Automating Steam Boiler in Brooklyn Brownstone

[Robyn Henderson]

My family owns a 3-unit brownstone that has a boiler that is at least 60 years old. On a weekly basis, the first floor tenant checks the water sight to ensure there is enough water in the system and also flushes the system to prevent rust accumulation. The tenant has to empty a bucket of water each time. 

I just learned that the tenant has been doing this for years and if he ever forgets, the system will need a costly repair. 

Are there any other Brooklyn Brownstone owners who had a similar issue? Are there modern boilers that can automate this? How much would they cost (including installation)? 

I don't like having a dependency on a tenant to maintain a vital part of the building. 

[Ahmed Saad]

In regards to the cost; your range is going to be wide regardless of what you do until you determine your scope of work. First, do you have gas or oil.  If oil, will you replace with like-kind or convert to gas? If gas will you keep one heater for the building or separate into 3 different units? If you want to separate, you need to choose between 3 separate gas boilers (and think of water heaters) or 3 split unit HVAC systems.

Sorry if this response isn't what you had in mind. I guess I just wanted to let you know there are a lot of options. Cheapest option hands-down would be to replace your current boiler with a new one of the same fuel-type and doing it without filing DOB permits/inspections (which of course I am not saying you should do, just that it affects the price significantly). Bear in mind that replacing the old boiler and getting it inspected will likely mean upgrading your boiler room and possibly other parts of your basement; gas lines (if gas boiler), oil tank (if oil boiler), fireproof sheetrock, self-closing doors, ventilation access, and drainage line.