The Steamworks folks to the rescue

We've been holding on to a hope that this firm from Rhode Island, one that only works on steam boilers could help us with our multiple boiler woes. They did!

They cleaned our 'sooted up' boiler without a bit of the soot escaping their vacuum system into the air.They showed me the soot and I needed a bit for a photo of course. So, they checked it over and diagnosed it as well worth saving. The troubles( making soot & CO2) were caused by  dust kicked up and filling it when said powdery dust in the old crawl space was disturbed. That happened when we had vapor barriers installed over them and the workers were crawling in and out of tight spaces. The dust clogged up the air intake tubes in the boiler. Next,  when they added insulation to the cellar it cut off the oxygen the boiler needed for proper combustion. Instead of the proper mix needed for safe operation, it began to produce CO2. Our detector alerted us on Feb 19th and since then the gas service has been turned off directly to the boiler. Thankfully we have been fine, warm enough with our gas fireplace and second heating system in the addition. Spring temps have helped, but it has been a nerve wracking time.

The chimney and flue to the boiler will be cleaned tomorrow, then we have to have a company come in and add a combustion air source also known as "fan in a can" to give the boiler enough air to operate properly. When that is done, the town Gas Inspector and the Gas Company will check everything and turn the gas service back on to the boiler. 

The service today cost $425, an estimate from another company for installation and a new boiler was 15K. Today has been a good day at Dogcorner. We have a ways to go, but so far, so good. 

Cool van too!

For the Record,
This day came in warm and sunny. Warmer weather tomorrow too!

All hands wary, but relieved tonight. I'm exhausted from worry, probably no comments tonight, sorry.