Which is more harmful

KayWalls

I have a 1997 Slant/Fin oil fired boiler I’m trying to get a few more years out of in Alaska. Is it harder on it to just run it in the am and again in the pm for an hour or so for hot water or leave it on all the time and let in turn on and off every 5-10 minutes?

When it is time to replace it, any brand recommendations for efficiency, longevity and maintenance?

LRCCBJ

It is far better to run it twice a day for hot water. It will hold the hot water for eight hours fairly well (unless you need a shower near the end of the eight).

I run a Bock 50 gallon WH in the morning for four hours (as needed) cycling on a 10 DT. It then shuts off until 4 pm and runs another four hours (as needed). It is completely off from 8 pm to 4:30 am.

You will increase the efficiency and the longevity of the unit.

pecmsg

Why do you think it’s on its last legs?

Jamie Hall

Much better for it to run for a long period of time and then sit. That way the fire side gets thoroughly dried, including the breeching and the chimney or exhaust. Much less corrosion that way.

Same principal as for engines -- in colder weather particularly, never start an engine (I don't care what size) unless you plan to run it long enough to get it thoroughly warmed up.