Condensing boiler opinions

Ray M

I have installed a few NTI Trinitys with great results. This is a great boiler all around.

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Gordy

The time has come!

In light of the recent events. I believe the time has come for homeowners, who own a perfectly functioning 80% boiler to make the switch to higher efficiency equipment. One of whom is Me. The payback is there even more so now. Would like to gather the opinions here on condensing boiler brands 90% plus efficient, and fully modulating. Viessman, Munchkin, Weil Ultra, Mz. May as well go indirect also. Low temp. ceiling radiant application, supply 115* return 95*. Heat loss 87,000 Btu.

Thanks in advance

Andrew Hagen (ALH)

Energy

Few here will argue with the fact that the Vitodens is the best modulating condensing boiler on the market. Price is where the disagreement begins. Is the better boiler worth the additional cost? What do service calls do to your payback?

How about solar domestic hot water? Take advantage of the tax credit.

Have a DHW circulation line? How is it controlled? How well is your indirect water heater insulated? How well does your indirect perform? Many popular indirects are far less than optimally designed.

Viessmann has excellent products for all of these applications (Vitodens, Vitocell, Vitosol)....and the data to back up their claims.

-Andrew

Steve Ebels_3

Agreed. Plus...............

The control on the Vitodens will integrate any and all of these functions nicely.

So.......here's my humble opinion

Bulletproof reliability, ease of service, integrated control, long life, it's Viessmann hands down.

Now if your criteria includes lower up front cost, the two aluminum block units that are built and backed by good companies are Buderus GB series and the Weil-McClain Ultra. Personally, I have ? about the durability of the aluminum given the maint that most boilers are going to get. The MZ is a simple design that has held up well over time. Very reliable but there is no integrated control package that I'm aware of.

If you have to have a condenser (and everyone does) and price is a big impediment look at the Munchkin. Good bang for the buck.

I know which one I would put in my own house regardless of what it cost.

Chuck Shaw_4

Don't forget

No matter the configuration, solar, condensing boiler, and indirect, and no matter the brand, the most important thing, in my opinion. Find an installer who understands condensing technology, and how to install it. Or whatever type of heating system you choose. You also want this person to be comfortable with the brand he is installing.

A full heat loss is a good thing to have done as well. Talk with your contractor, explain your expectations of the system. Let him know what you want.

You have started in the best place I know to ask these questions.

Chuck Shaw
Technical Support Dept
Heat Transfer Products.

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The installer

is, for sure, an important piece of the puzzle. Just as important is the back up and help the installer gets from the manufacture.

Not all the problems are controllable, or fixable, by the installer. And they will jump ship (brands)quickly if the manufacture does not respond

What we don't have with condensing, modulating boilers is a long history to look at. Not all the problems show up at installation or the first heating season.

I would have to say the MZ, even though it is not as high tech on the controls, sure does have an excellent track record in this country. Time is on it's side in this comparison

I've moved my Weil GV gold out after 9 troublefree years and have an MZ on the wall to be connected for this years heat and DHW. I want to sweat as much out of my fuel dollars as possible. I'm also upgrading to all low temperature emitters, to take advantage of condensing temperatures.


Of course spend some time and money on upgrading the structure. Heatloss is heatloss. Even with a 90% heat source.

hot rod

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Gordy

Gordy

Present Behemoth

This is my present set up. WM CGM 7, Sorry for the large pics. Its oversized nature is probably the reason that this unit has not suffered damage from thermal shock, and condensation in its past 12 years of service. 149,000 Btu net output for a 87,000 Btu loss structure.

I like the Vitoden 200. Even though its pricey. I believe you get more, with its controls stratagey. But its the install and service I worry about. Can't find anyone reasonibly close in the find a proffesional. Northern Ill.

Andrew Hagen (ALH)

Be Careful

of your baseboard sizing with the Vitodens...that is if you have baseboard. It has a high limit of 167F. Most traditional baseboard systems are designed around 180F.

Insist on a stainless steel indirect water heater. Ask for heat loss data for the tank. How many BTU per day does the tank lose to the mechanical room? If your contractor can provide that data, you have a pretty good idea that he/she is conscious the customers' energy usage.

-Andrew

Ted_9

Buderus GB142

I've installed most of the condensing boilers mentioned in this post and I think the GB142 is the easiest to install, service and the best in design.

This is my professional opinion.

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