Should I replace the steam system with forced air? This week's video

I would never recommend converting a steam system to hot-water. Not only would that reduce the heat emission from the radiators (150 BTU per square foot on hot-water vs. 240 on steam) but the vastly higher operating pressure would do a great job of creating leaks. I've seen a couple disaster jobs and wondered how the contractors stayed out of court.

There has never been a proper apples-to-apples comparison of the relative efficiency of transporting and delivering heat by steam as opposed to hot-water. To do so, you'd have to use similar boilers, and each system would have to be in its best possible configuration- insulation, venting etc.

Once in a while, someone comes on here and tries to convince us that converting steam is the only way. Here's one that was memorable- it's from an earlier Wall version so the posts are a bit scrambled:

I think I saw that job years ago. But as many bad ones as I've seen, the liability potential is too great. Besides, if you can get about the same fuel savings and better comfort by fixing the steam, why take the risk?

Great video, Ray. Because HVAC is mostly sales these days, the default answer has become to tell people to switch to forced air which comes with way more repeated cost. Just using a big 2500 sq ft two story house example, you can easily heat it with one boiler and even zone the house out. Meanwhile forced air comes with ductwork, two systems (basement + attic) and two central air systems. Four items needing annual maintenance, more potential service calls, more revenue for HVAC companies. And let’s not forget, today’s equipment is lucky to reach 10 year mark. Even on service calls, if you are at the 5-7 year mark, they are suggesting you replace. No fixing.

This is why my gravity hot water system, and 1937 Ideal Boiler No. 7 is staying put. I have updated some simple components that were worn out on my boiler and it has been stellar operation. When I fire it up this fall, it will mark its 90th heating season. I wouldn’t dare switch to forced air which I hate for heating. Even some of my window units are vintage. My oldest is from 1982. And they work incredibly well compared to the newer units. And again, I hate how stuff doesn’t last so no, I don’t want a mini-split either because I will just have to replace them in 5-7 years when they crap out.

Where do we find a "correctly designed and installed" forced-air system? Certainly not in recent construction……….

Builders want whatever is cheapest. They don't have to live with the result.

This is true Jumper, but we're saving many of em' Mad Dog