How loud...

Big Ed_3

Yes they are.

Tom S.

How loud...

is an oil-fired boiler vs. a gas-fired one?

I had an old converted (oil->gas) boiler in my house until I replaced it in 2005 with a new burnham gas boiler. The new unit is MUCH quieter when its firing than the old one. I just assumed it had to do with the conversion.

Now I'm going to open houses and I always go downstairs and look at the heating equipment. I was in one house with an oil-fired steamer and it was pretty loud, as loud as my old conversion one. It was also probably 10 years old though.

So, the question: are oil-fired burners generally louder than their gas counterparts, or is this an old/new thing?

Thanks for any thoughts,

Tom

Tom S._2

any more info...

So today I was looking at a house and there was a W-M oil-fired boiler in the mech room. It had a carlin burner. When that thing kicked in, it was pretty darn loud. Since the mech room is right next to a finished downstairs family room and in my mind would affect the enjoyment of the room, I am wondering if that is 'just the way it is' or if it there are burners that would be less loud.

Any thoughts appreciated.

Tom

[edit: it said carlin on the top, but a closer look showed beckett too, on the front of the burner]

American plumber

American plumber

Dave_4

pretty quiet

My burnham v84 with a beckett oil burner is pretty quiet. It makes a healthy burning sound which I enjoy when I'm close enough to hear it.

American plumber

silencer

J.C.A._3

I have an opinion....

But I'd rather wait to see the responses.

Coming from an exclusive stint in the oil field, I'm wondering what the kids here are thinking.

When the post dies, I'll ask a few questions.... Chris

Bernie Riddle_2

Well I know I have a Beckett AFG on a Crown and its as loud as you can have it and not wake up the neigbors across the street.....

I need that humungo muffler American posted in that pic!!!!

Steamhead (in transit)

The difference is

the new Burnham has atmospheric burners, which operate without a motor and fan but are a bit less efficient.

Power burners are always a bit louder. Oil burners are always of this type, and you can get power gas burners too. These are a bit more efficient but are louder.

A boiler that uses a power burner can be equipped to burn either oil or gas. Some boiler makers have seen the light on this issue (Smith and Solaia) and offer either burner as a factory option; we're waiting on others (Burnham, especially on the Mega-Steam!). This option puts you, the owner, in control of how much you pay per BTU.

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D107

Noise purely from burner or because of new metal liner?

Family's new Buderus oil-fired G115/21 (84mbh firing rate) with new stainless steel external liner sounds louder than prior 25 yr old 154mbh oil-fired Hydrotherm. If I lived there I'd probably stuff insulation in ceiling joist bays above sheetrock and reduce vibration by isolating clevis rods with soundproofing pads. Maybe even install the muffler. But it's not intolerable as is.

Is this thread talking about specific burner/boiler noise or total noise which would include the liner?

Thanks,

David

Tom S.

From my perspective...

I'm interested in the total noise as it might "invade" the living space. I'm currently looking for a new home and sometimes this has come up in my mind during my home viewings.

But, the thread will go wherever it goes, so if people start talking about specifics, so it shall be.

Tom

Dan_15

Buderus G215/4 Riello F40 burner, atmospheric chimney vent; sounds like a train running through my living room.

No room in my setup for the Buderus muffler. Am pretty much resigned to the noise.

D107

various soundproofing options available

> Buderus G215/4 Riello F40 burner, atmospheric

> chimney vent; sounds like a train running through

> my living room.

>

> No room in my setup for the

> Buderus muffler. Am pretty much resigned to the

> noise.



http://www.soundproofing.org

D107

various soundproofing options available

http://www.soundproofing.org

If the basement is unfinished that will certainly reverberate noise. Soundproofing and/or insulation can be placed at varius points to reduce sound and vibration. It was Constantin I believe who said he wrapped the flue pipe from boiler to chimney with fire-rated insulation--he may also have been aiming to reduce condensation--but I'm sure that could help and you might have room for that.

Of course metal liners should be insulated top to bottom if it's an external chimney. If your terra-cotta lined chimney is in good shape you may not care to go that direction if it's the right size for the G215/4.

David

Dan_15

Yes, my boiler flue is lined with 8" clay tiles which works fine for the boiler. I realized looking at the G215 installation sheet that the muffler can be installed vertically too, so that may be an option for me if I have the clearance.

Tom S.

Thanks!

That explains it well.

Tom