At an Iowa City Home Inspection that I did a couple of months ago I ran across this beautiful piece of history and have been wanting to share it with you.

Iowa City Home Inspection 1957 Boiler

Pristine 1957 Boiler

The house was built in 1957. I don’t know any Americans that don’t think of neat stuff when they hear 1957.

When I got to the part of my home inspection where I inspect the HVAC this is what I found. When I entered the room in the basement, it was like stepping back in time. Here sat an American-Standard boiler from 1957 that other than a little dust was in absolutely perfect condition. What a treat!! The saying is true, “they don’t make them like this anymore”. This boiler has been running for 57 years and as long as parts are available and we have natural gas, will continue to run for many more.

 

Iowa City Home Inspection 1957 Boiler

This boiler that I found at this Iowa City home inspection has cast iron burners, a quality built steel cabinet and overall great craftsmanship in its assembly. If I cleaned the dust off it would look brand new. Granted, it’s not 90% efficient, but I think it has paid for itself many times based on its service life. I wouldn’t dream of a modern furnace lasting this long. It is superior in its simple design.

 

 

 

 

Iowa City Home Inspection 1957 Boiler

Made in America!

I inspected the unit like I always do, looking for gas leaks, checking for flame roll out and adjustment etc. The unit had been well cared for over the years and ran like it was new. A true testament to the saying “if you take care of your stuff, it will take care of you”. I might be waxing nostalgic here, but I’ll tell you, not too many things are made like this anymore. This boiler was made right here in America and is a great symbol of our ingenuity and manufacturing ability. You certainly won’t find too many things these days that will last and perform over the long hall like this.

Here is an advertisement from back then…pretty neat!

1951 american standard advertisement

1951 Advertisement

 

This was a rare treat indeed and is one of many reasons why I love being in this business. I hope you enjoyed it too. If you want to see the history of the American Standard company here is a link to their website. American Standard History