Energy Kinetics Resolute owners — looking for real-world feedback
I'm considering replacing my Weil-McLain Gold oil boiler with an Energy Kinetics Resolute. Most reviews I've found are for the EK Frontier, so I'm hoping to hear from actual Resolute owners.
If you've had one installed, I'd appreciate any feedback on:
- How long has it been running, and has it failed? If so, what caused it?
- Any exhaust odor issues near the house (sidewall vent especially)?
- Any siding staining from the vent?
- How does actual fuel usage compare to your old boiler (vs. EK's advertised savings)?
- Was parts/service support easy to find locally?
- Can you share the installers you used if you are in Eastern Massachusetts?
Thanks in advance for sharing your experience!
Comments
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as with all equipment like this installing contractor is the biggest factor in how well the equipment works. following manufacturers recommend recommendations and you can get a very long life it cutting corners your guess is as good as mine
Energy kinetics is a very good system with excellent Tech Support, just ensure the tech doing the work have been trained on it and not justone person at the company0 -
Ahchang
Thank you for reaching out on HeatingHelp.com to learn more about Energy Kinetics and hear from real-world owners.
My name is Brian Kiernan, and I’m the National Sales Manager for Energy Kinetics. Our boilers are backed by more than 47 years of proven technology, and the Resolute has been in the field since 2011, giving us 16 years of real-world operating experience. Because of that extensive track record, we have no shortage of customer experiences and references to help answer your questions.
I’d be happy to answer any questions you have directly, but I also understand the value of speaking with people who actually own and use our boilers. If you’d like, I can contact our Territory Manager in Massachusetts and ask him to recommend a few customers who would be willing to share their experiences with you.
If that would be helpful, just let me know, and I’ll be glad to make the arrangements.
Sincerely
BK from EK
Brian Kiernan
National Sales Manager
Energy Kinetics
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@ahchang , are you eliminating the chimney? Why go with a power vent if not needed?
I also have a WM Gold, and my EK-1 Frontier is in my garage waiting patiently. I originally considered the Resolute for the extra efficiency. I even got a quote pre Covid from my Regional Manager. Life happened so I couldn't do it then. I've got an interior chimney in good shape, so I'll make use of it with the Frontier.
You'll be happy whichever model you get. I can't wait to not hear my boiler.
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@HVACNUT Thank you for sharing!
My preference is to keep venting through the chimney, but it needs a stainless steel liner and an all-fuel connector replaced at the base, since the current one is too close to combustibles — about $5K upfront, plus sweeping every 3-5 years. Sidewall venting needs replacement every 7-10 years instead. As long as I can confirm sidewall venting won't cause odor or staining issues, I believe it makes more sense for my situation. Your thoughts?0 -
Do the chimney work- you'll only have to do it once if done right. Sidewall venting introduces more moving parts which usually break down in the middle of winter.
Co-Founder, All Steamed Up, Inc.
Baltimore, MD, USA
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the concerns you have with sidewall venting, staining. smell, noise, would be specific to your job,
Typical wind direction, proximity to inside corner , etc.
Bob "hot rod" Rohr
trainer for Caleffi NA
Living the hydronic dream0 -
I don't see an awful lot of oil power vent boilers, but the ones I have seen were due to a fault with the PV itself or its operating controls.
Unlike most retrofit PV applications, you'll have full serviceable access to the PV and the controls with the Resolute.
Note that with the Resolute, it MUST use outside combustion air.
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Sorry I missed this discussion until now. If not too late, I'll share my experience. I am a real-world EK Resolute customer. Home is in central CT, near Hartford. Installation was in Nov 2020. Replaced a 25 year old Weill Mclain boiler.
We have been thrilled with the system on many fronts, including some unexpected ones.
To your questions:- How long has it been running, and has it failed? If so, what caused it? 5+ years, No failures.
- Any exhaust odor issues near the house (sidewall vent especially)? We have power vent out side of house. There is some oil odor when it's blowing. Not terrible and we don't spend much time in that part of yard, especially during heating season.
- Any siding staining from the vent? NO
- How does actual fuel usage compare to your old boiler (vs. EK's advertised savings)? I think we are around 25% less. Biggest savings is during shoulder season and summer. See my running chart of gallons per degree day, including a running avg. Down from around .17 to .13. Each data point is a tank fill.
- Was parts/service support easy to find locally? Yes
- Can you share the installers you used if you are in Eastern Massachusetts? NA
Pleasant surprises:
• System is SOOOOO quiet. No more rumbles when running.
• Indirect hot water (vs old coil) is amazing. Endless hot water for showers etc. That probably eats into the fuel savings, but worth it : )• The direct venting and makeup air eliminated drafts in basement. Furnace room used to be HOT. Now it feels like rest of basement. No wasted heat.
Glad to answer any other owner questions!
6 - How long has it been running, and has it failed? If so, what caused it? 5+ years, No failures.
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One more comment came to mind…
EK is a model company that I wish others would emulate. They know their stuff, and are always looking to be helpful. I had their President (Roger) helping me with system evaluation, and their tech folks have been available and helpful when questions arose. That's great peace of mind when making an investment like this!
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Agreed, support second to none!
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Contractor, not a owner of a Resolute but you can't compare it to other power vented and direct vented oil boilers. It uses a dilution venting system, using outside air to dry out and temper the higher temp, vapor laden exhaust. The odor and temp is VASTLY less than other options, barely noticeable to me and I've smelled too many PV and DV boilers over the years
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