What is the difference between a steam and hot water baseboard furnace?

Question

I have hot water baseboard heat in my house and need a new furnace / boiler or what ever it is called a friend wants to give me a 3 year old furnace they are taking out of a house they are tearing down the plumber told me it will not work because I have hot water baseboard heat and the house getting torn down has steam heat , is this true? What is the difference in the furnaces?

KILOWATT · Accepted Answer

Get the brand name, model number, and serial number, and call the manufacturer.  Some boilers can be converted.  Compared to the cost of a new one, it would be well worth it. If the nameplate shows a rating of 30 psi, then it usually can be converted. If its a cast iron sectional, it can be converted.

A steam boiler is about 3/4 full of water and controlled by a pressure switch to maintain a constant steam pressure of 2-15 psi.  It operates at 212-250 degrees F. depending on the pressure.

A hot water boiler is completely full of water and is controlled by a thermostat to maintain a temperature of 140-180 degrees F.  It operates at 12-18 PSI.

The steam pressure switch and automatic water feeder would have to be removed.  An operating thermostat, hi limit thermostat, and low water cutout would have to be added for the conversion.

You could also take the boiler and sell it for $500-$1000 and put the money towards a new one.

Only a reputable company should be used to convert or install a boiler.

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Nick · Answer

Yes, it's true. The difference is one furnace produces hot water and the other produces steam.

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What is the difference between a steam and hot water baseboard furnace?

2 Answers