Which boiler?

Stacy_2

I have an 85 year old boiler that needs to be replaced. It's an hydronic gravity system that heats a 4300 square foot home.

I'm trying to decide between a Viessmann Vitogas 50, Viessman Vitogas 100 or Vitodens. One other possibility is Burham Series 2 Boiler.

Of course, different boiler experts are recommending different boilers.

One recommends as first choice the Vitodens condensation boiler; with 2nd choice being Vitogas 100 and 3rd choice being Vitogas 50. He feels the condensation boiler has the highest efficiency; with both the Vitogas 100 and Vitodens condensation having better controls.

Another boiler expert recommends the Vitogas 50 stating it is easily sufficient for my purposes and states the much greater expense of the higher end boilers doesn't justify the small added efficiency; and the Vitogas 50 can be adequately controlled for functional purposes.

Anyone with thoughts?

ALH_4

Vito

4300 sf is a decent-size floor area. I would recommend the Vitodens.

The Vitogas 100 is a beautiful boiler, but I do not see the niche for the GS-1 anymore. The price nears a Vitodens once you add controls and piping.

The EC boilers are good basic boilers, but I think with your floor area you will see significant savings from the higher efficiency. Tekmar controls can be added that will do anything any of the Viessmann controls will do.

Dave_4

Old gravity systems generally trive with a condensing/modulating boiler like the Vitodens 200. The more thermal improvements (insulation/weatherization) that have been made the more it will thrive as the required operating temps go lower and lower as efficiency goes higher and higher.

The Vitogas 50 (or any traditionally designed/controlled cast iron boiler) is certainly sufficient, but I must disagree that the controls (and abilities) of the higher end boilers will only result in "small added efficiency" with a gravity conversion system.

Your gravity system and 85 year-old boiler were originally proportional as that boiler was almost certained fueled with coal originally. Regulate the size of the fire and you regulate the amount of heat to the house. The gravity nature also meant that flow itself was proportional--the higher the heat required, the faster the flow.

Any new and properly installed boiler is almost certain to reduce your fuel consumption, but the Vitodens is likely to reduce it phenomenally.

J.C.A._3

Stacy,

Let me step back a bit....and ask what the "emitters" are? (cast iron was in Vouge back then!)

Has the home had any upgrades to...the insulation, the windows, and (downgrades)to the "emitters"? Did someone take out radiators and install baseboard or some other abomination?

If the originals have been changed, it will effect your decision considerably.

My curiosity has been piqued. Where are you located, and can you give us more facts about your system and its problems/considerations ? Chris