Oversized boiler pipe? Better pipe material available?
#1
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Oversized boiler pipe? Better pipe material available?
Just bought a 100 year old house with a new boiler. Existing boiler piping is mostly 3-4 galvinized pipe in the basement, and then a mix of all sized up the walls to the radiators.
I know that heat lost on the boiler piping in the basement is not technically "lost" as it helps heat the floor above it and the basement itself, but I'm wondering if 3-4" galvinized piping is bigger than what I need now that I have a more modern boiler (if that matters.) Also, I'm OK with a slightly colder basement if it cuts into my enormous monthly gas bill.
So, would smaller diameter piping and/or a different pipe material be more efficient? I've heard of pex being used as boiler piping....
Thoughts? Thanks everyone.
I know that heat lost on the boiler piping in the basement is not technically "lost" as it helps heat the floor above it and the basement itself, but I'm wondering if 3-4" galvinized piping is bigger than what I need now that I have a more modern boiler (if that matters.) Also, I'm OK with a slightly colder basement if it cuts into my enormous monthly gas bill.
So, would smaller diameter piping and/or a different pipe material be more efficient? I've heard of pex being used as boiler piping....
Thoughts? Thanks everyone.
#2
I don't think you will save based on heat loss from the pipe, but if you had a smaller pipe, then you would have a less water to heat. I can't say if that savings will be noticeable.
#3
My scottish buddy that helped me with our piping talked about self-circulating systems. It was pretty much all based on pipe diameters.
Did they install a circ pump with the new boiler ?
You could install pipe insulation wrap to reduce the heat loss in accessible areas.
Did they install a circ pump with the new boiler ?
You could install pipe insulation wrap to reduce the heat loss in accessible areas.
#4
Whats the make and model# of boiler?
Hot water or steam?
Temp and pressure reading at boiler gauge?
What type of heat emitters? Radiators?
Take all kinds of pics and post back here. You need to upload tp free site like photobucket.
Mike NJ
Hot water or steam?
Temp and pressure reading at boiler gauge?
What type of heat emitters? Radiators?
Take all kinds of pics and post back here. You need to upload tp free site like photobucket.
Mike NJ
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I have the exact same setup. Bought a 100 year old house with a newer boiler (5years old maybe...) Has a parallel system with 3" and 4" galvanized pipe running down the center of the basement as main feed and return lines. Im very curious of what people thing you best option is here...