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April 30, 2009
Separate Heating Units 3 Family
I want to put separate heating units in a 3 family brownstone. It currently is set up as lower duplex and 2 floor thrus. It now has steam heat fired by oil. I'm thinking of converting to gas. Cant figure out whether i should put 3 small furnaces in basement or put individual gas fired units on each floor of floor thru apts and leave lower duplex furnace in basement? In this economy I dont want to spent a lot. My oil bill last year was $8,000 (old furnace).
Comments
This is going to be quite expensive. Lots of re-plumbing, maybe less if you put the top 2 units in the apartments (which may then need new gas lines and possibly difficult venting.) Bear in mind replacing 1 furnace is about 6-7000 from estimates here a few weeks ago.
Also, I'm not even sure if you can get a steam unit small enough for 1 floor-thru, smallest Weill-Mclain for instance is 75kbtu.
Your heat seems very high...is it an attached brownstone 4 floors? Maybe you could look into insulation and new windows. Mine is abt 3700 for 1-pipe steam gas heat.
Posted by: cmu at April 30, 2009 6:59 PM
if you go for 3 separate units, you will definitely need new gas risers, and possibly new gas service to handle the increased load... i think that you should stick with a steam gas conversion in the basement, since the new boiler will be smaller and cost far less to operate, and not entail repiping everything in the house.. the only front end expense that will be problematic will be the chimney, if it is in poor condition..
Posted by: eman1234 at April 30, 2009 8:14 PM
If you don't want to spend "a lot", then eman is correct and you should just consider an oil to gas conversion and stick with steam. If the system is sized properly for the conversion, you'll benefit from the efficiency. Also, the system can be evaluated and there are several steps you can take to more evenly heat the building. If you find that you can pull off the finances, converting the entire building to hot water and with individual units is a great idea for comfort and efficiency. You wouldn't regret it.
Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at April 30, 2009 9:28 PM
Thanks. I wanted to put 3 separate units in for future possible conversion to Condos. If I leave it with one furnace, does anyone recommend moving the thermostat to another floor. Currently it is on the Parlor floor near front windows. I think that location is a source of higher heat bill too. When I come to house, the top 2 floors are too warm and Parlor floor is just comfortable.
Posted by: Oldlady at April 30, 2009 10:32 PM
Moving the thermostat will do nothing for the bill, your system is not balanced for even floor-to-floor heat. Check archives for steam heat.
Posted by: cmu at May 1, 2009 10:10 AM
I don't "know" this area well but isn't it possible that, since heat is already being supplied from the basement to upstairs, individual new heaters could be put in the basement & just use the ducting that's already there?
Posted by: Arkady at May 1, 2009 10:45 AM
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