American Standard Model APFWF132A95ABAA

hammerpe33

My current oil boiler is on it's last legs. I have a chance to buy a used American Standard Model APFWF132A95ABAA. It is five years old. What kind of life can I expect out of this boiler? I can't seem to find any information about this model online. Are parts readily available for this model?

Steamhead

Sure that's a boiler and not a furnace?

hammerpe33

Yes. It's a boiler here is the listing...
http://nh.craigslist.org/for/4900003553.html

Steamhead

New one on me. Since it's made in Italy, it's probably either a re-branded Biasi or Pensotti unit- both of which are first-class.

How do its BTU ratings compare to your current unit?

billtwocase

Probably a good boiler as Frank said, but reading the post from Craigs, said needs an aquastat? That might be the issue. May be hard to get one, or very expensive? May be more to that story.

kcopp

That unit is ok. Pretty sure that SG Torrice was selling them. Rollinsford is the next town over from me. If you like I could install a properly sized, new unit w/ a full warrantee. That AM Std. boiler will have none as you are not the original buyer.

hammerpe33

Steamhead, My current boiler is a New York Boiler Model Number S-142-AP. It is rated at 142,000 BTU output. However, I have done A LOT of upgrades to the house since I bought it. Two rooms were gutted with spray foam insulation (there was no insulation in those rooms prior to renovation) and new windows on all but two windows in the house. It is 2200 sqft built in the early 1800's. The second floor thermostat rarely if ever calls for heat due to the wood stove having plenty of heating to do that. We mainly heat with wood but use the boiler for the fall/spring plus really really cold nights. Let me know what you think as far as BTU output goes.

Billtwocase,

Do you know where I could source an Aquastat for this? Can I use the one from my current boiler?

kcopp,

I would love to be able to afford a brand new boiler and professional install. However we just had the roof done (with new sheathing!), the front porch was completely rotted and we are having that done now. I am pretty handy, I have done most of the reno work myself and I think (with some help from guys here) I could handle replacing the old boiler with a used one. Our current boiler is really on it's last legs and I am worried that it won't make it through next winter. So I am really just looking for a short term solution until we can afford to get a nice high efficiency unit put in. This unit fits our budget as long as the aquastat isn't over $200.

Thanks for all the replies, this is really helpful.

-Paul

Steamhead

hammerpe33 said:

Steamhead, My current boiler is a New York Boiler Model Number S-142-AP. It is rated at 142,000 BTU output. However, I have done A LOT of upgrades to the house since I bought it. Two rooms were gutted with spray foam insulation (there was no insulation in those rooms prior to renovation) and new windows on all but two windows in the house. It is 2200 sqft built in the early 1800's. The second floor thermostat rarely if ever calls for heat due to the wood stove having plenty of heating to do that. We mainly heat with wood but use the boiler for the fall/spring plus really really cold nights. Let me know what you think as far as BTU output goes.

What I think is- do a proper heat loss calculation, or have it done. This is the only way to accurately size a boiler.

Do not get a smaller boiler than needed because of the woodstove. The boiler has to be able to heat the house without any assistance whatsoever.

icesailor

Unless the old boiler is peeing water out of it, it isn't going to expire in the next month or so. Boilers don't normally fail like that. Downfire the boiler as much as reasonable, save your scheckles , and when you have enough, buy a new boiler and have it installed. Do it right, make it right. American Standard hasn't made cast iron boilers in years.

Whatever kind of a car you are driving, it was probably manufactured in the current century. If the engine in your after 2000 car was an oil burner, and knocked when the engine runs, and the house was built well back in the last century, you wouldn't be looking for a used engine of the same vintage to adapt and power your 2000+ built car. Just because someone doesn't have any shame, and tries to peddle something on Craig's List, that belongs on a recycling trip to Asia, doesn't mean that you have to change fate.

Marz

We have one of these boilers. I had to find a 1.35 30 degree nozzle for it. (Riello). I've been told that it is actually a TRANE boiler. Not sure how true that is.

kcopp

Trane put their name on a unit just like it. A LOT of companies have done this.

EBEBRATT-Ed

If you decide to put the boiler in yourself there is more to it than hooking up a couple of pipes.

No offence.

Oil line, electrical ,combustion air, venting/chimney, water piping ,controls, start-up, combustion testing.

You want your family safe.

If God Forbid something happened, your insurance may not cover your loss.