Crazy Choice, PurePro AO3 v. System2000

Mihls

My 40+ year old boiler is leaking water and needs to be replaced asap.

I plan to, in a few years also get Minisplit heat pumps but I can't swing that now.
So the idea is tocontinue using it to heat up water and have oil as a backup source as well when there is a cold snap in the Northeast where my house is.
It has 3 zones, 1600sq ft.

The oil company that sells these (as well as the mini splits) recommended first the PurePro AO3. On my request, they also gave me an estimate for System2000 that I have heard from several sources is the best. The difference in price is 2 k. (w/o a water tank replacement ) I have a newer Supertank that runs excellently that I prefer to keep

I generally think it's worth it to get the best product but being that it will eventually be the second heat source is that still worth it? Also most likely I will sell in 5-6 years.

Appreciate any thoughts on this!

EBEBRATT-Ed

Go with the pur pro then

Steamhead

The PurePro AO series are vertical-flue, pin-type boilers that sort of remind me of the Burnham V8 series. Pin-type oil-fired boilers are much more difficult to clean. If it were up to me, given those two choices I'd go with the System 2000.

There's also a PurePro Trio, a three-pass boiler that's much easier to care for.

HVACNUT

Do you mean SuperStor water heater?
If you're not looking for efficiency and ROI, then go with the FW Webb pinner.

EBEBRATT-Ed

If he is selling the house in 5-6 years why spend more money than you have to? There will be no ROI and the minor efficiency difference won't save enough to buy a cup of coffee. Not practical to spend 2K (the op's #) for an EK even though we know it is a better boiler.

I find it amusing that people flog pin boiler but that is what they often install. If you take care of them they are ok

STEVEusaPA

You didn't say where you live, but unless you are in a mild climate with low electricity rates, I'd get a few bids from vetted installers on an EK. Tighten up your envelope, you'll save plenty of money.

BDR529

The AO3 is a rebranded Burnham. Cast iron but still a leaky Burnham. The PurePro Trio,much better, cast iron and triple pass.

EK is a steel boiler and dealer only parts if needed. These days I want off the shelf, readily available. Not waiting for UPS.

szwedj

@bdr529 Just an FYI, You only need to be a dealer to buy boilers from EK. Any trade professional can buy any parts needed directly from the factory or call in for tech support. Even the most unique item, the system manager can be bypassed to keep the heat on.

Roger

Thank you for your post, @Mihls , and for everyone's comments.
Some food for thought: The savings can pay for themselves with System 2000 Frontier - whether it's today or for the new homeowner, a quiet boiler in a home with low fuel bills is attractive. For example, 25% savings with an 800 gallon per year home would be 200 gallons per year, and at $3.00 per gallon that's $600 per year and a 3 1/2 year payback for the pricing noted. Savings over other systems without thermal purge can also be in the 20% to 40% range per the Department of Energy Lab Study referenced here (although they are less with a tank with a coil vs the Frontier's thermal purge with the plate heat exchanger arrangement). I used $3.00 per gallon as a conservative number vs today's higher pricing.
For reference: Field performance of mini splits is also widely reported about 20% to 30% less than manufacturer's ratings, so analyzing with a COP of 2 to 2 1/2 in freezing weather could be a good reference. And looking at EIA numbers shows New England residential electricity rates at $27.49/kWh (September 2022). That's the equivalent of $11.16 per gallon of oil ($4.46 per gallon of oil at 2.5 COP, compare to $3.79 per gallon with a boiler at 85% efficiency).
Please let us know if we can help.
Best,
Roger