What should I expect out of this boiler?

DudeAbides

So I bought a duplex recently which came with this boiler installed in the basement:
https://winsupplyinc.com/new-yorker/_/A-01152832

The upstairs is entirely electric, so the boiler is only responsible for the heating and hot water on the first floor. Unfortunately, it can only keep a hot shower going for about 3-5 minutes before dropping into the low 90s/high 80s f... definitely not a satisfying bathing experience.

So, before I add a supplemental tank to the system, I was wondering if I should expect this boiler to be able to supply enough hot water for a 15 minute shower? Is it potentially just in need of a service to restore it's capacity?

thanks!

MikeAmann

Post pics of the boiler and install.

DudeAbides

Jamie Hall

Flat out that boiler might -- might -- give you about 2 gpm of 110 degree water. So if you are using a low flow shower head, and the boiler has been recently cleaned and adjusted, maybe.

DudeAbides

Alrighty then it looks like a tank it is. thanks!

EBEBRATT-Ed

@DudeAbides

Tankless heaters for domestic hot water are not the best, but in a two-person home they will do the job if everything is set up properly. The boiler controls need to be set properly and if the mixing valve on the tankless coil is working properly.

MikeAmann

Plumb the street water into the IWH first, then through your tankless coil.
For small hot water draws, the tankless will handle that, and the cold water that replaces what you have drawn refills the IWH. The IWH acts as a tempering tank.
Plumbed the opposite way, a small draw will likely fire the boiler.

DJD775

I've had similar setups before and they are adequate when the coils are totally clean but under perform if the interior wall of the coil becomes fouled up. Swapped to indirect tanks on both occasions and never thought about it again.