Logamatic, ODR and DIY

brian_46

I have been installing buderus boilers for 5 years and the logamatic makes wiring and intergrating the boiler and control a piece of cake. i was raised and taught using the "KISS" school of knowledge. Other companies make comparable products but if installing a buderus boiler, in my opinion, use the logamatic. It may cost more but it is worth the simplicity.

[Deleted User]

Logamatic, ODR and DIY

From an energy/efficiency standpoint, I'm contemplating the cost/benefit of the 2107 vs. a standard ODR (tekmar/taco/honeywell) for an oil g115 oil boiler replacement. I got two quotes (different installers) for $375 of a honeywell ODR and $1300 for the 2107. I went through the "list-o-features" for the logomatic and I just don't see the benefit of spending $1000 for the 2107. All quotes I have received include domestic HW priority w/o the logamatic. Can't programmable night/day setbacks be controlled w/ thermostats?

That said, the logamatic claims "up to 30% lower fuel bills". Doesn't ODR claim similar savings? I have a staple-up radiant floors. Should I expect 30% savings if my supply temps are in the 130 deg range?

And finally, if I opt for ODR, is it DIY-able? The staple up and connection to old/existing boiler was DIY.

Thanks in advance.
jd

PS - 16 and 0 by tomorrow!!!!

Leo

It has been a while

It has been a while since I read it over as I only service a few but if I remember right if the burner faults it turns the circulators on for freeze protection. It exercises circulators in the nonheating season, tracks burner hours run. Not to mention the fuel savings. I also agree it makes a Buderus and I hate it when I see a Buderus with a plain jane control. Also if it messes up it has a manual setting to keep heat in the house.

Leo

Unknown

if you are only doing 130 degree staple up, do a simple control with DHW priority, and run the boiler at its minimum temp all year round. Reset itself won't really help, because you'll never need the boiler to change its target temp, but you need something that will change the "high limit' on a DHW call and a simple reset control w/DHW priority should allow you to do that.

Now if you are not reseting the radiant temps, that might be more helpful than reset on the boiler which can only run so low. But that requires a mixing control and a dynamic mixing method like variable speed injection or a motorized mixing valve. It should have some comfort benefits too though.

You should not expect 30% savings at all. That said "up to". That means the most you'd probably ever see is 30%.. and that number means very little. Reset and cooler temps are great, but you can't plan on a number like that.

That said, percent doesn't have to be very high even to pay back $1300 in a reasonable timeframe, does it?

R Mannino

Logamatic DIY

The logamatic wiring diagram is easy to follow and most definitely DIYable. I DIY'ed mine, the wiring was one of the easier things to do. Ron

GW

radiant

How is the radiant being controlled now? There's no mixing control? You're running through a fixed mixing valve with on-off t-stat? Have you considered unsing the indoor sensor with digital feedback to the reset control for optimum comfort and true constant circulation? Seems like you need a heat dude in there who can make your boiler into something special. Your prices seem a little lower than what gets quoted around here; is the electrician included or is the heating guy gonna wire it?

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

[Deleted User]

Thanks for all the responses.

Right now, I have a fixed mixing value. Run the same temps to the floors year round. Floor loops are controlled with actuators at the manifold connected to room t-stats. Things have been working fine on that regard...its just time to replace a 60 yr old boiler!

NRT.rob - I agree w/ you on recouping the cost. I'm not questioning the value of the logamatic as a cost saver over time (especially with current fuel bills), but rather the cost savings of the logamatic over ODR (and the cost to install both which is nearly $1k difference). I am curious to learn what percentage of the other logamatic "list of features" contribute to overall cost savings.

gary - Most companies sub the electrician, but one has in-house electricain. I've gotten several quotes. Most were in the same ballpark. One company is pushing the logamtic, another provided the cost w/ the logamatic and without the logamatic but using a honeywell ODR.

...then I started questioning the value of ODR if I was to keep the temps low....and so on!!

Ted_9

Controls

I guess it depends on the project. I use both Tekmar and the Logamatic. I would say the R2107 and the BFU room sensor if it's appropriate.