We are moving into a new home that we found out has a water boiler heater, as in it warms the house by boiling water and releasing steam. I'm not sure if it's gas or electric. The previous owner says his power bill is around $200/month in the winter, which is about the same we're paying now anyway, but my grandma said she knew someone with a water boiler heater and it cost him $1000/month. I just want to know, how does this effect the monthly water/power bills? Does anyone else have one that could tell me what their bills are like? If having a gas or electric makes much difference, just estimate both, because I forget which one it is. Thank you!

I hope it's not an electric boiler, the KW would be very substantial. For gas, $200/month seems reasonable but we don't know anything about the house, ambient temp etc.

Residential steam boilers aren't run by electric... all are gas systems with 120 volt ignition and safety system and although not highly efficient they are a good source of heat. Steam systems never get more than 83% efficient that I know of, and if this a one pipe steam system (one pipe to each radiator) there is not much you can do to change this. If each radiator has two pipes going to them (a two pipe steam system) you may be able to convert over to a forced water system and see an increase in efficiency... this can be costly.

With all that being said, if this is an average size home and the boiler isn't running at say 65% efficiency I would expect you to see a pretty normal gas bill for the home.

If you contact your local gas company they should be able to tell you what the previous owners bill was over the last few years... that should provide you with the real answer you need!

Let us know if you have more questions, OK?

Mark