Residential Boiler serviceability

MikeC555

I'm getting quotes for a new HW boiler/DHW system and see that a major design difference is single pass vs. 3 pass. I did search and see there have been 'heated' discussions on this in the past but as far as I can tell, the max efficiency is comparable for them. I currently have a single pass boiler which requires the exhaust pipe to be disconnected, outer sheet metal top and side to be removed, breech on top of boiler removed and side panel on boiler removed (which needs boiler cement to re-seal well), for cleaning the boiler. I also change my filter and nozzle every year and invested in a Fyrite Pro 125 and smoke tester to adjust the burner properly.

Cleaning such a boiler is not a fun job. It appears that the 3 pass boilers allow cleaning to be done by swinging open the front door and not having to disassemble anything else (or maybe disconnect an oil line to burner). Am I missing something? It sure appears that it would be a lot easier than a design similar to what I have now.

EBEBRATT-Ed

Yes for the most part what you say about cleaning is correct. If the modern burners are adjusted properly cleaning the boiler and flue pipe should be every 3 years or so with combustion checked and burner serviced yearly

Robert O'Brien

You're correct. Triple pass boilers are generally better insulated for less idle loss and designed to cold start. An all around better choice

HVACNUT

And you don't need to disconnect the oil lines to swing the door open. Braided flexible lines. And most doors can be hinged either side.

EdTheHeaterMan

This is my favorite boiler. Freeport 2
https://www.velocityboilerworks.com/product/freeport-2-fwz/

Sold a bunch of them and the model this replaced was called the Freeport. Rear flue was a problem sometimes when installed in a closet or alcove. when in a basement with the needed room for the rear flue to the base of the chimney, it was very efficient, and easy to service, brushing out the heat exchanger was super easy from the large front door.

Also liked Burnham, Buderus and other 3 pass boilers with large front door for cleaning.

Steamhead

Three-pass for me, always.

@EdTheHeaterMan , I've worked on one of the original Crown Freeports, here:

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/184249/you-can-tell-how-long-ago-this-was-serviced

Not a bad unit, if maintained properly. That one clearly was not.

The Freeport 2 you posted is similar to the Burnham MPO. There's also a steam version which is similar to the MegaSteam. ISTR they sell similar units under the New Yorker name. Ferguson sells the hot-water models under the Force name.

For reference, some other three-pass residential boilers are:

Axeman-Anderson NPO and Olympia (these are steel rather than cast-iron)

Biasi

Buderus G115 & G215

Dynatherm (yes, they're still around)

Slant/Fin Q3 (which appears to be Biasi-based)

Solaia (Biasi-based)

Trio (Biasi-based)

Utica Tri-Fire

Weil-Mclain Ultra Oil

SuperTech

I like Energy Kinetics System 2000 the best, that would be my choice for a replacement in my own home.  My second choice would be a three pass boiler just as long as it doesn't have the NX burner.  I like the Trio and Biasi boilers as well as the Buderus G115.

MikeC555

Thanks Guys. 3 pass it is.

Robert O'Brien

Really can't go wrong with any of them, Buderus has strong distribution and support here so I lean towards them. Take a serious look at Energy Kinetics as well.

EdTheHeaterMan

Robert O'Brien said:

Really can't go wrong with any of them, Buderus has strong distribution and support here so I lean towards them. Take a serious look at Energy Kinetics as well.

Don't purchase anything if there is no local service support system. EK is great unless you can't find a trained service tech. Then everyone in your service area will just mess it up. See if you can get more than one contractor to offer the same product (or Brand Name). That will give you a clue if the product is supported in your area.

MikeC555

2 of the quotes are for the Buderus G115. Interestingly, these 2 have the greatest spread in price. The indirect are not the same but both are stainless tank/coil units and same size (~40 gal). Viessmann and Heat-Flo. Nothing against the techs here but my experience here in eastern, CT is that it's hard to find a good boiler tech. I finally decided to invest in my own emission test tools and wire brushes and have been doing it myself for years. As long as I can get parts, I'm not worried.

pecmsg

MikeC555 said:

2 of the quotes are for the Buderus G115. Interestingly, these 2 have the greatest spread in price. The indirect are not the same but both are stainless tank/coil units and same size (~40 gal). Viessmann and Heat-Flo. Nothing against the techs here but my experience here in eastern, CT is that it's hard to find a good boiler tech. I finally decided to invest in my own emission test tools and wire brushes and have been doing it myself for years. As long as I can get parts, I'm not worried.

Not just Eastern CT but Nation wide.

You will still need a service company, WHEN you find one that's well trained with honest techs hold on to them. There few and far between unfortunately.