Posted by Tim Hodgson on May 03, 2000 at 22:46:34:
In Reply to: does it make sense to buy a whole new boiler if the old one still works, sort of? posted by Philip on April 28, 2000 at 20:48:22:
: i have an approximately 15 to 20 year old boiler in my 75 year single family old house (with single pipe steam system).
: various parts of the boiler are starting to go: the flush valve and limit already have shown problems, other things may
: start to go soon too, such as automatic water cut-in. rather than fix these little problems one at a time as
: they happen (and they will happen in the heating season, when its more difficult and time sensitive to get repairs)
: should i just get a whole new boiler system all at once -- during the summer when i can afford to
: shop around for a fair deal?
: or should i just wait until the whole thing goes, and fix the little problems as they occur?
: i've been told i probably have a few years left in the boiler itself. i'm reluctant to pay for constant repairs when it may
: be more cost efficient (and fuel efficient) to get a new system.
: if so, any recommendations on the best products to use?
I have cast iron boilers that are 90 years old and still operating. you need to ask yourself a few questions:
1. what is the water side condition of the boiler?
2. what is the current efficiency of my boiler?
3. how much fuel do I use per year?
4. how much will a new boiler cost to install?
5. how much to replace the controls that may go bad in the next ____ years?
6. how much makeup water do I add every week?
7. how big is the radiator system?
8. how quiet is the current system?
If you want a new boiler, size it for the attatched radiators and piping, NOT the building heat loss!!! Have it piped according to the manufacturers specifications(no alterations).
Clean it internally until it is CLEAN!!(a day or three, whatever it takes).
good luck, Tim