used boiler

Bill Jirik,

my favorite saying when people ask me to install their equiptment is "why don't you go down to the local grocery store and buy a dozen eggs and take them to your local resteraunt and ask them to make you an omlete and when you get food poisining try and figure out who to blame." In other words spend a few extra bucks and have a proffesional contractor install a new boiler with a factory and installers warranty because only an foolish contractor would relocate and reinstall a 12 year old boiler, do you want a fool working for you?

emorson

used boiler

My sister-in-law's sister, is moving because eminent domain is claiming her property. She offered me her boiler for $300 or whatever I think. This is what it is:
Burnham Gas Boiler (12 yrs. old)
Model #204NC-GE12
Input 96,000 BTU
Water 70,000 BTU/hour
4" vent pipe
pressure valves & pipes
Height = 32"
Width = 15"
Depth = 25"

I've read that a lot of boilers don't last too long nowadays, and there's the pipe match-up, etc. is using a used boiler something people ever do? or is it ridiculous?

This is northern ohio, temperature-wise. The boiler in my house is an early "ideal" , might be 70 to 100 years old, formerly coal, now gas, gravity, tall ornate radiators. Someday I will need a new boiler.

Or, I have a second floor in another house that I have wanted to put a boiler in for heating just the one floor.

I'm just curious since they thought of me and offered it to me.
I haven't seen it.

Ranger

Used...

...would be a great donation to the local tech.school.

Empire_2

Contractors

It's nice that she offered you this boiler, but since your existing system is older, you can't just put it in without a-little engineering. Since you may not posess these skills it may be a waste of money on your part. Good deal if it would work and if you could find a contractor to install it you would be in great shape. I, personally would never take on a job where someone else provides any.....used equipment. Just my opinion. Good Luck.

Steamhead

If it's in good shape

I'd go for it. Burnhams usually last a long time if well cared for. But first, do a heat-loss on your house to see if the Burnham is the right size- if it's not, it won't do you much good. In that case, donate it.

Proper installation is key. Have a pro do it. Try the Find a Professional page of this site to locate someone. If they don't have the instruction manual, you can get a copy from Burnham.

Also realize that the contractor will only warranty the work they do, not the boiler itself in this case.

Ken_8

Mike's correct.

The liability issues of used equipment is the fodder lawyers dream of.

No legit contractor would or should do the install. Unless he writes a three page disclaimer and you sign it!

The fact is, a brand new boiler of this ilk may wholesale out at under 2K. The labor it will take (a pro and at least one helper) to remove the boiler and near boiler piping, transport 400 lbs. of iron up her stairs - and down yours, could easily exceed the cost of a brand new boiler!

You may want to re-think this?



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Al Letellier

second hand rose that smells like a skunk

If the numbers you posted are correct ( 96K in and 70K out) that's only 73% efficiency..why would you want a dinosaur like that in your basement???????

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Unknown

Al

This boiler has an AFUE rating of 80% just like all of the other atmospheric vent boilers out there today with standing pilot and a vent damper. The output rating he posted is the Net IBR rating which accounts for 15% pickup losses through the system. The boiler is still in production today and accounts for the bulk of gas boilers that most contractors install every single day.....including you. It isn't a dinosaur just yet!

Glenn Stanton

Manager of Training

Burnham Hydronics

www.burnham.com

Steamhead

Glenn, you might be interested to know

one of my neighbors who is an incredible wheeler-dealer found a used G406 steamer about 15 years ago and had it put in his house. It's still Burnhaming!

Unknown

Thanks Frank!

It's encouraging to know that if all is well with a "steam system" that the boiler can indeed lead a long healthy life. We and other manufacturers get involved too often with boilers that suffer the consequences of steam systems with no insulation on mains, inadequate venting, steam leaks and unmonitored water usage.

Glenn Stanton

Manager of Training

Burnham Hydronics

www.burnham.com

Al Letellier

dinasour

thanks for the input which I have noted...doesn't change my opinion though.......

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Ken_8

Great

Metaphor!

Eggs. Great illustration! I'll use that one, fer sure.

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