weil-mclain ultra

Constantin

Hi Sam,

Since the Ultra has a Aluminum heat exchanger a bit more vigilance than usual is warranted. I would contact George at <a href="http://www.rhomarwater/">Rhomar</a> and see what he suggests. Alternatively, you could also consider the NTI Trinity, Triangle-Tube Prestige, or the Viessmann Vitodens as an alternative to the Ultra. All of them have stainless heat exchangers.

Samantha

Weil-Mclain Ultra

We have a house that was built in the 30's. It has steel pipes leading to large radiators. We are considering having a Weil-Mclain Ultra installed to replace the existing boiler. I am told by one contractor that we must use an inhibitor with the water when installing this boiler as a replacement. The other contractor says he doesn't think so, but will check. Does anyone have experience with this?

Thanks,
Sam.

Samantha

Are there other aluminum boilers?

If so, do they have similar requirements? I like Weil-Mclain, as the boiler that is in here is about 30 years old. I don't necessarily want to change brands.

Sam

Constantin

There is the Buderus GB142...

... which a lot of contractors here have raved about. The dependable MZ from Monitor also features a Aluminum HX. Thus, I wouldn't worry about the material so much as recognize its strenghs and limitations. The water treatments that the likes of George can sell you will see to it that the HX stays as happy as possible.

I wouldn't get too hung up about brands... I'd pay more attention to the brands that your installer/maintenance person is familiar with. If he/she has trained on a specific brand, knows the ins and outs of the boiler, and knows how to follow installation/maintenance instructions, you'll be well-served by any of the brands mentioned above. Thus, if your area of the country is partial to WM, by all means, stick to the Ultra.

However, given that the Ultra has been on the market for a relatively short time and that several teething issues have had to be ironed out, I see no reason to give it preference.

hr

Dunkirk

Quantum is aluminum and has been out 10 years or more, I think PK makes large commercial condensors in aluminum. Don't fear the AL.

hot rod

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Samantha

Do the boilers that you mention need the water

to be treated? Should I believe the contractor who wants to install the boiler with the treated water. I'm still waiting for the other contractor to get back to me.

Sam

George_10

Here is the problem in a nut shell

Aluminum is very sensitive to pH both high or low. The sweet spot on a corrosion chart for aluminum is right at 8.0

Our treatment product keeps the pH at about 8 to 8.5.

It also scavengers the oxygen, inhibits corrosion and scale.
Keeps sludge components in suspension. All of these benefits will help to maintain system efficiency which will show up in less fuel use during the heating season.

Any contractor that is installing aluminum HX boilers is likely to be aware of the TLC needed for these new high efficiency boilers. If you have questions give me a call at 800-543-5975.

Also our web site has info on our products. www.rhomarwater.com

All systems, without regard to the boiler, will benefit from cleaning and treatment; in that system efficiency is maintained and chemical caused breakdowns are kept to a minimum.

Samantha

Thank you, This makes sense to me.

Sam

Todd_11

tight heat exchangers

All these boilers are sensitive to the fluid running throught them. Have your installers add a wye strainer or a caleffei style seperator. This will help ensure boiler longevity.

jim lockard

Boiler Manual

Sam-- Perhaps your one contactor read the Ultra Install manual Page 23 speaks of H2O PH. WWW.Weil-Mclain.com
Best Wishes J.Lockard