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Boilers - Aluminum vs. Stainless

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k2p2
k2p2 Member Posts: 5
in THE MAIN WALL
I am new to this site and very much a novice. My home in Seattle is 10 years old and has an "open" hydronic heating system. Two hot water tanks in garage provide both heating and potable water...water flows to in-wall fan radiators for heat. I've been cautioned that this system is potentially dangerous..and it's noisy with PVC venting.

Friend of mine is suggesting a GB142 boiler with Mega-Stor 53 storage tank. Question: Why do some boilers have aluminum inside and others have stainless steel? I have pex-al-pex tubing..not sure if I have that quite right...that I'm told needs to have a lower pressure than current operation.

Thanks for reading. Also, I need to learn more about all of this. Any ideas for websites dedicated to details about hydronic heating function and set-up?

-Leigh

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  • Paul Pollets
    Paul Pollets Member Posts: 3,656
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    Seattle

    Leigh, we prefer stainless steel heat exchangers rather than aluminum, as SS is far more corrosion resistant. Our shop is in Ballard, and we'd be happy to help you. Often, non-barrier Pex was used in the open systems to the wall convectors. That (non-barrier Pex) also plays a role in what system can be used and how a new boiler is piped in.

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  • Singh_9
    Singh_9 Member Posts: 24
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    Leigh

    Some manufacturers use aluminum because of it's greater heat transfer capabilities, and to be able to cast a uniform thickness throughout the heat exchanger.
    Both aluminum and stainless steel are vulnerable to corrosion. SS with high levels of chlorine in an open system may also cause premature failure. PH levels should be checked and maintained on both type heat exchangers.

    Otherwise the GB142 is a good unit.

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  • EricAune
    EricAune Member Posts: 432
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    You have found it!

    This is the best site available. There are some sites that are informational, but most are sales driven and promote a single product.

    Check out the many books available here. I have been working in this field for only 15 years, I have not come across written material as useful Dan's books.

    P.S.
    I do not get paid to say such things, I do feel there are some of the most knowledgeable people frequenting this site.

    Peace

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    "If you don't like change, your going to like irrelevance even less"
  • KevinCorr
    KevinCorr Member Posts: 106
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    I agree with Eric. Dan's books on hydronics are the BEST!
  • CMadatMe
    CMadatMe Member Posts: 3,086
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    Alum vs Stainless

    The easiset was to anwser your question is to look at the table of metals. Stainless is by far a better material. Like the post below alum is used because of it's heat transfer but what it gives longevity. While it's not avail to the rest of the country only the Northeast right now I would look at the Vitodens Boiler from Viessmann. I have a post in the thread on the boiler so I won't go into it here. The biggeset advantage that I didn't state in my thread is 2yr warranty parts, 10 years full on heat exchanger but it's pro-rated and you will never pay more than 50% of it's value after the 15th year for a replacement. Every other manufacture warranty is only 1yr parts and 10yrs on heat exchanger after that you are on you own.
    "The bitter taste of a poor installation remains much longer than the sweet taste of the lowest price."
  • KevinCorr
    KevinCorr Member Posts: 106
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    "...Every other manufacture warranty is only 1yr parts and 10yrs on heat exchanger after that you are on you own..."

    You could look into what Energy Kinetics means by "Limited night time Warranty"

    I installed a gas fired System 2000 in Seattle about 20 yrs ago which is still going strong and it is steel not stainless, not cast iron. SS is not necessary depending on the design, that is if there is no condensation.
  • CMadatMe
    CMadatMe Member Posts: 3,086
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    I thought

    we were talking about gas condensing wall hungs on this thread. I don't see a gas boiler on EK site more than 85 percent AFUE
    "The bitter taste of a poor installation remains much longer than the sweet taste of the lowest price."
  • KevinCorr
    KevinCorr Member Posts: 106
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    Yes, their gas boiler is non condensing. It is 86% and afue is only part of the efficiency picture. Since OP is a novice and is shopping for a boiler, why would you limit the information to "gas condensing wall hungs on this thread."

    OP stated:
    "...Also, I need to learn more about all of this. Any ideas for websites dedicated to details about hydronic heating function and set-up?..."

    Apparently it is only you and not the OP who wants to limit the discussion.

  • EricAune
    EricAune Member Posts: 432
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    hear, hear!

    "If you don't like change, your going to like irrelevance even less"
  • Steve Ebels_3
    Steve Ebels_3 Member Posts: 1,291
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    Steve is........

    Throwing a bag of popcorn in the microwave and going to sit back and watch the fight...................I mean discussion.

    ;)
This discussion has been closed.

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