Posted by Harold Kestenholz - Hydronic Network on September 20, 2000 at 10:09:56:
In Reply to: What is the efficency of an old boiler posted by mike bowman on September 19, 2000 at 19:03:18:
You will get a variety of guesstimates about your old boiler's efficiency. It was about 45% efficient with the coal or wood and the efficiency went up to about 60% with the oil. But if it is losing that much heat from the jacket to heat the basement, it is not even that efficient. A blower-assisted steam heater off the main will do to make up for the losses of the boiler jacket. This can be installed later, if necessary. The pipes in the basement also give off heat; that may be enough. A better than 20% savings from your fuel bill with a new boiler will pay for the installation.