Looking for Advice on Heating My Home
I’m looking for advice regarding the heating system in my two story (two family) brownstone. I have steam heat powered by an oil fed boiler. The boiler probably dates from as far back as World War II although I’m not sure. As you can imagine it is not the most efficient system in the world,…
I’m looking for advice regarding the heating system in my two story (two family) brownstone.
I have steam heat powered by an oil fed boiler. The boiler probably dates from as far back as World War II although I’m not sure. As you can imagine it is not the most efficient system in the world, however it does currently heat our home. It appears that the burner is not that old and is in good working order. However, the system needs some adjustments including the replacement of the main air vents in the basement. While I understand how to do this I am inclined to have this and any other need adjustments done by a knowledgeable plumber.
I also have a gas fired hot water heater (75 gallon) that is probably about ten years old. It is showing signs of age and is possibly becoming a CO hazard. As you can imagine, I am interested in replacing this heater in the very near future.
Given that I am looking to replace my hot water heater in the very near future, does it make sense to address the heating system at the same time? While my boiler currently functions, I would imagine that it is not running very efficiently and could break down at anytime due to its age (and it would be nice to limit my fuel usage to just gas). Is it possible to make the investment in a combination heating system? Do they exist for steam systems or are they limited to hot water heating systems? If it is a possibility, how much would I expect to pay for a complete conversion to a combination system by a reputable plumber?
Currently, my oil bills for heating my home and my gas bills for heating my hot water (and for cooking) are pretty high. Would the expenditure now allow me to save considerably in the future?
Any help, opinions or comments are greatly appreciated.
I’m going to paste my answer to another question again, but the advice remains the same. The nest arrangement is …
I own a few houses with oil heat, and I wouldn’t switch. Gas is finicky, especially it doesn’t like to be flooded. but I would recommend a new oil-fired high efficiency boiler, but something without Weil McClain’s rubber gasket system. New boilers rarely fail, but you want older style pressed together sections, not rubber gaskets.
Get yourself a separate oil-fired hot water heater. Some plumbers will say “Huh?”, but they are available and are excellent and efficient for making hot water.
If you compare the recovery rates (how fast the heater can heat water)with a gas or electric unit, you will be blown away. An oil-fired hot water heater can basically make hot water as fast as you can use it, as long as the shower head is modern.
The down side is two burners to have under contract, but the good thing is shutting the new “heat” boiler down in the spring, and leaving the hot water heater on year rouond. You will absolutely save money.
I used John Sallustio, licensed plumber and oil delivery to install our last ones. (718) 858-9080. He warrantied the burners (no service contracts required for three years).
Good Luck,
Bruce
ban fred’s ip address. that was just mean.
Fred – you REALLY are a douchbag!!!! I’m looking for advice on a conversion and am not looking to be judged by an asshole like you. You may want to re-read the question.
The point is that it may be beneficial to replace the existing boiler with a new gas fired boiler and to covert to a indirect water tank as opposed to the standard water tank I currently have. I am curious if I should have the plumbers come once rather than twice – there may be some savings involved.
cmu – thanks for the feedback.
gee Fred, maybe you should, i don’t know, NOT be a colossal douchebag….
The CO is only an issue if the flue is damaged. Its not about age of the boiler but making sure the galvanized flue pipe is well sealed and not rusted out. I think your gas bill is high for water because you have a very big tank (75gal). Oil actually burns more efficiently than gas, though gas is cleaner. You get more btu’s per dollar with oil.
You’ve described exactly my situation when I bought my house in ’01. Oil burner running at 58% efficiency, steam heat and 8 yr old w/h. However, CO hazard–don’t listen to this rubbish. W/h used to go 15-20 years, nowadays they last as long as the warranty, almost.
You can get steam boilers with indirect w/h coils with a separate hot water tank (eg Burnham). That tank and the boiler will have abt a 30-yr lifespan. However, capital cost will be higher than just a steam boiler and a separate w/h. And it’s possible having a 150-175kbtu steam system running in summer just to heat water will run your gas bill up (hot water “boilers” are more efficient).
We went with a 150kbtu Burnham (4 floors). btw most heating contractors will suggest a too-large system, our suggested size was 180kbtu; for a steam system, the radiation (size of radiators) is the key, but often you can reduce the radiator size in most rooms (we did in 2 bedrooms) since they were sized for when there was no insulation.
And I still haven’t replaced w/h.