Condensing boilers

ABD

If this has been discussed once here it's probably been discussed a million times.

Whether there is currently an old boiler producing 180F water is not relevant. The question is whether 180F water is necessary.

In many cases (such as an old house that has been subsequently insulated) 180F water is not necessary even on the coldest day of the year, it is used only because of habit, and because so many contractors jut do whatever they have been taught without asking questions.

And even if it is necessary on the coldest day, it is not necessary the rest of the time. Design days are only a very small fraction of the heating season.

Try doing a search for old threads about condensing boilers.

Steve McCarthy_2

condensing boilers

Hi Folks,
I understand how a condensing boiler can operate VERY efficiently when used in a low temp situation such as a radiant slab. I am puzzled as to how you can retrofit an older boiler that has radiators or baseboard convectors with a high eficiency condensing boiler and achieve high efficiency and still heat the house. Is this possible???

steve McCarthy / Starbright Energy Services
Wellsboro, PA

Ken_40

Absolutely!

Here's why:

1) You only need the higher temps during the coldest day of the year. Since that rarely occurs for the remainder of the heating season, the boiler water temps are typically in the "sweet band" of a condensing boiler's highest efficiency ratings.

2) Most condensing boilers modulate; meaning, they fire minimally, at all times.

3) 90% of all older hydronic emmitters are oversized. The need for 190F water is rarely if ever required, even on a "design day."

4) Geneeral improvements of older homes typically include better glass, attic insulation, siding with foam backer-board, etc. This means, the boiler once required, has had the heating load reduced by virtue of the improvements the house has experienced since being built.

Z'at help?

Tony_23

Hey Steve !

I do it on a regular basis, here in Wellsville

EVERYBODY likes what I do for them with a mod/con