Differences in modcon boiler costs

here_to_learn

Why is it that various high efficiency modulating condensing (modcon) boilers have large ranges in price?

For example at this time while looking into a few modcons (just the boiler), I see
Rinnai I-series as one of the least expensive choices.
I see Burnham U.S. Boiler Alta series at about +50% and Aspen series at + 90% compared to Rinnai I-series.
I see Peerless Purefire at +100% compared to Rinnai I-series.

I understand there are different turn-down-ratios and some require additional accessories. The main specs seem about the same. I suppose I'm wondering what makes it worth the additional cost in these units? Any other general thoughts would be appreciated, too.

ScottSecor

Oftentimes you pay for some of the added features that come with the higher end units. Off the top of my head, some condensing boilers can be programmed to ramp up slowly upon call for heat. Some can be programmed to provide one boiler water temp and firing rate when making heat and a different temperature and firing rate for a dhw call. Some units have stronger fans that allow you to use smaller venting or allow longer lengths of venting. Some units come with built in controls (low water cutoff) for example and some do not. Finally, some manufacturers have been around for years and have a solid reputation, hopefully will still be around when you need parts in five or ten years, others not so much.

EBEBRATT-Ed

We cannot discuss prices on this forum. Please remove pricing

Jamie Hall

Why do some cars cost 10 times what others do? Why do some wrist watches cost thousands of times what others do? Why do some houses cost many times what others do? It's called choice... free choice. And be jolly glad you have it, @here_to_learn . Not everyone in the world does.

here_to_learn

EBEBRATT-Ed said:

We cannot discuss prices on this forum. Please remove pricing

EBEBRATT-Ed, I removed the pricing and replaced with percentages if that is ok. Thank you for the note.

here_to_learn

Jamie Hall said:

It's called choice... free choice. And be jolly glad you have it, @here_to_learn . Not everyone in the world does.

@Jamie Hall, I am glad and thankful for those that have fought for this. I agree.

Now, in general, what other features do the higher priced models include? I asked because after looking at the manufactures specs for those mentioned in original post, they don't look all that different. I thought that these three brands were all reliable and trusted. Just curious what features and advantages one might have over the other. (Maybe my original question was too vague?)

Also, thanks to @ScottSecor for the helpful comments.

Hot_water_fan

I think online equipment prices are okay to discuss, it’s installed prices that aren’t allowed? 

hot_rod

the control features and the type and manufacture if the HX

Basic units use a Korean Kiturami fire tube and very simple, basic controls

Companies like Viessmann build their own heat exchangers and most models have a very robust control.

pedmec

hot rod kinda beat me to it. Most mod/con manufacturers have heat exchangers that are all ASME rated. Meaning that they are being built to a very high standard. Although this wasn't true in the very beginning of production, it became standard operating procedure. Just standardize all the boilers to be ASME. This is what one of the manufacturers stated to me as we toured the facility. The inspector is on site everyday for 8 hours so might as well get stamped on everything.

The other thing is software. The level of programming mod/cons can do now is unbelievable. connect to your phone, connect to your computer, geofencing. have your contractor monitor your system (if you trust him). But your paying for it.

EBEBRATT-Ed

@here_to_learn

Not a mod con expert. JMHO Generally, Viessmann is considered top of the line. Lochinvar usually gets high marks, don't seem to here much bad about them. Navian I would stay away from. I don't like anything Burnham makes but that is just me. HTP seems to have a big following as well.

I think Rinnai started with water heater but make boilers as well .

Utica makes some mod cons but they are seldom if ever even mentioned on this forum and I don't know
why. We installed a few of those and they seemed fine but I guess they are not popular. Viessmann, Lochinvar and HTP seem to be the most popular. Some don't like Buderus/Bosh as they use an aluminum HX

psb75

You are focusing first, on mod-con boiler "brand." More important is the "installer." Look for a good installer. That person will already have an idea of the brand(s) to choose from. Viessmann, Lochinvar, Rinnai, Triangle Tube/Ideal, are all well-supported. So are NTI, HTP.

Erin Holohan Haskell

Hot_water_fan said:

I think online equipment prices are okay to discuss, it’s installed prices that aren’t allowed? 

Yes, correct.

here_to_learn

psb75 said:

You are focusing first, on mod-con boiler "brand." More important is the "installer." Look for a good installer. That person will already have an idea of the brand(s) to choose from.

I agree that the installer would be chosen first (preferably one with a reputation and experience). The installers I will be using have 20+ and 40+ years experience in mostly forced air systems. They have installed some boilers (maybe only a handful) and serviced many older models. The last model that they installed was a Burnham Alta (when parts and boilers were more difficult to find) and before that a Peerless Purefire. They are open to installing other brands, so a boiler company that is willing to answer some tech questions (just in case) might be desirable. But, this is why I desire to learn more about these fascinating systems, too.

I have read about HTP ELU and EFTU, too. Those looked nice, and I see why many have talked about them on this site.

So, @psb75 has a good point that the job would be going to these installers that have some experience. Of those models mentioned by @EBEBRATT-Ed, are any more install friendly for such installers? I watched some of HTPs videos online, which were well done and I imagine would be nice to help with any minor details. (Yet, maybe it is the case that one learns a brand and becomes more efficient at installing that brand.)

hot_rod

But the worlds best installer putting in a flawed design boiler is not going to work either.
Find the installer let them offer the brand they trust and support

Even then it has been a fast moving industry, lots of companies merging or being acquired. That can change the whole equasion