Lennox completeheat/problems/resolution/replacement

Zeek

We have a Lennox Completeheat HM61 unit for our home in Wyoming (1700 sq. feet main level, 750 sq.ft. upper level and full basement). This unit provides in-floor heat for the basement, master bath and powder room on the main level ( 1860 sq. ft.) Remaining footage on main floor and upper level are heated with forced air (2300 sq.ft) through the Lennox AM30 Air Handler. Domestic hot water is also provided from the HM61 unit. Our home has 3 1/2 baths.

Initial system (HM30) installed in 1999 when the home was constructed. Boiler unit (HM30 replaced by HM 61 in 2003).

The system provides adequate domestic water and heat when it works. The problem has been its dependability. The system has failed 20+ times over the past 9 years - almost always in the winter months. We have replaced the unit itself once the pressure valve 5 or 6 times both electronic boards have been replaced several times. The unit was installed with a 2" concentric vent through the wall, changed to alternate horizontal 2" pipe and then back to the concentric piping. When the system goes down the diagnostic reading code on the unit ALWAYS says the problem is related to the pressure switch. There are only a few of these systems in our area and the service technicians obviously do not understand the system. Several independent heating contractors have questioned the venting pipe size although it meets the installation instruction specifications.

We are seriously considering installing a different system to provide hot water for heat and domestic use. We would continue to use the AM30 air handler to provide the forced air heat but change out the HM61 unit.

I am writing for two reasons:

1. Does anyone have knowledge of these systems and any idea what is causing our problems?

2. I would appreciate any recommendations on what type of system might best fit our needs. We are considering 3 different systems.

a. Burnham 84% efficient boiler for heat with connected water tank with hot water coils from boiler to heat domestic water.
b. Two Rinnai tankless water heaters (one commercial unit for the heat and another Rinnai unit for the domestic water).
c. Trinity NTI Model TI 200 C (97% efficient on the heating side and 92.7% efficient on the domestic side.

don_185

Zeek

Zeek,you made want to contact lennox themself.

I know most of the one we install years ago have been recall and replace with a new boiler supply, by lennox.