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steam boiler replacement?

Steamhead
Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796
that one is indeed a hot-water boiler. It was the only snowman pic I could find quickly. Look at the way the burner is installed in the side- don't see that too often!

A snowman steamer will have a more bulbous top section and a sight glass, and hopefully a low-water cutoff, but is otherwise similar.

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All Steamed Up, Inc.
Towson, MD, USA
Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
Oil & Gas Burner Service
Consulting

Comments

  • Dick_2
    Dick_2 Member Posts: 14
    steam boiler replacement?

    we have a two pipe steam system with a boiler that is probably the original and would be about 50 years old. everything is operating fine, but I was wondering whether the boiler should be replaced because the new boiler would be a lot more efficient; or do I keep this one until the day it starts leaking?
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796
    It Depends

    If your old boiler is a round "snowman" type that used to burn coal (see photo), I'd replace it now. This type of boiler is horribly inefficient.

    If your boiler is of a newer type, it might not make sense to replace it now. How about taking a picture and posting it here so we can see it?

    If the system is sluggish or uneven, the boiler is probably not at fault. You may have bad traps or vents that need attention. This may be a Vapor system- have you observed any manufacturer's information on the system's components?

    To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Dan House
    Dan House Member Posts: 15
    steam or water?????

    I like your photo but the energy hog is a gravity circulated hot water boiler.
    I call them "roundtops" and after the asbestos jacket is properly removed you will find the plugged ports that may have been used for steam. These cost a fortune to run and all should be replace post haste!!! The payback is better than money in the bank.
  • tp tunstall
    tp tunstall Member Posts: 63


    Ask Henry Gifford
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