Boiler Recommendation

[NbyNW]

I am putting in a boiler soon, just wanted to know some opinions on what brands I should look at.

I have six cast iron radiators I will be heating with it, I am running a closed system at this time. Four or five loops, all operating on the same temp controls. It needs to be in the 75k to 125k BTU range. I only have access to Propane.

I am in northern Michigan, so it can get chilly in winter.

I would like to spend 1500 to 2000 on it, and am trying to get something 90% efficiency or better.

Any suggestions if this is possible or what brands are most reliable from your experience would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[RECox286]

I'm not a HVAC or Plumbing guy, just one that has been through the ins and

outs, the ups and downs of watching homes during the winter, and I have

seen a lot of problems over the last 35 years. So, here goes:

The higher the efficiency, the lower the exhaust gas temp. Some units go

even further by closing the smoke pipe, with a butterfly valve arrangement,

to keep the boiler from losing more heat while it is in idle mode (not burning).

The combustion products are kept in the boiler to leach the acids and

water which attack the innards of the machine, causing corrosion and

eventually failure, leading to replacement or expensive repair. A slightly less

efficient boiler, but more a bit more expensive to run, will last longer, and

an ancient 50% efficiency boiler will probably last your lifetime with normal

maintenance. I got a Weil Mclean VHE that touted around 80% about

20 years ago. It uses metal smoke pipe, and you dare not keep your hand

on it b/c it is so hot when burning. However, there is no evidence that

it will give up any time soon. Mine used Propane to begin with, but when

NG came down the street, I switched ASAP, got a NG retrofit kit for the

boiler, and it has been chugging merrily along ever since. I did have trouble

with the Start Control Valve, but a new one 15 years ago must have had

an upgrade, and it works still. The only other problem is the hot ignition

surface (glow plug) and I keep one in stock for those times when the igniter

goes bump in the night.

I guess what I'm saying is if you can get a boiler that does not use PVC to

port the exhaust gasses, and does not require a condensate pump, then

(according to Garp) do so by all means.

Good hunting, I hope some of this plays in your choice.

Uncle Bob

 

[NbyNW]

I appreciate the words Bob. My first choice would be an older boiler, I have been around a few of them and agree with their ability to last many years. Unfortunately I don't want to wait any longer for someone to do a changeover.

The PVC comments are new to me. I will look into this.

 

[Rockhead261]

Can't go wrong with Weil McLain or Burnham. There are plenty of other brands that offer quality products for low prices. As with most HVAC components, the installer is more important than the equipment. Just stay away from steel vessels and you'll do fine.

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