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Direct vent steam boiler?

We plan to replace our 30 year old Peerless boiler with a boiler that does not vent through a chimney. We want to remove the chimney to make more room in an attic addition. This is a 100 year old house with about 10 rooms.

What options do we have for a direct vent steam boiler for either gas or oil (currently have oil)? We have had 2 companies come out. One said you cant do direct vent for steam and the other wants to modify natural draft boilers with side vent kits. Is that safe?

I found Burnham Independence PV online and the second guy said he had never heard it but could install it. Are there any other options that direct vent for steam? Do any of the wall hung units work for steam? Thanks!

Comments

  • marylandhome
    marylandhome Member Posts: 3
    Direct vent for steam boiler?

    We plan to replace our 30 year old Peerless boiler with a boiler that does not vent through a chimney. We want to remove the chimney to make more room in an attic addition. This is a 100 year old house with about 10 rooms.

    What options do we have for a direct vent steam boiler for either gas or oil (currently have oil)? We have had 2 companies come out. One said you cant do direct vent for steam and the other wants to modify natural draft boilers with side vent kits. Is that safe?

    I found Burnham Independence PV online and the second guy said he had never heard it but could install it. Are there any other options that direct vent for steam? Do any of the wall hung units work for steam? Thanks!


  • Al Gregory
    Al Gregory Member Posts: 260


    Using a power vent would be best imho
  • ttekushan_3
    ttekushan_3 Member Posts: 958
    One solution

    is to create a direct vent out of a steamer by using a power venter, if you don't mind an increased noise level in the boiler area. Examples:

    http://www.tjernlund.com/gassidewall.htm

    http://www.tjernlund.com/oilsidewall.htm

    http://www.ddchem.com/swg_power_venter.htm

    http://us.exhausto.com/NewSite/rsif.asp

    Also find a professional steam person who doesn't give you a completely blank stare when you discuss these things. Perhaps click "Find a Professional" at the top of the page. The effectiveness and efficiency of your new boiler hangs in the balance and its very difficult to undo mistakes in piping, sizing or other aspects of choosing/installing new steam equipment. Replacement steam boiler installs are the most frequently screwed up jobs around, with a high price in efficiency paid only by you.
    terry
  • ttekushan_3
    ttekushan_3 Member Posts: 958
    oops,

    I hit the reply button before you posted. Consider my reply in agreement with yours. That typing with one finger thing slows me down;-)

    -Terry
    terry
  • vinny_2
    vinny_2 Member Posts: 3
    blocked vent switch

    I WAS WONDERING IF SOMEONE COULD GIVE ME SOME ADVICE I HAVE A BUNHAM SERIES 2 BOILER HOT WATER,IN ITS 2 SEASON I HAVE REPLACED 2 BLOCKED VENT SWITCHES THIS SEASON ANY REASON WHY THEY WOULD GO BAD ANY INFO WOULD BE GREAT THANKS IN ADVAVANCE VINNY
  • Steamhead (in transit)
    Steamhead (in transit) Member Posts: 6,688
    Where in Maryland are you?

    We're located in the Baltimore area.....

    One of the things to consider is whether there is a good place to vent a boiler thru the wall. Depending on local Codes and manufacturer's specs, you might have to have the vent as much as 4 feet horizontally from a window, door or other penetration, 7 feet above a publicly accessible walkway, 1 foot higher than the maximum recorded snow accumulation (which is 3 feet in Baltimore!) etc. etc. etc. It's not just a simple matter of punching a hole in the wall near the boiler.

    Best thing to do is have a real pro look the job over.

    To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"
This discussion has been closed.