Choosing System 2000 or Brodurus?

04090

Have an old New England house and need to replace the ailing hot water heating system.  The Energy Kinetics EK-1 System 2000 is being pushed by the oil company and I like it as well.   Alternate they recommend is the Broderus.   



The 2000 is an intriguing system.  I see online that many think it's great, some complain about defective control boards but that seems limited to the older models and some complain about crud developing in the innards but I assume that's a normal maintence issue. 



Have seen online posts that think it'll last 20 years opposed to Brodurus life span of 40.  Any merit?  And should I be concerned about the limited availability of boiler and control parts?  There's a whopping two dealers in this area able to order the system and provide service, which is not assuring if one or both drop the line or the company goes under.  Burner parts seem typical and off the shelf.



Which brand would be a better choice for long term reliability?

Paul Pollets

Buderus

I'd use the Buderus with an indirect tank for DHW and The Logomatic 2107 control. The Riello burner is slightly more efficient than the Beckett package.

Robert O'Brien

Not really!

The Beckett NX gives superior  results in the Buderus G115 by far! Not bashing Riello and they work fine in most boilers but in the 115,the NX gives better results and is noticeably quieter to boot!

billtwocase

system 2000

Gotta disagree on the 20 year life expectancy thingy. We have been maintaining one that was installed 1979, and many other early ones we installed early 80's that are still going strong.  Like anything else, neglect it and it will live a short life. Either choice you make, will be good equipment, just make sure the installer is the going to be the service person as well. That can make a difference

Ironman

One More Option...

Would be the Buderus G125BE or GB125BE. Both are over 90% efficient and qualify for a $1500.00 federal tax credit. These boilers have a specially designed burner that actually burns with a blue flame. The dealer has to be trained and certified by Buderus to sell and install these. He also is required to have the proprietary parts in stock. Check Buderus' web site under dealer listing to find a certified dealer(s) in your area.



www.Buderus.us

Bob Bona_4

The

G125's are nice units. I've got a couple coming up on their one year anniversary; going to service one Friday, actually.

I'll try to remember to get pics of the innards and post them.

D107

Are they good installers?

HO here. It is often said here that it matters less the particular boiler than which boiler the installer is more familiar with or, more importantly whether they do good installs in the first place. Were I in your shoes I'd want to see photos of some of their recent installs of both boilers. I would treat the oil co like any other contractor, and you could post some of their photos here on the wall and see what feedback you get from the pros.



It is possible that sometimes installs by oil companies are less expensive than from those by other contractors, but I'd always pay more for a proper install and proper subsequent maintenance; it may cost less in the long run.

Paul Pollets

Experience

If the contractor can't show you pictures of recent work, or a website with pics...be very careful. There are many "wannabees" in the trade who may not have the experience to do the work, or have extensive knowledge and experience in oil fired appliances.

04090

Original poster following up

The installation will be by a professional contractor who's been around many years and has an excellent reputation.  That's a given. 

But the decision between the systems is mine to make.  Am still torn between deciding between the System 2000 EK1 or a Buderus G115WS, both with a Beckett burner.  The EK1 is slightly more expensive, but that's not significant if the cost is spread out over a number of years.

Which would I be better off with 10 years down the road?

jjser

Save oil

While both boilers are very good, the EK1 will save you a lot of oil going forward. Over it's lifetime, a lot more than the $1500 tax credit for other boilers.

04090

Please clarify

Are you saying that the EK1 will use significantly less fuel over the years than a Buderus 115, or than the existing system?



Added:

Fuel savings is important, but our place isn't that thirsty to start with and uses 500 gallons annually in a clunky old system.

04090

Moving forward!

OK, when all's said and done the Brodurus G115WS-3 wins. Close choice, each system had great advantages but dealer support prevailed.



Last hurdle is the flue. It's a center of the house unlined (all brick, no clay) chimney with a cap in typical condition for an old house. Am told by our long time established oil company contractor we can get by without a liner, and the competitor who doesn't sell oil says we'd need it. The manufacturer in NH said it's suggested but not required.



It's expensive to have one put in - two companies quoted about $2,800 - and I'd be content without doing it. Our oil company has been around a long time and has served us well. Is that a wise decision?

kcopp

I would not....

risk it. I a liner is HIGHLY advised. The lower stack temps will probably have the flue condensing at times. I have a a 115-21 and run the boiler off a tekmar 260.  I am about 30 min from you in Dover. I lined my chimney soon after i installed it. Merrie sweep in Ports. did a fine job. kpc