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Recommendations

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.

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Comments

  • Intplm.
    Intplm. Member Posts: 2,604
    edited November 2023
    Alpine? Combo system? Can you be more specific, please?
  • dko
    dko Member Posts: 668
    Intplm. said:

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

    Burnham Alpine (boiler, heat only)
    Combo system (combi, heat and dhw)
    Intplm.
  • SuperTech
    SuperTech Member Posts: 2,579
    My recommendation would be to stay away from combo/combi boilers.  A boiler with an indirect tank is a better option. 
  • Mad Dog_2
    Mad Dog_2 Member Posts: 8,036
    Navien, Laars ($$)Viessman ($$$) All make "Combis.  Mad Dog πŸ• 
  • ChefBoyArtty
    ChefBoyArtty Member Posts: 5
    dko said:

    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
    Hot_water_fan Member Posts: 2,179
    Are you in need of floor space? If not, keep a tank. You get better performance from a tank. 
    bburd
  • ChefBoyArtty
    ChefBoyArtty Member Posts: 5

    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
    ChefBoyArtty Member Posts: 5
    Oh I should also add, I live in MASSACHUSETTS.
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 25,949
    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.
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • Mad Dog_2
    Mad Dog_2 Member Posts: 8,036
    Viessman #1, Laars, Lochinvar, Weil.Mclain,.Bosch Burnham about equivalent.   Mad Dog πŸ• 
  • Intplm.
    Intplm. Member Posts: 2,604
    Look into Rinnai.

    They have been a good product.
    Mad Dog_2
  • Hot_water_fan
    Hot_water_fan Member Posts: 2,179
    edited November 2023
    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
    Mad Dog_2 Member Posts: 8,036
    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 
    Intplm.
  • dko
    dko Member Posts: 668
    Go with the brand your friend's dad has familiarity and experience with.
    Mad Dog_2
  • ChefBoyArtty
    ChefBoyArtty Member Posts: 5
    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
    Intplm.

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