Thermoflo OWB/OWT w/beckett vs Buderus G-115-4 Riello

Chestersdad

seen variations of this discussion…. Still confused.

Replacing my 38yo HBSmith W Carlson burner. A troll wh-41z indirect, 8 yo. House ~ 2300sq burn ~ 1000 gallons oil yr. Reside in Hartford Ct area.

no current issues with existing system. But ~ 40 yo system is tired. Getting old and decrepit to worry about failure of system in middle of winter.

2 highly rated hvac contractors, local basically mom and pop, trustworthy quoted job.

Both contractors quoted ~ $ to totally replaces boiler system.

contractor A quoted using Thermoflo with Beckett.
Contractor B quoted with the Buderus with Riello.

understand that Buderus is more efficient 3 pass better machine but is more difficult to maintain? Not really interest in the efficiency and honestly hope to be out of this house in a box or wheelchair in 5 years or so.😃

Since prices are within ~ $ bucks …. Buderus higher is it a no brained to buy it?

Another minor factor … contractor A wanks ~ $ to install a Heatflo 40 indirect and
Contractor B wants ~ $ sane indirect.

Another factor Contractor A is a meticulous… really meticulous plumber … beautiful installs knows his product inside and out.

Contractor B is a excellent family plumber knows his stuff but finished product not as pretty as A guy.

And last but not least … I spent the last 45 years as a facilities engineer then manager of an aircraft engine manufacturer. And you guys know what a pain in the **** engineers are😫

Anyway what do you think

Thanks

Steamhead

If the prices and quality of work are similar I'd go with the Buderus. Three-pass boilers are much easier to maintain, so there is a much better chance they will be maintained properly.

Big Ed_4

Ask contractor A to instal the Buderus… All he needs to learn is the starter nipple off the supply and pitch the boiler for air …Buy the package Riello …Neatness says a lot…

Chestersdad

thank you for your input.

Asked contractor a to install the Buderus … he had a concern about condensation in my flew doing damage. It’s a conventional flue in the middle of a New England colonial.

He did say he could install a Italian made boiler … this guys finished work is like a watchmaker…. Really impressed with his attention to detail … but

thanks again

Big Ed_4

Depends on the size of the existent flue , Running a 5"- 6" stainless liner if need be though your old flue should not be a problem unless it has the twist in the attic ..( Some say it keep evil out , some say for rain) The boiler has adjustable baffle to increase stack temp . A chimney running though the center the home maintains the warmth for good venting you may can get a way with it . Check the condensation durning winter , there should be a space between the chimney and the flume . if not add an insulated stainless liner to set it correctly.. Three pass , positive pressure cast iron boiler with push nipple construction…

EBEBRATT-Ed

Pick the contractor you like and let him pick the boiler he is comfortable with.

Steamhead

If the "Italian" boiler is the Biasi (or the related Solaia or Trio) that's another 3-pass, so it would be another good choice.

Chestersdad

yes Biasi was his recommendation

thank you for you input

HVACNUT

You can be a meticulous installer, and still not know anything about oil burners. I've seen numerous plumbers pipe right over the top of a boiler so you can't get the top off. But it was beautiful piping. But if you have confidence in the installation and service of Contactor A, then there you go. I would go with the Biasi over the other. But I would choose Buderus over Biasi. And both are EASIER to maintain, not harder.

And you would probably be fine with a 3 section boiler (not 4 as proposed with the Buderus) in any case. Do you know the approximate square footage? How many people?

Ironman

Contractor “A” may be a little uncomfortable with the Riello burner (which I prefer), but the Buderus also has a Becket or Carlin burner package available.

If the chimney needs lining, it’s gonna need it for either boiler since the flue gas temps are lower on newer boilers.

Ironman

And I agree with HVACNUT: unless you have a very leaky house, the 3 section Buderus should be sufficient. If necessary, it can be upfired 10%.

A quick load calculation or radiation survey should be done to confirm the size needed.

Chestersdad

HVACNUT asked square footage. ~2200 …. 2 old decrepit people ( wife/self)

2 story colonial, straight flue from basement, ~ 35 feet from basement to cap.

thank you

HVACNUT

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1807049#Comment_1807049

The Biasi B10/3 has an input of approximately 92K BTU's (with the Beckett AFG) and an even less approximate net of 73.6K BTU's. With 2,200 sq ft, that's about 33.45 BTU's per sq ft. of heat. That's probably double what you'd need for 80% of the winter. The coldest 20%, it's still moderately oversized. It's also plenty for a moderately sized (40/50 gallon) indirect water heater.

I can't speak for the chimney. But if it's interior, and sound, the lower stack temperature of a positive pressure boiler "shouldn't" be an issue as far as condensing flue gases. Exterior chimney? Definitely will need a liner. But get it checked regardless.

Steamhead

@Chestersdad , has anyone done a heat-loss calculation on your house? That would remove all doubt as to how big a boiler you need.

HVACNUT

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1807096#Comment_1807096

With 2,200 sq ft, even the smallest oil fired boiler is too big. IDK if Weil McLain still makes the 2 section GO, but that's a pin boiler, so it's off my personal list.

They say always get 3 quotes. Any EK dealers in @Chestersdad area? IDK who "they" are, but that's what I heard.