My Boiler

Constantin

... yet time and time again, it has been shown that the quality of the professional installing and maintaining the equipment was what makes the most difference. Even a Viessmann job can be botched...

So, the first question is: Steam or Hot water? If steam, there are fewer choices, and they're all North American. If replacing a steam boiler, be sure that the installer reviews the attached load to see if the present system wasn't oversized.

On the hot water side, I would ask the installer to perform a heat loss calculation. Good installers will do this as a matter of course. Then buy a boiler that meets those spcifications.

If your system consists of hot water <i>and</i> is powered with natural gas, I would seriously consider a condensing, modulating boiler like the HTP Munchkin, the NTI Trinity, Viessmann Vitodens, Weil-McLain Ultra, etc. Such boilers can save you a lot of money in operating costs, even if your heat emitters consist of baseboard. However, most of these systems have a steep learning curve, finicky piping requirements, etc. so an experienced contractor really pays off!

On the oil-fired, hot-water side, there are many quality boilers from companies like Buderus, Viessmann, Burnham, Energy Kinetics, etc. Which of them is best for your application largely depends on what brands the installer is familiar with and which of them are best suited for your house... for example, the Viessmann Vitola has a wonderful design that allows very cold return water temperatures, yet unless you live in a house with radiant heat, you'll never need that feature.

So, if you want to be safe, I would ask which brands the quality installers and maintenance folk are familiar with, have spare parts for, etc., then chose something from within that range of products.

Jeff Krawic

My boiler

Hi and thanks in advance for the input I may receive. I am replacing an older HB Smith FD12 boiler in my house and I was just curious if anyone would be so kind as to give a little opinions. I have heard of Buderus and seen the Lit. I have also seen the Smith Series 8 Lit. Anyone care to give me a comment. I am aware the Buderus is a little more pricey and in general is constructed of better cast iron but I would still appreciate any opinions you may have. HUGE thanks for the advice.
Sincerely, Dave

Ted_5

Look in to

Viessmann. It also is a German boiler with the same type of cast iron.

Ted
Viessmann rep.

Al Corelli

We install both Buderus and Smith boilers. If you have a steam system, you'll have to go with the Smith.
I personally like the Buderus boilers better because the piping is in the rear, and it makes for prettier installs.
But that does not mean the Series 8 does not have its merits.
If the boiler has to come apart to go downstairs, I prefer the Smith with its gasketed construction rather than the push nipples on the Buderus. Much easier reassembly.

Whichever boiler you choose, get the Riello burner. They are hands down the best things commonly available to burn fuel oil.

S Ebels

Hmmm

The Smith 8 is a nice boiler. We have a few of them running and they do quite well. When it comes to cleaning time though, give me the Buderus hands down over the Smith. Not even in the same league. The Buderus or a Veissmann Vitorond will probably give a couple points better efficiency and they are both able to withstand lower reurn water temps than the Smith. Definitely a plus if you are considering outdoor and/or indoor reset.

Al Gregory

I'd take a Peerless or Burnham over an HB Smith anyday. Especially if you have a Tankless Coil

RoosterBoy

I love my buderus and lt 160 hotwater tank and the 2107 control with riello burner. when my friends come over and see my setup they fall in love with it.

good luck