Gas and Oil Home Heating Furnaces - recommendations needed for gas steam boiler

it seems i need a new gas powered steam boiler for my home's heating system. the last one lasted 25 years. is that the average life of these things? what i should i look for in a replacement? what sort of warranty should i be looking for? how much should a replacement cost with installation? any advice appreciated. thanks -- joe

Ask around there. 25 years thats about the run on them.Get 3 bids on the job and make sure they run a heat loss on the home there. Id say what ever the guy sell 's that has been there a longtime is the one you want . He would have parts and know how to work on it if need be.;) ED

For a replacement steam boiler the only real way to get the right size is to calculate all the connected radiation. Your contractors should measure each radiator and count the number of sections and then calculate the sq. ft. of steam required for each one. That will give a total sq. ft. of steam required and then 15% must be added for pickup. Make sure if the large pipes in the basement were insulated (all probably were at one time) that they stay insulated or get new insulation on them. That is crucial. Also, if a contractor adds a couple hundred dollars for labor to skim the new boiler after installation and to add a valve or two to be able to run the condensate to waste for a day or two that you don't throw him out of the running on price alone. We did one last week and after the skimming and wasting the first days worth of condensate, that system is quiet and clean and will probably last a long time. Make sure they only use steel pipe, no copper above the water line. Post back with any questions after you get your estimates.