Recommendations

ChefBoyArtty

Long story short my burner , and Alpine didn't last the 15 yrs it's supposed to, only lasted 12 due to poor maintenance by previous home owners 😢.

My friends dad who has been doing HVAC forever suggested switching to a combo system. 

I asked him to quote a combo system and replacing the alpine with something similar.

Just curious what combi systems ppl on here would recommend and ones to stay away from.

Intplm.

Alpine? Combo system? Can you be more specific, please?

dko

Intplm. said:

Alpine? Combo system? Can you be more specific, please?

Burnham Alpine (boiler, heat only)
Combo system (combi, heat and dhw)

SuperTech

My recommendation would be to stay away from combo/combi boilers.  A boiler with an indirect tank is a better option. 

Mad Dog_2

Navien, Laars ($$)Viessman ($$$) All make "Combis.  Mad Dog 🐕 

ChefBoyArtty

dko said:

Intplm. said:

Alpine? Combo system? Can you be more specific, please?

Burnham Alpine (boiler, heat only)
Combo system (combi, heat and dhw)

My bad, yes you're correct its a Burnham Alpine (boiler / heat only)

Currently i have that unit and then a separate water heater tank.

My friends dad is the one that said it may be comparable price wise to switch to just a combi system so I can get rid of the water heater tank and just run both off one unit.

I did ask him to quote both a combi, and then a indirect burner / water heater setup as well

Just wanted to know what are the trusted and reliable names as far as combi units. My house is around 1600 sq ft.

Hot_water_fan

Are you in need of floor space? If not, keep a tank. You get better performance from a tank. 

ChefBoyArtty

Hot_water_fan said:

Are you in need of floor space? If not, keep a tank. You get better performance from a tank. 

I dont "need" more floor space ,its just because my house is older (late 1930's) and its a field stone foundation. I wanted to clear up the basement more, so its less clutter.

But noted! Didn't know performance is better on a tank.

ChefBoyArtty

Oh I should also add, I live in MASSACHUSETTS.

Jamie Hall

Unless your situation is a bit unusual, a combi is either going to be too small on the domestic hot water side (unless your family likes cold showers) or much too big on the heating side. They're a nice idea in concept, but it's a rare installation that can get one correctly sized for both uses.

Boiler and indirect.

Mad Dog_2

Viessman #1, Laars, Lochinvar, Weil.Mclain,.Bosch Burnham about equivalent.   Mad Dog 🐕 

Intplm.

Look into Rinnai.

They have been a good product.

Hot_water_fan

I dont "need" more floor space ,its just because my house is older (late 1930's) and its a field stone foundation. I wanted to clear up the basement more, so its less clutter.

But noted! Didn't know performance is better on a tank.

Combi's 1 and only advantage is space efficiency. You can get the same efficiency from a tank and a tank has the ability to handle hot water demand "surges". For example: a right sized combi can handle a shower all day, just like a tank with the same sized burner can. However, what a combi cannot due is handle a shower and a sudden, large hot water draw (like filling a washing machine with hot water or filling a tub). A tank has a buffer, so can temporarily meet that load without turning your shower cold.

Mad Dog_2

Oops..I forgot Rinnai. I INSTALLED over 100 water heaters..not one issue..excellent company 24/7 Tech Support.  I never installed their Combi, but I'd bet they are just as good.  Matt NYC 

dko

Go with the brand your friend's dad has familiarity and experience with.

ChefBoyArtty

Thanks for all the info and help everyone. New unit will be here tonight.

Thank goodness I have a wood stove and mini split as redundancies