[Summit] Replacing an oil burner

[Jessica Western]

Hi all, 

For anyone with a steam heat system, I would highly recommend checking out Dan Holohan's books - and in particular, "We Got Steam Heat!". He's a knowledgeable, easy to read resource for learning about how steam systems work and identifying some of the common problems you might have (knocking, hissing, etc - steam heat shouldn't make any noise!) as well as solutions. Mrs. B, I even noticed that this book addresses the issue of a new  boiler running out of water before the condensate returns to the system - which, it sounds like, could be solved with the installation of a boiler-feed pump, or just more general system maintenance (making sure things are piped correctly, well cleaned and insulated, that radiator traps are working, return lines are clear, etc). My big take-away from this book is that it's important to have an knowledgeable contractor working on your system - lots of people will work on steam systems, but not a lot of them really know the ins and outs of making them work right! - and Dan gives tips on how to find out if prospective contractors really know their stuff.

He's also got website HeatingHelp.com where you can find useful information and contact information for contractors.
-Jess
 

   

 On Wednesday, May 18, 2016 2:21 PM, Breslers <breslerfamily at gmail.com> wrote:
 

 they sold us one TOO SMALL

and the landlord, and us, who live right over it, are stuck with the endless bad consequences.

Definitely find out how to check calculations for correct size.

On Wed, May 18, 2016 at 1:57 PM, Mark Binder <mark at markbinder.com> wrote:

Beware of ALL oil companies.

Years ago, I had a similar problem.
I found that replacing the boiler -- but with a SMALLER unit was a smarter choice.

Oil companies have a vested interest in selling you a bigger boiler.
The rationalization was, "Oh, you only need a boiler X big. We'll make it X*1.5 — just in case"
Fact is, if you have a steam system, there is a MAXIMUM size boiler you need.

There's a way (I can't find it right now) to calculate the exact size boiler you need by counting the size and number of loops in your radiators.
I did that, found out I needed only a 3 chamber boiler instead of a 4 -- which the oil company recommended.
It uses less oil and is more efficient, heating up faster.

Let me know if you need more info.
- Mark
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-- 
FISHEL BRESLER'S KLEZMER & HASSIDIC MUSIC -
funded in part by a Folk Arts Fellowship grant from the RI State Council on the Arts.
www.LinkedIn.com/in/FishelBresler

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