energy kinetics boilers

steve_6

What about natural gas fired ?

steve_6

Energy Kinetics Boilers

Has anyone had any experiences good or bad with this boiler? Thanks...

Frank_17

system 2000

I've put a few of these in when I worked for an oil company years ago. They are a good , efficient boiler. BUT look down the road for service. Not all service techs, have the computer bypass board in their van.At 2:30 am when you have no heat, and the tech says he needs to order a computer board, you"ll wish you had gone with a more conventional boiler.Not all oil companies can even figure out the wiring on these boilers.

heatboy

My experience with EK.

I installed some of these in the early 90’s and still do service on them plus the newer versions. For a short time, I bought into the hyperbole, which is so present in their marketing campaigns. here are some of the good and bad things I have accumulated over 10+ over working on them. I have not installed one in 7 years, but they haven't changed much.

Pros:

For being an oil burner, it is extremely quiet. As quiet as any I have heard. Granted, it’s due, in large part, to not using a draft regulator, but the factory says running a -.05 over fire draft is OK.

The heat exchanger is very well insulated to lower radiant losses. Has more insulation around the pressure vessel than any other domestic iron.

Unit comes pre-wired. While the concept of the manager and it’s operation is pretty basic, it does come with a minimum of external wiring needed and the universal service board is supposed to work with old and new versions of the manager.

Cons:

Being a low mass, high input boiler, it short cycles ……….a lot. Especially if there are small load zones. The post purge may over heat small zones.

The flat plate HX for domestic potable water production is the weak link of the entire system. I have experienced problems on both sides (hydronic and potable) which leads to other issues since the boiler needs flow through it at all times. Use the indirect option and eliminate the HX. I wish they had a AVDO in the by-pass loop instead of a ball valve. It would help flow rates through the boiler and system.

Getting them is a hassle.

Quality vs. value? I have put together a system, which, it seems is a much better system for equivalent money. It consists of a Crown Freeport boiler and MegaStor water heater. Add a Tekmar 370 or 371 and you end up with a much more versatile system with zone control, boiler reset and mixing capability.

Over all, they are a bit player. John Marran is truly dedicated to this piece of equipment and I admire that. They would do themselves a big favor by allowing us to purchase them through the distribution chain instead of dealer direct. It may lead to more sales from guys like me.

Warm Regards,

hb

"Expert in Silent Warmth"™

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nick z.

EK

Jeff,
For the number of heating days we have in are area I don't think the extra cost is worth it.
Tom at Johnstone has tried to sell me a Crown. But I had my doubts. If you use them I'll take it they are a good piece.

Robert O'Connor

Crown freeport

I have used the Crown Freeport (oil)_. It is very good equipment. Durable and efficient. Low mass threee pass cast iron boiler. The casting is real nice.

I very much agree with Heatboy om this.

Regards,

Robert