Switch to Condensing Boiler? Which One?

S Ebels

Do as much as you can to address the issues that your "building envelope" has, I'm talking about windows, doors, insulation, attic vents, air infiltration etc. Those are the things that will give you the fastest return on investment, although they may cost more than a boiler replacement.

Next on the order of importance would be selecting who is going to install your new boiler, if you decide to do that. An average type boiler installed correctly is always better than the best boiler installed poorly. In other words brand isn't as important as getting it installed right. Whoever you have install it, should do a heat loss on your building and determine if you have enough heating capacity in your radiators/baseboard/whatever to allow reduced water temp operation. This will be a big factor in what boiler you can successfully use for your home.

Now, on to the boiler part of the equation. My personal preference in modulating/condensing boilers is the Viessmann Vitodens. I don't think you'll find much disagreement here that it is probably the best condenser out there but is also one of the the higher priced models.

Russell_2

Switch to condensing boiler? Which one?

Now that I have the discomfort of receiving sizable monthly bills for natural gas, I figure it's time to try doing something about it. I began by calling Weil-McLain to see about an update to my 20-year-old gas boiler. They told me that a swap might provide an efficiency boost of about 5 percent, hardly enough to be worthwhile. Then I heard from a friend who said the answer would be a condensing boiler. When I searched on same, most of the hits were from the U.K.; almost none in the U.S. My house is about 3,300 sq. ft. and at the moment costs about $1 a foot to heat annually (we're in CT). I'd like to know more about condensing boilers to consider, approximately what kind of cost I might be facing, and who to contact to get the work done. All suggestions greatly appreciated. If the answer to this can be found in an earlier thread, kindly direct me to same. Thanks.

Big Ed

Boilers

I agree with Mr. Ebels with controling heat loss. But to put nother boiler on the list is a Buderus GB 142 . Wall hung,99 percent eff , a limited life time warrenty,modulating boiler. Also top shelf...

Russell_2

Condenser boiler

Sounds like I get in touch with suppliers of the various condenser boilers and then have their contractors recommend appropriate equipment. I have a fairly recent (6 years) water heater that's working fine. I'm wondering whether I should look into a heating swap by itself or consider a combi arrangement that replaces all of my existing equipment, including the water heater.

JCD

Switch to condensing boiler? Which one?

Russel, I am another homeowner who came here for advice just like you. You hve gotten good advice so far. Can I give you a few questions and observations that I have asked myself and talked to the wife about. One is, How long are you going to stay in your house? My wife and I love our house and cannot see moving - ever, God willing. That affects the choice of buying the higher priced but more efficient condensing boilers. Two, had a home energy audit done yet? In our area, the local utilities do this for a modest price, however I am not sure if they take an infared gun on the outside to look for problems or gaps in the current installation. Three, the envelope itself, our former homeowner took out the original wood windows and threw in some cheap big box vinyl crap windows that hang about two degees off level when they are opened. I will replace these with some good windows. That should increase the comfort, but it is something to think about money-wise. After that, depending on the energy audit, I may then foam the inside of the walls. Fifth, I will shortly be using someone that I found through this website to do a heat loss analysis. Your last question about a combi-unit. Everything that I have learned on this site and others tells me that a combi unit IS a good idea - for our situation. Good Luck.

Russell_2

I'll try to answer your questions in order. First, we plan to be here for a long time. 12 years to go on the mortgage. We're running in the high hundreds per month to heat, so money spent on a more efficient boiler might make sense. We've had several energy audits done and probably should do another. More than half the windows have been replaced and I expect that last few will be replaced by Marvin Tilt-Clads over the coming months. In the newer part of the house (added 2001) as well as several of the older rooms, we've gutted and reinsulated, so the envelope is improved, but is not perfect. We have a 20x20 family room with a 12 ft. cathedral ceiling; it's the worst offender in the house. That could stand further improvement; maybe foaming would help. Other than window replacement and closing a few more obviously porous areas, I think that's about as far as is cost-effective at the moment. I'm a bit leary about the combi unit since our water heater is only a few years old. Nevertheless, if the upcharge is reasonable and we gain further efficiency, it could make sense. Another concern is our plan to add central air. If there were some worthwhile HVAC makeover that would take care of all these needs, that would be great, but my guess is that the heating (hot water) and cooling (cold air) are separate issues. I hope this responds adequately to your comments. Any more observations? Don't hesitate to send them my way. Thanks.

J.C.A._3

Big questions....

When was the house built? And #B what is the form of radiation? Baseboard fin tube, baseboard cast iron, free standing radiators, wall convectors or something I've missed?

The first will lead us to what the original installer had planned on and the 2nd will give us all a better idea if the condensing boiler option would "pay for itself" , while getting a great return on your (biggest probably) investment. Chris

leo g_13

As the others have said

but I prefer the Munchkin boiler. I like the freedom that the venting length gives to me, and the boiler itself has had, in my opinion, all of the bugs worked out of it now. The price point is better, and matched with their proprietary Vision control, I believe that it matches up to any of the other mod/cons out there. Also, I have nothing but extremely good things to say about their tech support!

Leo G

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Weezbo

Russell, it is likely to be the best dollar you have spent

in a long long time.If you ever invested in a good framing hammer,router bit set,electrical multimeter,wrench set,drafting arm or any other Tool you will immediately see the analogy.

This is one of our Tools that Work at the onset and continue to do so over time. one can view many of the newer contributions to the residential markets as a Godsend in some ways. after installing a system of ecellence when we turn our back an vanish out of your life on to the next home to continue in the Work,we are fairly certain that you wont be in the 11 oclock news on video camera robbing some convienience store in order to pay the monthly bills and provide food for your family at the end of the month.

You may find the information from many as clear as mudd at times however its "in There" as the commercial says.After you have gathered up some ideas may i suggest that you also do a bit of reading on the subject at HealthyHeating.com,That particular site has done a "Banger job" as my friend of old would put it. The gist of the information is that it treats the entirety of the home as a system that produces the best finacial comfort and healthy environment for you and your family. Not that this isnt what you are hearing it just may not be what you have been listening to during the answers to your questions.

There are other sources of information here in Dans Library and as the manufacturers are fairly well represented you can also find alot of reading material in their section to give you an enhanced perspective of some of the more subtle aspects of what has already been said.

I hope this helps.*~/:)

Russell_2

Answer to Chris

Chris,
The house was built in 1968. The radiation is by baseboard fin tube. I look forward to your further comments. Russell

Mike Thomas_2

Have you done a Blower Door Test yet?

I know you mentioned an energy audit, but have you done a blower door test yet? I would make sure the house was tight first. That will be your biggest and quickest payback.

Mike Thomas_2

Have you done a Blower Door Test yet?

I know you mentioned an energy audit, but have you done a blower door test yet? I would make sure the house was tight first. That will be your biggest and quickest payback.