New Direct Vent System - Have questions, need help

Jackie D

Hello everyone, I am replacing my old Thrasher (and oil tank), which died on me last winter. I have limited space and want to move the heating system out of the middle of my basement. I would like a Direct Vent Gas fed, baseboard hot-water system for my 90+ yr. old house. I live in the NE United States, so it is cold already. I have approx 1800sq ft. of living (top floor, main floor, and basement)space to heat. What do you recommend? - I am having a hard time trusting people. One guy suggested a 'crown boiler' named 'Bali' and a 40 gal mega-stor high effec. indirect hot water heater in conjunction with a hot water boiler. Is this ok? I looked up Trane on the web, they seemed to come well recommended. I want the most efficent and long lasting system, for a reasonable price. Please help me! I don't want to be taken advantage of.

kevin coppinger_4

lots of info...

for starters why not stick w/ oil? Is it natral gas or propane? Lots of good choices either way...What are your needs for hot water? just you ,afew kids ,teenagers?
Trane does not make boilers...just hot air furnaces...Crown is a good choice but there are many others.Burnham, Buderus to name a two.
A contactor that you trust is crucial...ask for references,pictures of jobs, maybe a BBB contact,Did you try the find a contractor feature? lots of good guys out there...kpc

Justin Gavin

It depends on how you are heating your home. If you are using baseboard and don't intend on adding any low temp radiant in the future (under the joists) than you should consider the following:

1. If oil is still available for you in your area and it is priced comparable to gas than you should stay with an oil boiler. Considering the condition of the heat exchanger (castings) of your boiler you may be able to get away with just replacing the burner. If the castings are old and not worth saving and you purchase a new oil boiler and in the future the price of oil shoots thru the roof you can always replace your oil burner with a gas burner. But I don't see that happening anytime soon because the price of oil and gas usually are pretty comaparable. If you are worried about the placement of the boiler in regards to your chimney location I know that Riello offers a sealed combustion type model that will allow you to side vent. Although side venting oil can cause a carbon buildup on the side of your home if not properly placed. The only reason I am suggesting in staying with oil is that oil runs more efficient than natural gas.

2. Most gas boilers are pretty similar in design. But remember "you get what you pay for" I would suggest using a De Dietrich, Buderus, of Viessman because they allow you to use outdoor reset with no mixing valve.

3. Buy a boiler that uses push nipples vs. gaskets.

4. Only buy a indirect water heater if you have a big family with lots of people using the showers. If it is just you and your spouse and occasional visitor it really wouldn't pay to install one. If you are worried about the location of your water heater because of venting you can purchase a direct vent water heater and vent out the sidewall.

5. Don't buy a condensing boiler. They require alot of maintenance and unless you are using alot of low temp in your system you are wasting your money.

6. If you havn't thought of it since you are investing in your system you may consider adding some underfloor radiant under your joist or perhaps in the basement. It will add to the overall cost but the comfort is well worth the extra cost. It will add value to your home and reduce your heating bill in the long run.

7. Good luck!

Justin Gavin

Tony_8

choices, choices

Crown is OK for a standard-type cast iron boiler in gas or oil. Indirect water heaters are excellent regardless of amount of usage. Standard water heaters are 40% eff. overall with standby loss figured in. Indirects only lose about 1/2 a degree/hour in standby, typically.

A proper heatloss calculation should be done and your desires and expectations should be discussed and addressed in relation to your budget

A knowlegeable heating contractor who is referred to you by someone you trust or the BBB is a good place to start.