJ are you located?

I would be willing to come out to your house to provide you an analysis on the boiler along with a system analysis.
I can be reached at 2018878856

kaskarn · October 2024

And learn all you can about steam heat — our leader here on The Wall wrote a neat little book "We Got Steam Heat" available from the site store — highly recommended.

Thanks @Jamie Hall I ordered the book, exactly the resource I was looking for!

I would be willing to come out to your house to provide you an analysis on the boiler along with a system analysis.
I can be reached at 2018878856

Thanks @EzzyT I'll shoot you a text! We're in Ramsey, so no worries if it's too far a hike for you

EzzyT · October 2024

ok, I service the Ramsey area. I’m in Bergen country too.

pecmsg · October 2024