Should I pull the trigger on a new heating system?

semma

Hello all
Before moving into a 24 year old house on a lake in northern Massachusetts, I left a house with a brand new Energy Kinetics system 2000. My new house has a 24 year old Viessmann with a Riello burner and Veissmann hot water tank. I bought the house from my best friend who was in the oil business. The system was well maintained and there are energy efficiency maintenance slips in the mid to high 80s. I was told that the system is efficient and the flue temp is low. We have radiant heat and I upgraded the outdoor reset controls and added an indoor sensor. It looks like we will be burning about 1800-2000 gallons per year but that's an estimate. We haven't been in the house a year yet. I also added Wirsbo t stats made for radian t systems which control the zone valves. I have 14 thermostats. Last fall, I had to replace the fuel pump on the Riello and the fan motor. So.... Here's my question.... Are the newer systems THAT much better than my Veissman? I've heard that modulating condensing boilers can save oil. Oil prices are low, but they won't stay that way forever. With 4400 square feet to heat on a lake with a terrible north wind, I'm wondering if I should consider a newer system. I plan on being here for another 5 years before we retire and downsize. My other thought is that for resale value, am I better off spending the money on central air?
Thanks!
Sal

deadmansghost

Resale is most important I would spend on the central air.

Steamhead

But definitely keep the radiant and the Viessmann!

GW

Sal, the oil technology is virtually the same today as it was in the early 90s. There has been some stabs at better technology, but no traction was gained. You won't gain much if you replace your Viessmann. Do you have the outdoor reset control and Modulating mixing valve? Take a pic of your system and post if you don't know. It definitely saves fuel. Whether it's set up correctly is another question

You may want to explore mini splits for keeping oil bills down too, But with cheap oil today you're pretty much good to go.

Gary