Simple Replacement Install

chris_95

This is my first time posting, so I hope it works OK.

I have an old gravity hot water heating system with radiators. It looks like the picture in Dan's book, with 2 supply and 2 returns. The piping is 1 1/2 inch steel pipe.

I would like info on particular boilers that would fit in with a minimum of parts and labor. I prefer natural gas at this point because of the difference in price, currently have oil, but natural gas is already in the house for the kitchen range.

I have looked at the Buderus GC124 and the Laars Mini-Therm, both of which have 1 1/4 inch pipes for the supply and return. The Buderus claims to be a low-temp boiler, which may rule it out for my application. The Laars can be either. They can be seen at radiantheatproducts.com.

Ideally, I would like to go with a Biasi B10 so I could switch between gas and oil if feasible.

The cost for all three seems to be comparable. It's the installation cost that has me concerned. My system is open, and has never had a circulator installed. It works well.

In short, I would like to keep my inch-and-a-half pipes to save on install costs. The Slant/Fin link on this website has a link, "Upgrading a gravity hot water heating system", which illustrates the use of a mixing valve to prevent condensation in the firebox.

Thanks for any info that may be offered.

gerry gill

are you having a pro do this?

you should..i'd definately put in a mod-con boiler with pumps..its just a dollars thing..higher initial cost but a significant pay back every month over gravity heated cast iron boiler.

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

chris_95

Simple Replacement Install

Well, I'm looking for a quick pay-back, as I'm not sure how long we'll be living here.

I wouldn't do this myself, no.

It's all theoretical at this point.

I would appreciate ideas.

chris_95

Gerry Gill

I looked at your ad. Neat to see someone familiar with old systems like mine.