Slantfin Concept Boiler

Unknown

Slant/Fin changed from that boiler style (hot surface ignition, negative pressure gas train) to the VSPH boiler, with Honeywell spark ignition pilot, and a standard pressure gas valve.

Here it is...

http://www.slantfin.com/prod-victoryvsph.html

Noel

Adam_11

Looking at a boiler replacement for a friend looking at a Slantfin concept boiler .Does anybody have any opinions on it from previous experience ?.

Constantin

Considering that...

... you seem to be after making hot water while firing the boiler with gas, have you considered a low-mass, modulating, condensing boiler like a GB142, Munchkin, Trinity, Prestige, or Vitodens?

This is not to say that the Slant-Fin is not a fine boiler, it's just that you could consider the alternatives. Condensing boilers may cost more up front but seem to save far more fuel than the AFUE difference suggests. Mike T. switched from an 80% atmospheric boiler to a 94% Vitodens and saved 43.6% fuel on a degree-day adjusted basis. Other contractors have reported 35%+ savings on Ultra and Munchkin installs.

Just do a simple payback calculation based on a 15% savings to be conservative and see where that'll land you as far making up the marginal cost of going condensing boiler goes. Up here in Boston where gas prices are hurtling past $1.70 a therm, it's becoming easier and easier to justify the most efficient equipment instead of just looking at the initial purchase price.

leo g_13

Constantine,

Though your suggestion is valid, there is another approach. With boilers in the 85%+ range, by adding a good tekmar style outdoor reset boiler control we see SYSTEM effeciencies that are 90% or higher. In our area, it is not uncommon to see up to 30% less fuel usage when a good boiler control is added to a "dinosaur" boiler.

The other thing to mention on the argument of ROI, is replacement costs. Not only of the equipment, but the parts. If a tech can come and "fix" the problem pronto, (change a standard Honeywell hi-limit say) and not need to do a full analysis of flame rectification, blower speed, etc., etc., etc., then the time saved must be factored also.

The chances of this style boiler, cast-iron, performing for 30+ years at or close to its original effeciency, when installed correctly, cannot be denied.

This Sant/fin boiler, is very easy to work on, has "off-the-shelf" components, and unlike most mod/cons, does not need a verified annual check-up to keep the warranty. Though we strongly recommend annual check-ups, they are not as "dear" for these type of boilers as for the mod/cons.

And of course, this cannot be said enough times, LOOK AT THE ENVELOPE of the structure. Again, spending a few dollars on tightening up the house, will add even more savings to the pocket book and help ANY boiler with effeciency!

Believe it or not, C., there still is a place for "standard" boilers in our world. Some customers feel more comfortable with what they know. And with a little boiler control magic, can save quite a bit of their hard earned cash also!


Leo G

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Constantin

Leo,

Those are very good and valid points. If you read my post closely, I was merely advocating the OP to consider alternatives to a CI boiler IF it made economic sense.

In many parts of the country, gas is still comparatively inexpensive, at least when compared to the Northeast. Your proposed alternative to a condensing boiler may make perfect sense there, heck, it might make perfect sense here. But until you price it out, you don't know, and you lose the opportunity to deliver the best solution for a customer, whatever it may be.

Doc Radiant

Leo G,

I agree! Just as important in picking the right model/technology boiler is picking the right size boiler. A boiler properly sized to the load will also do much to aid operating efficiency. Add outdoor reset and you'll have to spent a lot more to do just a little better.

It always amuses me when someone buys an expensive, hi-efficency condensing furnace and connects it to their old leaky ductwork. Sure it's better than the old furnace, but system efficiency is still poor.

BTW #1, I am a fan of high tech boiler technology too. FWIW, I used to install Viessmann, Buderus and Tasso in the early 90s, before I left the heating contracting biz. But I also offered "ordinary" equipment when the customer was not interested in the esoteric.

BTW #2, I now have a Buderus in my own house, that replaced an Axeman Anderson PO-87. The AA sprung a tube leak one winter day so I had to replace it. As all good flame heads do, I had the AA tuned to the max, firing a Riello F5 at 1.00 GPM (1.10 max firing rate on boiler) with the cover plates fully sealed, flue pipe down sized to create a bit of positive pressure in the chamber and about a 320 degree gross stack temp, over 12% CO2 and no smoke. Little did I know I was getting condensation in the tubes (yes, I should have known better), which horizontal steel tube boilers don't care for. In terms of oil consumption, Big Blue does no better than the AA, maybe not even as well, but hopefully it will last longer than the 12 years I got out of my souped-up Axeman Anderson.

leo g_13

Exactly C,

"But until you price it out, you don't know, and you lose the opportunity to deliver the best solution for a customer, whatever it may be."

I was just trying to fill in the other options.

I still feel that an "ordinary" boiler with a good boiler control and a properly installed system, over the life of the home, is the best bang for the buck in the long run.

If you have to replace these mod/cons every 15-20 years, that adds up to a lot of money and production energy, and transportation fuel,etc.

Leo G




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leo g_13

Sorry

should have answered you first! LOL!!!

Great product, and great support from the factory.

"try it, you'll like it!"

Leo G

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leo g_13

Hey Doc,

The only thing that I would love to see, is more 2-stage "dinasuar" boilers. This would really help in the load matching that you mention.

I know Larrs has come out with a model, but still feel iffy about their heat-x. Though the client that I installed the Larrs into, has been very happy with their fuel usage reduction. In my part of the woods, most of our heating days can be easily supplied by the first stage of the boiler.

If a Burnham, or a Slant/fin or an Allied would produce something like that, I don't think that I would even bother with the mod/cons around here!

Leo G

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