Old Crane boiler - to replace or not?

jamiewindham

Old Crane boiler, hot water, cast iron radiators, natural gas fired, single family house, Memphis, TN - model # 8W-102A-PA. I've owned the house for 27 years, no problems. Can't find the model # to find out how old it is.

Should I replace it? One contractor quoting Burnham cast iron boiler replacement, another says it will last 15 more years, don't replace except to increase efficiency with a condensing boiler.

What would current efficiency be?

Ironman

That depends.
Should you replace it? It really depends upon the condition it's in, how well it's been maintained, how long you're gonna stay there, what the cost of fuel is, and do you really have a competent hydronic contractor.

As far as efficiency goes, there are boilers available from 80 to 96% efficiency. But again, you'd better have a good hydronics man if you wanna marry the high end one's to your system. Get the right guy and he'll make it purr like a kitten: get a knucklehead and he'll mess up the best boiler made.

Tim McElwain

How about some pictures especially of the gas valve and controls. Also some pictures of the boiler itself.

HVACNUT

For safety alone, I say replace. Even if you get an atmospheric 85% boiler, it has more safely devices than a 60+ year old boiler.

GBart

Atmospheric 85% boiler is really 50% efficient

AFUE is a lie

SlamDunk

if it aint broke....but then, what are your heating bills like?

How big is your home?

If I had no problems for 27 years, and my heating bill was reasonable, I’d keep running it.