Time for a new Boiler

ajbecker8

Hi all,

I currently have an american standard boiler going on year 60. It does not have any issues, but am considering replacing it before it does. Does it make sense to replace a 60 yr boiler with a new more efficient boiler (like a brunham mpq), or does the phrase they don't make em like they used to hold true here? We live in a cap cod style house with only 1 zone and I will say the 2nd floor is always 5-10 degrees cooler (in the winter) then the main floor.
Would like to get your feedback, since I am most definitely a novice in this area. Thanks in advance!

Fred

Is this a steam or hot water system? Sixty years is great for a boiler and I'm sure a newer would be slightly more effecient and it is better to schedule a replacement when it is convenient to you rather than be stuck with a leaking boiler in the dead of winter. As far as the second floor being cooler than the first, if it's a single pipe steam system, that's probably just a matter of balancing the system with main and/or radiator venting.

Robert O'Brien

Depending upon your fuel consumption, expect a 25-40% reduction in consumption.

Bob Bona_4

It makes perfect and logical sense to replace.

ajbecker8

Thanks for the responses. It is a hot water system. Regarding the upstairs being cooler, I had my heating/oil company come take a look, they didnt suggest much except saying to put a wireless thermostat upstairs instead of on the main floor.
Also, I know we dont speak prices, but the quote i received for a new Burnham mpq 147 boiler, labor was 66% of the cost, is that a normal/expected percentage?
Thanks again for the feedback.

Brewbeer

There are a ton of new, additional components that also need to be installed, in addition to the boiler, so what you think might be all labor, probably isn't.

If your contractor didn't have constructive comments for getting more heat upstairs, he may not be the contractor you want to work with.

Robert O'Brien

Capes are notorious for having envelope issues on the 2nd floor with all the angles and knee walls, I would address that and split the second floor into a separate zone

Jamie Hall

One thing to remember on the labour costs (in addition to @Brewbeer 's comment: remember that you only get what you pay for, and a quality installation is what you are after.