Steam Boiler Replacement in Ravenswood Courtyard Building

The property manager called us on a cold November morning - the building's original 1940s steam boiler had finally given out. Twelve families were without heat, and temperatures were dropping into the 30s. The century-old boiler room presented significant challenges: tight access through a narrow basement stairwell, original coal chute converted to a window, and a maze of asbestos-wrapped pipes that needed careful navigation.

The existing Burnham boiler had served the building admirably for over 75 years, but corrosion in the sections had finally won. Several radiators throughout the building had also developed leaks over the years, and the steam traps hadn't been serviced in decades.

We developed a comprehensive replacement plan that addressed both the immediate heating emergency and long-term system reliability:

Day 1-2: Emergency Assessment & Preparation - Conducted combustion analysis on failed unit to document condition - Mapped entire steam distribution system (12 units, 48 radiators) - Coordinated with residents on timeline and temporary heating solutions - Arranged for proper asbestos abatement around work area

Day 3-5: Boiler Replacement - Carefully removed the original cast-iron boiler in sections - Installed new Burnham Series 2 steam boiler (designed for drop-in replacement) - Upgraded the near-boiler piping with proper Hartford Loop - Installed new low-water cutoff and pressure controls

Day 6-7: System Optimization - Replaced 8 failed steam traps throughout the building - Balanced the system by adjusting radiator air vents - Repacked 3 radiator valves with minor leaks - Performed combustion tuning for maximum efficiency

The new boiler was operational within 5 days of our first visit - critical timing as temperatures had dropped below freezing. The building now has reliable, efficient steam heat with modern safety controls.

Key Improvements: - 15% reduction in gas consumption (first month comparison) - Even heat distribution to all 12 units - Quiet operation with no water hammer - 10-year warranty on heat exchanger

The property manager has since contracted us for annual maintenance to prevent future emergencies.