Triangle Tube vs. NTI??

Wayco Wayne_2

I lke the triangle tube Prestige a lot. Simple low flow requirements, self flushing vertical heat exchanger. Easy to install. I say so far cuz I havent had any in longer than 7 months. Who knows if another shoe will drop. So far no problems at all. Every one I've checked the combustion on start up and have not needed to make any adjustment. It is dead on from the factory. I have not had that experience on other brands. :) I have not installed the Trinity so I have no input on it. WW

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Vlad

Triangle Tube vs. NTI

Does anyone have experience with either of the above condensing/modulating wall hung boilers? I am looking for oppinions in longevity, reliability, ease of use, support, efficiency, ease of installation and cost. I want to install a less expensive condensing/modulating boiler for energy savings without forking over the money for something like a Viessmann or Buderus. I think the condensing/modulating units don't last as long (ie. 10 to 12 years??) as our conventional atmospheric boilers and thus I think the extra cost of an expensive condensing/modulating will not pay for itself. Also I think buying the NA made units will support our locals.

Josh_10

Well I just tried an NTI and now I am switching to TT Prestige. The main reason is because of the pressure drop across the heat exchanger. At a bare minimum you need a Taco 0010 for both the primary loop and most likely a Taco 0011 for the indirect loop. By the time you figure in the extra cost for these circulators you could have bought a higher end boiler. Not to mention the extra isolation you need to install to cut back on pump noise and the extra cost for the home owner to operate high head pumps.

Second is the turndown. You can't modulate lower than 40,000 BTUH. I don't know about you but in my area 40,000 BTUH will heat any 3000 sqaure foot house on a design day.

I think that the NTI is going to be reliable though. I like the use of a standard flame safeguard. Also the gas valve can be bought over the table as well. I can't see much on the NTI that I can't get at a parts supplier. I also like how compact and quiet the unit is.

The TT Prestige Solo from what I can tell is a much better value. It is a great value for your dollar. I think that they could have charged a much higher dollar amount for it.

Hope this helps..

Josh

Robert O'Brien

Have

you ever seen a Vitodens opened up? One look and you know why it's worth the money

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Dave Larsen_2

NTI

NTI will modulate down to 25,000 on the trinity 150 and 200 series, 20,000 on their new 100 series

Josh_10

Sorry about that I was going off of memory. However according to my specs that figure is actually 31,200 BTUH on the low end for the TI150 if we are talking steady state efficiency.

Vlad

Thanks for the honest comparison,

I am not familiar with Taco model numbers, I assume a Grundfos 15-42, or 15-54 would be similar. These pumps are about $100, extra piping and controls for primary/secondary pumping, would say add a total difference about $400 with labor? I too like the low head qualities of the Triangle, and thus a simpler piping scheme. But what is the cost differential between the two then? Do you have any idea on reliability from a service point of view? ie. How often over the life may each of these require service? With the extra components and higher head, maybe the NTI will be more prone to problems. Otherwise thanks again!

Vlad

Vlad

Yes, I have and I don't doubt it's quality and \"beauty\",

but we are paying quite a premium for something where a boiler half the price will do the same job with similar efficiencies, controls, capabilities. I think the complexity of the Vitodens is also a negative from a reliability standpoint. I am only looking at spreading the cost of the unit and installation over the life of say 10-12 years? Some guys like the Mercedes some settle for a Ford, they both get you from A to B at the same speed and relative comfort.

Unknown

what's a similar efficiency?

A mod/con not at steady state (below minimum modulation and cycling) vs one that is?

Is that similar? Maybe, maybe not. You need to think beyond AFUE to make an honest comparison though. Not saying Viessmann in the only game in town just making sure the comparison is accurate.

Jerry_15

I don't see anything that comes close to the Prestige for quality, price, and features. Very installer friendly too.

Heatmeister_2

Wish I could recall

But I remember a thread where a supplier said that even his GB customers were switching over to Prestige. I never did find out why. May he is reading this and can respond.

Dave Stroman

I have 15 of the Trinity boilers installed. Out of the 15, I have have one bad ignigtor, one bad fan switch, and one bad ignition module. No problems with the blowers or gas valves. The oldest one is 3 1/2 years old. All to this date are running fine.

Yes, you have to pump the heck out of them, but they are not the only brand out there where you have to do that. I like the fact that they are wall hung and you can run a vent pipe up to 100 equivalent length. I keep looking for a reason to not to use them, but have not found one yet.

Dave in Denver

Vlad

Thanks for the valuable info

How did you find programing, setting ratios, ease of use for the homeowner? Are these made in New York or New Brunswick, Canada?

Vlad

That would be an interesting comarison,

I've seen both openned up. The GB has a fairly complex HX casting with, I seem to recall, a radiant burner underneath. It was pointed out to me that the combustion area and HX would need to be cleaned regularly and I can see that condensate/ combustion crap may drip down towards the burner. The fins on the GB also need to be cleaned regularly.

The Presige HX reminded me of a small version of a much bigger Firetube HX in large industrial boilers (Cleaver Brooks). Except the HX is turned on end, from hor. to vertical, with the burner on top. It was pointed out that condensate would actually drip downwards cleansing the HX. It looked like a simpler, interesting design, more HX area, thus lower head and easier to clean.

Am I on the right track here or am I totally out in left field?

Jerry_15

The prestige is great. So easy to work on and install and set up. I've run whole radiant systems off that built in Grundfos 3 speed. Rumor has it they're going to bring out a model with a built in heat exchanger.

Josh_10

It is interesting that you draw that comparison. I am an industrial boiler guy as well. I actuall found it to be like the Aerco BMK 2.0. Which is an extremely reliable 2 million BTUH condensing boiler.

Vlad

Cost difference, NTI-Trinity vs. TT-Prestige??

Anyone have an idea of the cost difference of either just materials or for installed units in an equivalent location?