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Medium efficiency copper tube vs cast iron firetube

JBW_2
JBW_2 Member Posts: 67
in THE MAIN WALL
Hello all,

I've got a client who has an energy analysis company recommending that he change out his Cleaver Brooks CB Model hot water boiler to 2 medium efficiency non condensing copper tube boilers. The recommended boiler has an efficiency of 85% (AFUE) we were able to get the combustion efficiency of the Cleaver Brooks up to 86%.

So, having said this, the only real savings that I would see on the installation of these new boilers would be thermal efficiency. Does anyone know if this difference is significant. I can understand the change-out of a Cleaver Brooks to a mod/con boiler operating up to 95%. However, if you're only gaining a few percentage points on the thermal efficiency by changing to a medium efficiency boiler, is there really a point??? Plus, the CB is in good working condition. I would recommend a complete re-tubing of the boiler and re-insulation of back and front doors including a new tubular plaque.

What do you guys think? I called Cleaver Brooks to find out the thermal efficiency of the CB 655 200A.

Comments, suggestions, similar experiences??

Josh W

Comments

  • ALH_4
    ALH_4 Member Posts: 1,790
    Energy analysis

    Maybe the copper fin tube boiler is the energy analysis company's hammer, and every heating system looks like a nail? Have you spoken with them about this? They must have some sort of justification, whether it makes sense or not.
  • JBW_2
    JBW_2 Member Posts: 67
    energy analysis

    hey andrew,

    i gave them a call. They didn't really have much of an argument...

    Josh W
  • ALH_4
    ALH_4 Member Posts: 1,790
    Efficiency

    Looking at the cost of repair versus replacement, it seems like the owner would be interested to hear what you have to say. Ideally, the energy analysis company would have been interested in what you had to say.

    As fuel prices increase, it makes sense to move toward higher efficiency, rather than installing new boilers that will have very little effect on fuel consumption.
  • Boilerpro_5
    Boilerpro_5 Member Posts: 407
    How about this option

    Complete the necessary repairs on the CB and then install a mod con to baseload the system. If you size the modcon to typical day loads, the CB will almost never run, but you'll still gain alot in efficiency by using the modcon.

    Boilerpro

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