April 26, 2008

Suggestions on Gas Boiler contracters

Hello,

We are purchasing a 4 level brownstone and will be replacing our oil boiler. Anyone know of good contractors. Please provide name and contact phone if possible. Thanks

April 23, 2008

Varivalve for single pipe steam

Has anyone used this brand of vent on their single pipe steam radiators? I'm replacing some vents and was thinking that these look like the way to go -but I've never tried em.

And for you cynics - I'm not advertising them. I'm simply soliciting advice.

http://www.heat-timer.com/?page=varivalve

April 19, 2008

end of season boiler question

Now that we've spent our first winter as homeowners with a new boiler, what sort of maintenance do we need to do when we turn off the heat? do we need to drain the boiler and the radiators? thanks, and happy spring!

April 15, 2008

Heating with wood pellets

Dear community members,
I have read the annotation for the article "The Technologies of Biomass and Coal Co-Combustion in Pulverized-Coal Furnaces" located wood products and the idea of installing both wood pellet heating and coal heating systems in a house.

Do yo know any examples when such an experience was successful?

April 14, 2008

cost to install hot water heating system

We're looking at a brownstone with forced air heat. Does anyone have a general idea what it would cost to replace it with hot water radiator heat? 4 floors, 2 units.

April 13, 2008

Boiler Glass Water Gauge Slow to React.

When I either add or remove water to my Burnham boiler, the glass water level gauge is very slow to show the actual change in the water level of the boiler. I have to come back a half hour later to see what the results are. I assume that the connection from the gauge to the boiler tank is clogged. If this is the case, are there any thoughts on how to unclog it or should I call in the experts to have a look.

Thanks for your help...

April 10, 2008

Oil vs Gas

I have a 100 year old oil boiler and am thinking of switching to gas but hearing conflicting views. Gas is cleaner and cheaper, but oil is more efficient. The cost is about $6000 to convert.

Any recommendations?

April 9, 2008

Need forced air heating ducts cleaned

I have forced air heat (in Bed-Stuy), and some of the ducts seem to be blowing a little weakly.
I was referred to a company called Envirospect who will use huge fancy vacuums to clean them all - and want about $1000.00 to do so.
Is this a decent price? It seems high.
I'm just wondering who else is out there who does this, and does it well, perhaps for not so much $$$.
Thanks!

April 6, 2008

radiators for sale

I have a bunch of steam radiators for sale. Please post if you are interested.

April 2, 2008

Oil bills this winter too hot for me

Dear fellow brownstoners:

This was my first winter in my new brownstone, and I learned a lot about heating and heating costs. I don't have to tell you that oil prices were sky high over the past 8 months. Not only that, but in my case, the boiler which is old but functional, kept breaking down. I'm told this is due in part to the fact that the tank is 1/2 full of sludge. As a result, I could only fill about 100-150 gallons at a time, and I had to pay close attention, lest the sludge clog my boiler and shut it down. This constant attempt to keep things regulated was pretty sucessful, but I still had about 12 episodes when I had to call a dear neighbor or friend to come by and check out/fix my system.

The long and the short of it is, I am considering all of my options for next winter. Here are the options that I am aware of:

-- Clean out the sludge in the tank and see how things go next winter.

-- Convert to a gas system.

-- Figure out some other, more green option.

No matter what I decided to do, it has to be cost effective, not break down 12 times, and hopefully have some kind of pricing incentive program.

Please share your ideas, suggestions, knowledge.

Thanks so much.

Forced Air Heat diagnosis / tuneup / repair?

We have a new tenant, and they are complaining that their apartment is cold (top floor). We have forced air heating, and our two floors are toasty. It's true that their apartment is definitely not as warm as ours.
Can anyone recommend an outfit that can come and look to see if the ducts are blocked. need cleaning, or any other adjustments that might be in order?
We live in Bed-Stuy.
Thanks!

Forum: Heating