Greetings.
I'm a homeowner in central CT. Have been lurking here over the years and have learned a lot as I've undertaken several additions at my home (so thank you!). We currently have oil heat, but gas will be installed in our neighborhood this fall. I'm hoping you all can point me to sources so I can educate myself for the process that will come.
Here are the basics:
1. House: 1975 developer built colonial in central CT. Three additions over the past 17 years. House now totals 3100 sf. Attic has spray foam under the roof deck. All windows have been replaced, so fairly tight envelope overall for a house of this vintage.
2. Heating system: Weil-McClain 68 boiler, 23 years old. Weil-McClain AFG burner. Four baseboard zones, plus fifth zone heated by hot water from boiler circulating through air handler (recent addition where baseboards wouldn't work). Hot water (2.5 baths) is from boiler coil. I've been burning ~800 gallons of oil a year.
3. Family: Me, wife, 3 teenagers. Surprisingly, coil has handled shower load well, but not if two showers need to run simultaneously. Wife and I plan to stay here a while, even as kids depart for college and beyond over next 4 years.
4. Other: I have a propane tank running kitchen range, fireplace and gas grill. During a recent addition, I had these piped to handle gas because I knew it was a possibility.
Given the age of my heating plant (and the fact my oil co. told me two years ago that it was approaching the end of the line), plus the propane appliances, it seems to me a no-brainer to switch to gas. I could also regain some basement space by installing a wall hanging boiler and losing the oil tank.
I have not yet had any contractors in to take a look. I want to be reasonably educated first. Have not had any heat loss calcs done, so I know it's too soon to be spec'ing a system. A few neighbors have started getting quotes, and they have been all over the lot (combi systems, indirect HW, brands, etc)
One thing I have learned reading your threads is that choosing a knowledgeable contractor is paramount. I feel I have to be somewhat knowledgeable myself to make that happen..
My initial questions:
-Any big reasons NOT to switch to gas?
-Where should I start? Any articles or threads you can recommend I read?
-Thoughts on high-efficiency systems vs. regular efficiency?
-Considerations for hot water options (indirect, combi, etc)?
-Any brands to avoid? (I've read that contractor/brand familiarity is more important than brand alone).
-Any other advice?
Many thanks for sharing your wisdom!
Comments
cell # 413-841-6726
https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
Anyone else have any thoughts on this??
cell # 413-841-6726
https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
cell # 413-841-6726
https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
cell # 413-841-6726
https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
Not sure where the lipstick on a pig comment is coming from. There are situations where a buffer is a really good option, as there aren't an infinite range of boiler options out there, especially when the zone loads are small and the days aren't that cold. Buffer is a decent workable solution for those situations where you have existing conditions and can't design it out of the system.
I can also recommend to you a top notch installer from Springfield who will do a really good job.
System Photo: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021738/uploads/FileUpload/79/451e1f19a1e5b345e0951fbe1ff6ca.jpg
Before I decided, I would do a room by room heat loss and do a careful inventory of the emitters.
With this information along with the sizing of the zones, I would look at the required water temps and output of the smallest zones to see which boiler is a better fit.
A low mass high efficiency boiler running at 180 degrees can actually be less efficient than a high mass conventional boiler.
I would highly recommend getting all your details organized and making an educated decision.
Albert Einstein
cell # 413-841-6726
https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
cell # 413-841-6726
https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
cell # 413-841-6726
https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
Sorry @WalnutFarmer to go off topic. Tell us more about the radiators in each of your rooms, fin size, emitter lengths, any hot or cold areas, etc.
System Photo: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021738/uploads/FileUpload/79/451e1f19a1e5b345e0951fbe1ff6ca.jpg
I am not sure where this aversion to buffer tanks comes from...
There are certain applications where they are perfect. IMO, constant circ is absolutely one of them.
The controls need to be a bit different but not outrageously complex. Some mod cons have sensor inputs that will handle the control side.
I just picked up a Caleffi ThermoCon for my house and can't wait to get it setup.
Now for the OP to post some info.
Drum Roll..............
Albert Einstein
It's not an aversion to buffer tanks. It's an aversion to everything that creates a need for them....real, or imagined. Not to sound condescending or anything.
cell # 413-841-6726
https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
Yes, there is some jacket heat loss but with proper insulation it is minimal.
Albert Einstein
cell # 413-841-6726
https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
cell # 413-841-6726
https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
System Photo: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021738/uploads/FileUpload/79/451e1f19a1e5b345e0951fbe1ff6ca.jpg
The boiler manufactures have done a good job of pushing down the minimum fire output of small mod-con boilers in the last couple of years, but they aren't to a point yet where small and/or low-temperature zones will keep the boiler occupied without cycling during shoulder seasons. Gonna need to get quite a bit lower than 8K to achieve that goal.
Is buffer on this system "lipstick on a pig"?
cd8ba0b44a15c10065fd-24461f391e20b7336331d5789078af53.r23.cf1.rackcdn.com/heatinghelp.vanillaforums.com/editor/b5/jr6tx5y75xuh.jpg
System Photo: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021738/uploads/FileUpload/79/451e1f19a1e5b345e0951fbe1ff6ca.jpg
cell # 413-841-6726
https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
cell # 413-841-6726
https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
cell # 413-841-6726
https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
You said the wife wouldn't allow it which was baloney. You forgot my wife also was fine with me mounting a 4" Magnehelic in the livingroom wall to watch steam pressure.
cell # 413-841-6726
https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
cell # 413-841-6726
https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
cell # 413-841-6726
https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
Langans Plumbing & Heating LLC
732-751-1560
Serving most of New Jersey, Eastern Pa .
Consultation, Design & Installation anywhere
Rich McGrath 732-581-3833
Langans Plumbing & Heating LLC
732-751-1560
Serving most of New Jersey, Eastern Pa .
Consultation, Design & Installation anywhere
Rich McGrath 732-581-3833
cell # 413-841-6726
https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
cell # 413-841-6726
https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
cell # 413-841-6726
https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
cell # 413-841-6726
https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
cell # 413-841-6726
https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
cell # 413-841-6726
https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
cell # 413-841-6726
https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
For instance , in New Jersey there are 6,300 (appr) licensed plumbers yet there are really only 650 plumbers or whom I would consider plumbers . Kinda bogus argument Charlie . A homeowner should be able to install in his own home (primary residence) as long as the job is permitted and satisfactorily passes inspection by the AHJ . This is the case in most states I do understand that is not the case in your state however . Extortion at the state level in the cradle of the free US , awesome .
Langans Plumbing & Heating LLC
732-751-1560
Serving most of New Jersey, Eastern Pa .
Consultation, Design & Installation anywhere
Rich McGrath 732-581-3833