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Boiler fever

TomT
TomT Member Posts: 1
in THE MAIN WALL
I'll cast my vote for the System 2000 (EK-1). Just before this heating season I replaced my old clunker of a steam boiler with FHW baseboard and the EK-1F. I've saved over 50% on my fuel bill this year. This system is incredible. I wish I had done this years ago. Think of the money I could have saved!

Comments

  • Glenn_10
    Glenn_10 Member Posts: 1


    Experts,

    I am a relatively new homeowner confronted with a leaking oil-fired tankless boiler (Utica, circa 1965)situation that needs a remedy.

    In doing my internet based research, I found three ultra-high efficiency boilers that may serve as superior replacements. The three are Boderus, Munckin, and Energy Kinetics K-1. But I have to say, it is a difficult task for the heating novice to differentiate between boiler types and models and come to a conclusion.

    My main goal is to convert to gas (maintenance, add other appliances later), have the capacity to expand zones in the future (2 now) and find the right system to deliver an appropriate economic return. I am willing to pay a premium for high efficiency even with a moderate economic paback...as long as it is the right efficiency. It is extremely hard to come to a decision because the comparative details are just not out there. I am even willing to pay the installer his/her just fees of course. Figuring out what to buy makes the process daunting and intimidating.

    I've been informed that depdening on what I buy a conversion/upgrade to the latest technology will yield on the order of 30% gains in efficiency. But I've also been told that the US efficiency standards are misleading and that European systems have all the added controls and features to capture wasted loses and that these are the way to go.

    Can you, the experts, help me select from the three systems mentioned above? Is this even a good set of finalists?

    I researched the Energy Star website, various governmental agency publications, national industry and non-profit associations, etc...my time into this is substantial but it still seems overwhelming.

    Thanks for fielding a homeowner inquiry.

    Glenn
    Bayport, NY
  • Weezbo
    Weezbo Member Posts: 6,231
    Glenn, take your time and think about this clearly...

    if she would do that to you woldnt getting another like her just end up doing the same?

    i mean this in a good way . i am off to study for an examination in the am:)

    one of my buddies will interpet my words for you more elaborately .... *~/:)
  • Al Letellier_9
    Al Letellier_9 Member Posts: 929
    new boiler

    It's great that the internet has provided so much information and that our clients and potential customers are getting so informed. Here's what you need to do...consult with a professional heating contractor or two. Have this discussion with them. If they know less than you do or can't argue a good case for any/all the equipment you mentioned, talk to some more until you find the right guy for the job. The internet is full information, but is like a lot of intelligent engineers ( God bless them ) who have no or little practical hands-on experience with equipment or how to install it. There is no substitute for field experience when it comes to finding the right equipment for your job. Only a true heating pro can do that for you. This is NOT a DYI project. Get some professional help.

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  • Robert O'Brien
    Robert O'Brien Member Posts: 3,578


    You have 3 very different choices,a German CI triple pass,a Mod/Con and a unique American design.What type of system do you have? How do you want to vent? The EK and Buderus can be switched to burn either gas or oil,is this a factor? It's more a matter of choosing the best for your application rather than the "best"


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  • Nick L. in Vt
    Nick L. in Vt Member Posts: 87
    of the three

    we have had the best of luck with energy kinetics and buderus here in southern vt. the munchkins are excellent, but too tempermental for us to deal/install. have seen many circuit board failures and sensor issues. not happy customers. my .02 cent
  • Steamhead (in transit)
    Steamhead (in transit) Member Posts: 6,688
    Before you switch to gas

    you need to research the cost per BTU of gas vs. oil in your area. Don't forget to include all the little fees and taxes the gas company doesn't want you to consider. You may find that switching to gas won't save you any money over your current oil-fired system, even with a more-efficient boiler.

    Also, don't fall for the line that gas equipment doesn't need any maintenance. Every system should be looked at once a year. And a modern oil burner will NOT soot up a boiler. Ask me how I know that.

    Your best bet might be a boiler whose manufacturer supports the use of either gas or oil. This would allow you to burn whatever is cheapest per BTU. It's not as easy as turning a couple valves and throwing a switch, but it can be done. We will shortly be installing just such a boiler with a power gas burner on it, at a neighbor's house where I can observe it easily.

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