boiler replacment opinion on the West Coast

Alister · August 3

I’m a home owner and am looking for some opinions to cross reference the bids of installers. Many seem to steer me to a boiler and tankless water heater. My triangle tube solo boiler for heat and my Takagi 3 tankless water heater for DHW needs to be replaced soon so I’d appreciate some feedback. I live on the coast of San Francisco. My house has staple up floor hydronic heating zones and the walls are insulated with R13 and floors and ceiling at R30. I’ve done a rough total house heat loss calculation of 35K. We have 2 full time residents but run a regularly booked Airbnb frequently with 4 guests

In looking back and with current research it seems my installer did not account for the value of stored thermal mass even though I have a decent size mechanical room.

Now that gas and electricity costs are much higher, I’m thinking of going with a Viessman Vitodens 200 boiler, 80 or 120 gal Vitocell 300 indirect tank for DHW. I’m also considering 2-3 solar thermal panels now or in the future. I'm mainly interested in the Viessman for the integration and ease of installation even though it's more expensive.Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.

Jamie Hall · August 3

Calling @Alan (California Radiant) Forbes !

EBEBRATT-Ed · August 3

Viessman is considered top of the line if you have someone who knows how to service them. To me tankless water heaters are problematic.

hot_rod · August 3

Air to water heat pumps are common in that area, climate is a good match, incentives are available.

Corey Page posts a lot of HP conversation on his IG account, in that area

EdTheHeaterMan · August 4

In your situation, I like the indirect water heater idea. Viessmann is a good product. Is there a Energy Kinetics dealer nearby? They basically invented the Thermal Purge control system, for their residential boiler systems, years ago. That will offer additional savings.

Just a thought

Roger · August 4

Thank you for thinking of us, @EdTheHeaterMan , although we do not have distribution in Northern California.

Best,

Roger

mattmia2 · August 4

There are a number of other manufacturers that have similar integrated controls to the viessman now too.

Alan (California Radiant) Forbes · August 4

I have the same setup as you are suggesting except my Viessmann (V.) is a 100 series. No need for the 200 unless you have lots of peripheral equipment (mixing valves, solar, etc.).

I service many V. boilers in the City, East Bay, Marin and South Bay and stock the most common replacement parts as, unfortunately, parts are not available locally. I urge my customers to stock these parts there, with the boiler in case I run out or if they call in someone else for repairs.

The 120 gallon indirect sounds too big for you. I’d go with the 80 gallon. V. has the best stainless indirects. None of the ones I’ve installed over the last 40 years have failed.

Lochinvar also makes a great boiler and they, along with V. have good technical support.

Edit:

"In looking back and with current research it seems my installer did not account for the value of stored thermal mass even though I have a decent size mechanical room."

Stored thermal mass? I don't understand.

"I’m also considering 2-3 solar thermal panels now or in the future."

Oh, I see. The solar add on is why you wanted the 200 Vitodens. I'd skip the solar thermal. Too expensive to maintain and repair. Solar electric is a better option.

boiler replacment opinion on the West Coast

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