Best Of
Re: Heat loss calc..
Very, very nice. That's the straightest PEX installation I've ever seen.
I would have liked a ball valve on the 1/2" line coming out the bottom of the air eliminator so you can isolate both the x-tank and fill valve without draining the system when they need service.
Re: Old Winkler for you oil folks
Thanks for the really great photographs of your old “classic 60s” boiler system. That is the way I was taught to install boilers in the 1970s. Really brings back memories.
I want to ask one question about "Two Circulators". How many thermostats do you have?
As others have suggested, ditching the burner for a new Beckett AF/AFG replacement is a “minimum to do” ASAP, if you are going to depend on that boiler for the majority of your heating needs.
If there is Natural Gas in the future, then you can opt for a Gas Conversion Burner like the Carlin Carlin EZ Gas Pro or the Wayne P250 along with other brands like RW Beckett and Riello. But know that if you go that route ,and your boiler fails (water leak) and needs to be replaced that burner will not fit your new gas boiler.
Since you are probably not going to pay got the natural gas line anytime soon, then the replacement oil burner is the way to go. Beckett is more common and you have a better chance of getting someone that knows how to clean and tune them up properly.
As I look closer to your system, I will be able to answer more and more of your questions. Start with finding someone to replace the Winkler burner with a Beckett. Try your fuel supplier for starters! I'm not familiar with WI, but i find that plumbers that advertise themselves as "Plumbing and Heating" are more likely to know about boilers and oil burners, Than those that advertise themselves as just "Plumbing" or "Plumbing and Drain cleaning". A good oil burner Tech will be hard to find but keep looking, there is one near you that can help you out. If the fuel company wants you to burn their oil, they will find someone that can help you do that.
Re: Is there a list of the best help forums for the various 'challenges' we encounter?
find the manufacturer's instructions, there are detailed instructions about how to do the various details and how to hang the product so it can move and resists water and rodents.
mattmia2
Re: Is there a list of the best help forums for the various 'challenges' we encounter?
I have tried to offer my help on other websites related to the HVAC industry, the oil heat industry, and the boiler industry. I have found then difficult to navigate to the proper place to do what is best for the persons asking for help. The people at HeatingHelp.com got it right. Easy to follow a topic and easy to post photos to make that "worth a thousand word" statement and follow the others that have also offered to help. I have also noticed that others like Jamie Hall, Bob (hot_rod) Rohr and others on some of the other sites. They just don't click with me. This is the easiest to communicate with others here.
As far as other trades, like Electrical, Plumbing. Building, Construction, and automotive to name a few, You will not find what @DanHolohan has built here and what his daughter and others have continued to offer for our trade. This is unmatched and will probably never be duplicated anywhere else. kudos to Team Holohan
Re: Is there a list of the best help forums for the various 'challenges' we encounter?
I agree with @EdTheHeaterMan , Heating help is the best!!!
Mike Holt electrical is the best I have found for electrical. But they have decided for liability reasons to only allow people licensed in the electrical trade, (Electricians, contractors and engineers) to participate on that forum.
That forum is one that like Heating Help the people that participate are respectful (for the most part) and they don't allow nasty stuff or swearing etc.
Re: Is there a list of the best help forums for the various 'challenges' we encounter?
There is a wealth of knowledge on anything building trades related here, the wall would be the first place I would ask for anything trades related, because I know enough about the people responding based on all their previous responses to trust the advice. Though it may not be the focus I imagine there are master plumbers and electricians on this site as well. Anything else I typically type into google, if I don't get quick results I add the word "reddit' to the end. So far I have never been left hanging on any computer/software type questions by doing those 2 things, never even had to make my own post as somebody else has always had the same issue.
GGross
Re: Heat loss calc..
Ok, the team has spoken! Thank you everyone for your input!
I'm a long time reader of the forum..
@EdTheHeaterMan , yes the old 1970's Burnham America boiler is cycling on/off in short 3 minute-ish cycles as you describe, while the 20yr old Bell&Gossett pump runs a bit longer at maybe 30 min? Your numbers make sense, thanks.
@hot_rod, I currently have 2000sqft + 95' of finned tube over 2 zones (65' 1st floor, 30' 2nd floor). House is comfortable when the heat is running.
I'm planning on combining both zones into a single 95' split zone to get me into condensing temps with a new mod con combi, and avoid a small second floor zone that may cycle.
The Rinnai mod con Combi I'm considering only comes in 60k or 90k for CH, both with199k DHW, both turn down to 15k for CH.
Favoring the 90k unit as I will be adding 1000sqft (+45' finned tube) +1 bath addition next year (a final total of 3000sqft + 135' finned + 2.5bath).
DIY_Pro
Re: 25 Years ago.....
I know of no person in any industry or profession that has done more to educate the rank & file, motivate them, and bring them together than Dan Holohan…Very, very fortunate to have rode the wave behind his Surfboard ..mad Dog
Mad Dog_2