Is this a good idea?

Steve Goldstein_2

I currently have a 23-year-old Utica Boiler that needs $600 to $1000 in repairs. In addition to that, I have a crappy 10-year-old FHA furnace that has minor cracks in the vestibules (the FHA furnace that was in the house when we bought it 10 years ago failed inspection, so the previous owner threw this POS in to close the sale).

My idea was to replace the FHA furnace with an air handler, and to either replace the boiler or pay to have it repaired (I'm leaning toward replacing it, but haven't made that final decision yet).

I had a salesperson out to my house tonight, and he proposed an interesting alternative to the air handler. He suggested installing a heating core (tied into whatever boiler solution I choose) above the existing FHA furnace, and basically turn the existing FHA furnace into an air handler.

This sounds like an interesting way of getting an air handler solution for less $$. Is there any reason why this isn't a good idea?

Thanks,

Steve

Steve Goldstein_2

Is this a good idea?

By the way, if I do go with a new boiler, he's suggesting one of the Dunkirk boilers (either the Quantum 90 or the Plymouth Xtreme, depending on how much efficiency I want and how much $$ I'm willing to spend). Any opinions on these boilers would also be appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve

KW_2

variable speed?

Not sure but possibly you may want an air handler that is variable speed. Not sure this is a big deal though especially if connected to a newer modulating boiler.

Brad White_27

I agree

If you save the FHA furnace for just the fan aspects, you are giving up the opportunity for current efficiencies and technology. VFD's, ECM motors... You can get some really nice fan coil units, even double wall and quiet, with hot water coils in 2, 4 or even 6 rows for maximum heat extraction.

If you use air to deliver heat (expensive way to deliver it) you might as well do it right and not rely on a crappy furnace fan. Hope that is not too blunt.

Constantin

I'm a mere fellow homeowner...

... and I'd replace the whole system, including the air furnace to allow the heating contractor to start with a clean slate. Here are some additional thoughts before you continue down this path.

• Determine the heat loss of the structure. Have the contractor do this for you or you may even DIY this step. Use the gas bills, clock the boiler, or use a heat loss calculator. It is likely that the present heating system is oversized.
  
• Right-size the replacement equipment to meet that heat loss. That maximizes efficiency no matter what equipment you choose.
  
• Install a system that incorporates a hookup for an indirect water heater even if you do not have one now. Your teenagers (if any) will thank you.
  
• Demand an outdoor reset controller and save even more energy. They're relatively inexpensive and many boilers incorporate them already.
  
• But most important of all, find a contractor that you can trust. Check references. Ask some some probing questions that the kind professionals here put together for us. Then evaluate the equipment choices they recommend.
  
• I have no experience with the Dunkirk units, I would consider a condensing, modulating boiler if you're heating with gas, however. Energy prices are not going down but the payback period for a good boiler install is.

Kniggit

a good boiler that is inbetween is the WPSB its a plymouth steam boiler (read taller sections, more iron to water contact, and more flue passage to iron area) that has been trimed for water, I have installed about a half a dozen of these, they are usualy special order because most destributers do not stock them, however for a bout 200-300 more you get about 2-3% more efficiency, never was a hard up-sell for my customers.

Nron_13

1 installed

to replace a lennox complete heat its a cast aluminum block but only comes with basic controls , and watch the hot surface ignighter it is in an unusual configuration and may not be easly replaced if it breaks or burns out