Air Separators

Scott5

In my area it seems that most installers are not installing any type of air separator. They are utilizing only the built-in boiler high vent port. They install the circulator off the top of the boiler and and go from there. Our price is always higher not only because of the extra cost for the air separator but also more labor cost. My question is, is it worth losing these projects over an air separator? Do the built-in boiler air separators really work? I personally like to install a Spirovent but sometimes have to be more competitive and use an air scoop. I dont like call backs and have a fear that if I dont use some type of air separator, I'll be back. Any input would be appreciated.

jeff_51

you have to sell quality

sit down with the cust, take the time to explain what you are putting in and why. If you are installing the old steel expansion tank which many guys like and have rads in the house that have to be bled no matter what, you really aren't gaining that much by putting in spirovent ( and I LOVE spirovents). If on the other hand you are not doing the above, take the time to explain thay will prolly never have to bleed anything again. That system is a 40-60 year investment and a few dollars more when spread out over the life of the system is real cheap. Lets face it, we are salesmen first, and only after we have sold the job are we plumbers.

jeff_51

P.S.

Always give em a couple of options. The good, better and best deal that sears taught us

Boilerpro_3

I have stopped using Spiro's on nearly all jobs too

They just aren't worth the extra money! I typically just use a B&G inline air separator (I find them more effective than scoops) and pipe them on the supply before the pump. The combined action of the low pressure of the pump suction and high temp of the water does an excellent job of removing air. I also use the built in scoops when possible.
For me, the microbubble units are chiefly needed for installs that are piped poorly...ie. pump on the return or more complex piping layouts such as some multiple boiler configurations.

Also, my own home ran many years with its old gravity pipes and rads using the old ceiling hung compression tank and built in boiler air separator and supply side pumping and never, ever needed to have air bled from the radiators.

For the money saved, sell the customer outdoor reset or a better boiler....they are much more beneficial than a fancy air separator.

Boilerpro

Weezbo

like yor steamer

always consider the next guy who "touches" it by piping theboiler for maint one can save lots of time and dollars not to mention aggravation for the person who services and maitains the puppy an air scoop getts a thumbs up in that it generaly takes the large bubbles and splits them in half and eliminates air thru the maid o mist 707's or whatever. on small homes with one zone of base board just consider it a form of advertizement dollar well placed ...when it comes to large spirovents bolt on flanges...floor mounted recircs...you are already speaking of a healthy investment in pieces and parts and time..one raggly impeller and things go different quick..just an observation...

Jaitch

Good better Best

Ah, echoes of my last sales meeting. I always quote good, better and best now, but I still plan to change/replace everything and anything that may give me a black eye in the next five years. Sure it costs more, but callbacks are almost nonexistant, and you know how the HO is: We JUST GOT a new boiler - ten years ago WHY did THAT fail. If you touch it you own it, so we replace it, and when you hit the switch (generally speaking) everything works as it should right out of the box. (Because it just came right out of the box). I figure I can still make a living going back after XYZ heating installed the system and changing the exapansion tank, flow controls, circs, air vents, PRV's, service valves, etc, etc.......
All billable hours!

Thanks JOHN