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Steam Boiler Recommendation

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Ilkstmt
Ilkstmt Member Posts: 2
in Strictly Steam

Hello, I am a homeowner seeking help for a new gas fired steam boiler recommendation. I live in MD, 1800 sq ft house.

I am replacing a Columbia steam boiler model CEG 150 CIDE. The model proposed is a FORCESTM05. The proposed model specifications appear to be undersized in comparison to the currently installed Columbia model. Is the proposed model sufficient for my heating requirements? Is the Columbia model oversized? Thank you for your assistance.

Comments

  • Mad Dog_2
    Mad Dog_2 Member Posts: 8,701

    Good morning! I don't know if you realize it, but you are in the same City as ALL STEAMED UP - an outstanding company with all The Bona Fides. If you go to The Find a Contractor bar, you'll find their info there. Good luck from New York. Mad Dog

    Consulting by Mad Dog & Matt Jr.
  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 7,378

    You need to measure all the radiators in the house to get the EDR#. That will be used to size the boiler.Buy it and start learning

    We Got Steam Heat!: A Homeowner's Guide to Peaceful Coexistence: Holohan, Dan: 9780974396002: Amazon.com: Books

    Mad Dog_2
  • Ilkstmt
    Ilkstmt Member Posts: 2

    Thank you.

    I called my contractor and he provided some additional information to resolve my questions.

  • Intplm.
    Intplm. Member Posts: 3,112

    As long as the contractor you are hiring sizes the boiler correctly with the proper EDR measurements (the new one could be sized smaller if measured properly), and the contractor will also be your service company, you should be good to go.

    I will add, however, that if the directions for the new boiler installation are not followed, and sadly they often are not, you and your contractor will have a mess on your hands.

    Remember, EDR measurements for proper sizing, correctly installed [near boiler] piping, and the manufacturer's directions are followed correctly.

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 18,769

    @Ilkstmt , where in MD are you located?

    All Steamed Up, Inc.

    Baltimore, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 20,711
    edited June 23

    @llKStmt

    The contractor must size the boiler by measuring all the installed steam radiation.

    If he sizes the new boiler based on the old boiler that may be wrong.

    You also need to make sure they follow the mfg. piping instructions in the manual.

    Time and time again we have customers come back here after there boiler is installed and they have a DISASTER on their hands. Don't be one of those people

    Mad Dog_2
  • Mad Dog_2
    Mad Dog_2 Member Posts: 8,701

    In general, it's not usually a promising indicator that the Homeowner is asking all the pertinent questions. They are either not getting the right answers from the contractor or person they are thinking of using for the install or they're getting stonewalled. History repeating itself....over and over. Mad Dog

    Consulting by Mad Dog & Matt Jr.
    STEAM DOCTORethicalpaul
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 8,958

    I am replacing a Columbia steam boiler model CEG 150 CIDE. The model proposed is a FORCESTM05.

    I don't like this boiler. I would recommend a Peerless, Weil-McClain, or even a Utica/Dunkirk above that Force model which I think is a rebadged Burnham

    NJ Steam Homeowner.
    See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el

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