Buderus vs. Viessman vs Burnham???

Unknown

You may also want to look into upgrading to the Burnham MPO three-pass boiler as part of the warranty upgrade otions. I believe that the allowance to do so is similar to that of the V83 boiler. These have an AFUE rating of 87%. Hope this helps.

Glenn Stanton

Manager of Training

Burnham Hydronics

U.S. Boiler Co., Inc.

Gus_3

Help w/ New Boiler to replace Burnham V7

All this stuff is like a foreign language to me but here is what I know about my situation...I have a Burnham V73 that is 7 years old. Had Plumbing & Heating contractor come by to check relief valve leak and found aquastat relay had caught on fire. While "digging deeper" because furnace not firing up after these initial repairs, the contractor opened up the boiler and found a crack in the boiler andn stated that this has been a common problem w/ the V7 series and Burnham would replace the block/jacket under the warranty with a redesigned version. I am in the process of researching my best options.
They are... 1) replace block under warranty and pay for labor to do it, 2)upgrade to a Burnham V83 (or V84 or v85) series(Burnham will offer $850 check rebate direct to customer), or 3)replace entire unit with some other more efficient (and of course, slightly more expensive) options that a couple of contractors have mentioned - Viessman or Buderus. I am still waiting for the quotes from the contractors.
My current(non-operational) V7 series Burnham fired at 1.05 GPH and I was told by my serviceman that it was at 82% AFUE efficiency. I use hot water baseboard heating (currently 160 linear ft - with plans to expand in basement, above 2 car garage and patio). I have an indirect hot water boiler (Superstor). I don't mind paying a little more to get the efficiency and return on my investment.

I am looking for some open, honest and reliable advice so I can make the best decision for my family of 4 and growing...
I would like to know what is a reasonable and fair quote if possible and which option may be the best.
If there is anyone out there that can help, I'd appreciate it very much. I need to make a decision fast before the cooler temps start coming. (The kids have mentioned that the cold water showers are not fun any longer!)
I am in the Taunton, Massachusetts area.

ScottMP

Gus

I guess it comes down to what its worth to you.

All the companys you have mentioned are good products. We install Buderus and are very happy with them.

Burnham is a good American Company that is standing up to replace the boiler, I give them credit for that. They also make a quality, piece of equipment that will give you years of service and reliability.

Viessmann is arguable the best oil boiler on the market that will give a higher effeciency and will maintane that number longer than the others due to thier abilty to be cleaned well and the design of the boiler.

The question is, how much will you gain. Is four or five points of efficiency worth the higher cost for the install. My opinion is no, but if you are going to stay in the home a long time, value a high quality piece of equipment that is easy to service and will use less oil .... than think Viessmann or Buderus.

Just my Opinon.

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Supply House Rick

Hire The Best Contractor You Can Find

Any one of those fine lines can be inefficient money pits if not installed properly, yes even the Viessmann. Everybody swears by one line or another or that the customer service is outstanding blah blah blah.

Get the best company you can find, there is a reason somebody is lowest bidder. "Quality doesn't cost, it pays"

If a boiler is set up properly it will out perform one that is not, regardless of manufacturer...

Rick

Robert O'Brien

Glenn

is right it's not fair comparing a V8 to a Buderus or Viessmann. An MPO is another story,that's apples to apples. You can't go wrong with any of them and all are better than a V8 assuming proper installation.

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J.C.A._3

Gus,

All great points here so far. I have to go with Supply House Rick and say that they will all be great...if tested and setup properly. This is where the excrement,hits the air movement device.

Which line does the guy who will service your appliance feel the most comfortable with? His opinion should be held higher than ours on anything you install.

He's the one who will have to deal with any and all problems if/when they occur. He's the one that knows the local supply chain better than any of us throwing names at you. Wiil you be without heat and hot water for an entire weekend if it breaks down on a Friday night...on a holiday weekend?..which seems to always be the case. Are parts readily available at the local level, and if not...how long will it take to get them?

These make for better questions BEFORE they happen. Ask the company that will service it the same, and ..VIOLA...there's your answer. Chris