Opinions on oil boiler quotes & possible service issues

Laur

I'm looking to replace our current system (1987 Trianco oil boiler w/Beckett burner), and I've received 3 quotes from installers that were recommended to us. They are (in order of cost, all within ~$) for a Weil-McLain WGO-3 w/Beckett burner, a Biasi B10-B4 w/ Riello burner, and an Energy Kinetics System 2000 w/Carlin burner. We are leaning toward the Biasi because I have had previous dealings with the installer & trust them, but they are (as far as I can tell) the only one installing Biasi nearby. Will we have problems getting maintenance/service if they go out of business or we otherwise can't use them? (It's a small family business so there's a possibility that they close/sell.) There are several local places who install Weil-McLain and Energy Kinetics, so presumably would have no problems getting these serviced.

I'd appreciate any pros/cons about any of the three systems, as well as opinions about going with a boiler that is not commonly installed in our area.
Thanks!
Laurie

Jamie Hall

If you trust the installer, that's really all you need to know. I won't say that any fool can work on a Riello burner, because we all know that that's not true, but it isn't a hopelessly uncommon beast.

Steamhead

Can't go wrong with either the EK or Biasi. But the W-M WGO is not comparable to either of those two. Their comparable model is the Ultra Oil, here:

https://www.weil-mclain.com/products/ultra-oil-boiler

Any good heating company ought to be able to service the Biasi. If the Riello burner is an issue in your area, Biasi-based models like the Solaia can be had with Beckett or Carlin burners.

Big Ed_4

I like the choice of the guy you trust ... Was a heat loss calculation figured ?

Laur

I'm not positive, but I assume so. He asked a LOT of questions about the size of our house, the amount of insulation, the amount of oil we used the last few years, etc. Wondered why we used so much in the summer (two teenagers who like long, hot showers!) He didn't give a quote just then, but emailed it a couple days later.
The quote took into account reusing the expansion tank (replaced ~2 yrs ago), using a circulator we bought as a spare last year when NH was giving rebates for nearly the whole cost, and reusing the gas lines which loop across the basement ceiling. (He mentioned needing to check to see if they met code, so presumably they do.)
There was also mention of possibly using a "tiger loop", but not included in quote so I guess it wasn't needed? Or is that same as an "air scoop"?
EDIT: I called & asked about the tiger loop... they included it in the quote, just forgot to list it.

jimna01

I am a homeowner.  14 years ago I had Solaia which’s is rebranded Biasi  10 sold  by boyertown furnace .  The boiler is rock solid.  I cut my oil consumption by one third .  Not much to go wrong.  The controls on my install were readily available Honeywell .  I just wish I hadn’t cheaped out and got the Riello burner rather than the Becket I chose.  My install is a atmospheric vent . The becket burner controls have been problematic.  On the last service call I asked for Honeywell And the burner is running much better.  Mine is likely oversized so make sure guy does a heat load calc.   Fintube baseboard and indirect water heater .