Thermopile Ignition Still Avail. On Hydronic Systems ?

Brian Macdonald_4

If you are looking for better effiency but want the "power out" operation, what about adding a new (condensing?) boiler but leaving the old one hooked into the system. In a power outage you could just light the pilot on the old one. Light it when leaving town in the winter, too.

Back up generators that start automatically seem kind of expensive to me. And that's what you would need to feel secure about your pipes not freezing while you are out of town.

Just an idea.

Brian Macdonald (homeowner non-professional)

Bob_63

Theropile Ignition Still Avail On Hydronic Heating Systems ?

Hello:

Live in a typical New England Colonial, outside of Boston.

Presently have a 30 year old Hydrotherm, gas, Forced Hot Water heating system.

2 Zones, via two individual circulators. Original system.

What we really love about this furnace is that it came with the Thermopile ignition system (pilot light is always on and lit). We lose power often in the winter, and by running it as a gravity system (just open the two check
valves, and put the switch in the position where it just cycles between the high and low furnace temp. limits) it works incredibly well.

Gas valve lso works via the thermopile, so absolutely no need for any 110 V power.
Loss of the circulators, therefore, really not critical.

We are always amazed at how well it works as a gravity system. Makes the house totally habitable even in the coldest of times, and therefore no need to drain the system, or seek shelter. Just wonderful.

Have been told that these thermopile type of systems are "absolutely" not available any more. Apparently there is some law regarding energy conservation and the way that is impacted by the always-on pilot.

a. Is this true ?

If not, who offers them ? Will the gas valve work off the thermopiles, like my present system ?

b. If so, any way around this, or alternate possibilities for power out situations ? (other than an outside gas driven generator)

c. Who makes the "best" gas, forced Hot Water furnaces these days ?

Should I go with Hydrotherm again? Are they still in business ? Or...?

d. What, if any, options and bells and whistles with the furnace would I want to consider ?

What else should I probably be asking, but am not sharp enough with this stuff to really know what I don't know ?

Appreciate the help.

Thanks,
Bob

Plumdog_2

get the specifics and check

a controls specialty supplier like Johnstone Supply or even Grainger. You can still get parts for those, and your right, they are great in power outages.

joel_19

pilots

The pilot wastes lots of fuel and you will not find them on any modern higher eff unit , they will all be electronic. It is a downside but the only one . our gas rate has alreday gone up 60% and is proposed to go up 80-89% so eff does matter .take last years bill and double it and you'll be close .You can get a back up generator for power which is what most do . That's about the only system that will run withut power ,

Unknown

Bob, Thermopile/Powerpile

systems are no longer sold on new boilers and furnaces. The reason was the requirement back in the late 1980's to have dual seated (called redundant) gas valves on heating equipment. Powerpile was not able to handle a dual valve set up so it became a thing of the past. There is no law, at least not yet on shutting pilots off completely. By the way you do not have a "furnace" you have a "boiler".

Why do you want to get rid of your present system? If I read between the lines you may be looking for better efficiency. That is great but if you like your present setup and it is working fine why change? Have a professional come in and tune up your present boiler and get it to peak operating efficiency. Look at alternative energy savings by adding insulation, new windows, doors etc as the pay back on those is much better many times than new equipment.

If you decide to put in a new system there are some "Pros" here on the Wall in the Boston area who would be able to give you some excellent advice and service. The new system will not however work in a power failure.