replacing EFM coal boiler w/ gas
#1
12-26-06, 04:55 PM
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replacing EFM coal boiler w/ gas
I will be replacing my mother's 50 year old efm coal boiler in early spring. I found 2 different model # on the side
"a350" and "an520" . Can someone give me an approximate btu ouput for this boiler.
Also in N.E. PA. would you recommend natural gas or stick with coal ?
thanks,
Brian
"a350" and "an520" . Can someone give me an approximate btu ouput for this boiler.
Also in N.E. PA. would you recommend natural gas or stick with coal ?
thanks,
Brian
#3
12-26-06, 06:47 PM
I would absolutely _not_ size a new boiler using the BTU rating of the old one. Either do or have done a decent heat loss calculation for the house and size the boiler to that, the way it should be done. There are threads around here that discuss it. Good free software can be had at www.slantfin.com/he2 .
Can't speak to oil vs. gas in your area.
Can't speak to oil vs. gas in your area.
#4
12-26-06, 07:09 PM
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New Boiler
Xiphias has offered some sound advice. As far as what you use for fuel, that becomes a matter of cost & personal preference. Personally, I lean toward oil for the safety & independence factors but natural gas also has advantages. I do agree with KField on his suggestion to abandon the coal idea.
#5
01-02-07, 03:09 AM
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Steam or H.W.??
Is it a steam or hot water boiler? If it is steam, then it is more efficient to install an oil fired boiler. If it is hot water, it is a toss up, unless you don't mind spending an extra $1k-2k, then I reccomend a Buderus wall hung boiler that gets 98+/- % efficiency. I like oil more personally. Although it would be terribly inefficient, you could convert the coal boiler into a gas or oil boiler. Good Luck!
P.S. Have a heat load performed by someone who does it regularly, such as the sales rep at the supply house.
P.S. Have a heat load performed by someone who does it regularly, such as the sales rep at the supply house.
