Weil McClain WGO-4 vs. Burnham V8H4?

debstamb

Hi All - We're getting ready to install a new boiler - i have 2 estimates that are basically identical in price but two different boilers. Anyone have experience on either of these? I've heard that Weil McClain while a good name has gone down in quality in the last years - but have nothing that i can actually verify with other than seeing reviews where it seems to have been installed wrong. Thanks!
We have oil heat, baseboards, 3000 sq. foot house, and 3 zones.

SeymourCates

Clearly, nobody has bothered to do a heatloss for that house. A WG03-RD will probably be more than sufficient unless you live in Canada or Alaska.

debstamb

thanks Seymour - any opinions of whether the Weil McClain is still a quality product if installed correctly? in all honesty my house does lose a ton of heat - windows and doors are next on the list (all the non-sexy stuff that we get to spend money on!)

SeymourCates

One can never tell if the current manufacturer offering is a "quality product.". This is by definition. He could have changed specifications yesterday and one could never know. Any evidence or opinions that you receive are regarding units that are at least 10 years of age and must be considered strictly anecdotal.

You are focusing on the wrong item. The boiler is largely irrelevant . The contractor and the installation, and the proper boiler size are critical for a decent longevity.

You may think you lose a "ton of heat", but I seriously doubt it is above 85,000 BTUH...........the AHRI rating on the more efficient WGO3-RD.

lchmb

I'm just curious why you haven't looked at a 3 pass boiler design? Your making a long term purchase and would think you'd be looking at maximum efficiency. I'm with Seymour, as far as brand and heat loss. The install and service down the road will dictate which is best. I believe the warranties are close to the same.. Proper sizing is a big factor..

SeymourCates

The WGO3-RD is an interesting product . Weil understands that they can get more efficiency out of the same piece of cast iron when they downfire it. They take the identical machine, the WGO-3 and reduce the nozzle from .95 to .80 and the efficiency climbs from 85.3 to 87,

Other manufacturers should be as wise.

STEVEusaPA

I would recommend doing the heat loss and sizing accordingly. Even if windows and insulation are next, factor them in to the heat loss, and size accordingly.
I wouldn't install either of those 2 boilers. If you need domestic hot water too, an EK or a triple pass boiler with an indirect.
If you don't need domestic hot water, a triple pass.
I wouldn't worry about oversizing/downfiring, just proper sizing.

Steamhead

I agree with @lchmb that there are better boilers than that W-M and that Burnham. W-M has their Ultra Oil series and Burnham has the MPO series. Then there's Buderus, the Biasi, Solaia, Slant/Fin Eutectic and others.

All these units are "three-pass" boilers which are inherently more efficient than the WGO and V8H series. Plus, they're a lot easier to maintain, since they don't rely on those hard-to-clean pins to absorb the heat.

HVACNUT

I agree with all from above. I currently have a WM WGO-3 (was here when I moved in and instantly repiped it and installed a Riello) and will very soon install an Energy Kinetics Resolute. Look into it as well as the Buderus G115. IMO, stay away from the pin HX boilers.

SuperTech

I would vote for an Energy Kinetics Resolute or EK-1 Frontier. Especially if you are using the boiler for DHW

New England SteamWorks

I've never had a problem with Weil McLain and use them quite a bit.

Having said that, I'd also vote for a 3-pass boiler. I like the European models, Biasi, Pensotti, & Viessmann, with a Riello burner.

debstamb

thank you all - much appreciated!