Heating question for plumbers

RJK HEATING rebuilds all heat timers. RJKHEATINGCONTROL@AOL.COM 718-317-6402

rjkheating

in Boiler Repair 11 years and 7 months ago

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Trompiloco | 13 years and 8 months ago

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We have a relatively old steam boiler from 1984 in a 4-floor 12 unit CoOp. Until 1 year ago we were somehow using a 1970s EPC Heat Timer, but for reasons I don’t know we disconnected it and changed the system to a thermostat in the hallway, which was a real disaster since we used 70% more oil. So now we are trying to go back to the old system but it turns out the heat timer is broken and unrepairable (too old, no parts) All the setup for the system is still in place though (metal pipe to outdoor sensor, wires, etc.) so it would just be a question of replacing with the most similar current model (EPU-CH 60, I assume, which retails for about $1700 online) I’ve had 3 companies come see it, and they’ve all estimated $3000 to $3500 for the job. They’ve refused to break it down in parts/labor but I know the parts are roughly $1700 or less, so it sounds like $1300 to $1800 labor, which sounds very high for a 4 or 5 hour job. Right? The return pie of the boiler is apparently exposed in a bsmt. apartment, so it would be accesible for the additional sensor. Any opinions? I’ve done my homework and don’t want to feel hostage to contractors and their “enigmatic” ways. Help!

eman134 | 13 years and 8 months ago

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if you want a less expensive option, consider replacing it with a tekmar steam control. You might also consider moving the steam sensor to the furthest point from the boiler rather than the base of the far return allowing a little bit more fine tuning,,,you can get my contact info from my profile, if you want me to take a look

Master Plvmber | 13 years and 8 months ago

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The Tekmar 279 is a modern steam control unit that actually learns the rate at which your building gains and loses temperature based on outdoor conditions and boiler run time. It is adaptable to many job conditions like having the ability to add one or multiple room temperature sensors, pipe temperature sensors and pressure reading devices. It also has a built-in day/night timer. http://tekmarcontrols.com/hvacsystems/279.htmlIt‘s much cheaper than the HeatTimer, which at its best is still old technology. This is me:

http://brownstoner.staging.wpengine.com/gatewayplumbing

steam_man | 13 years and 8 months ago

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I agree with MP on the Tekmar 279\. Here’s another link with good info. http://tekmarcontrols.com/media/literature/279_a_06.pdf Remeber, your installer has expenses and can’t bill the job as 4 or 5 hours. There is installation, set-up and testing. Also as e-man stated the return sensor will still have to be installed and wired. Feel free to reach out to us: http://www.moltenmechanical.com

Trompiloco | 13 years and 8 months ago

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Thanks everybody for your answers. Emar: I could not find your contact information in your profile, but I would love if you could come and take a look. Please call me 646-344-0872

wholesalerbill1 | 13 years and 8 months ago

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Yup, Tekmar is the way to go. I stock ’em.

villagebrstoner | 13 years and 7 months ago

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mario-m, just wondering if you’ve installed tekmar?