New Peerless install - chimney liner

Hanna61

Hi - Newbie here. Excuse my basic lack of knowledge.

House is from 1855 with addition in the late 1800's or early 19oo's. Peerless oil burner system with baseboards (3 zones) was installed before we moved in so is at least 25 year old. Peerless has a crack in the cast iron. We live in the sticks with no Ek close by, so a Peerless WBV-04 was recommended by our local oil provider.

The chimney was probably built in the late 1800's or early 19oo's, and the last chimney inspection said we should line the chimney if we were thinking of replacing the boiler. With this new install, any thoughts? It might be code. But just wondering if the chimney guys will know the correct diameter for the new boiler or not. Or will the contractor know what size the liner should be. Not sure what should be done first.

Thanks for any input.

EdTheHeaterMan

whoever installs the replacement boiler should know the rules. If they don't address that in the Quote for the new boiler you need to find someone else.

Also, a complete load calculation for the home is in order... Manual J or Form 1504WH from Hydronics Institute (div. of GAMA). The Manual J will give you Air Conditioning requirements (if needed) and 1504WH will only do a heating load.

Once the actual size needed for the house is known, then and only then can you select the proper size boiler for your home. Oil heat does not currently have a dependable modulating firing rate boiler available at a reasonable cost at this time. Gas heat does have Modulating firing rate boilers available so that may be LP gas for your situation if natural gas is not available in the sticks. You need to determine the cost of fuel at a $ per BTU @ %efficicncy to see if the fuel change is worth it.

Include the Liner cost in the price of the equipment change out. The liner material must be stainless steel and depending on the condition of the chimney and your location, you may want to consider an insulated liner. The Modulating Gas Boiler may not need to be vented "up a chimney". That will make the equipment cost to change fuels quite different.

Another thing to consider is that a Modulating Gas Boiler life expectancy is shorter than a cast iron oil-fired boiler. (less than 20-years V. 40-years on average)

Jamie Hall

A chimney in that age range must be lined. Not an option. The size might be determined by the boiler, but the actual chimney inspection and work of lining it should be done by a licensed, reputable, chimney sweep.

Hanna61

Thank you for your comments.

Gas isn't really an option for the price point. And from my reading, the option they are proposing makes sense regarding house size, etc.

This is on the chimney company's website.

"We are family-owned and -operated, fully insured, licensed, and registered, and in order to better serve our clients, our team has undergone certification through the National Fireplace Institute (NFI) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), and maintains memberships with the Massachusetts Chimney Sweep Guild (MCSG) and the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). We also have our Massachusetts Construction Supervisor’s License (MA CSL) and our Massachusetts Home Improvement Contractor’s Registration (MA HIC)." They do level 1, 2 and 3 inspections.

It's been difficult to find a company as we are just far enough away from most companies' service areas. Generally, they don't call back. Lots of basic chimney sweeps though.

Thanks again!

PS - If I may ask, what house museum? We lov'em!