Heating System Replacement

[Charlie T]

Originally Posted by swnoel

Welcome to my world... wait till those Mitsubishi mini split evaporator leak from substandard materials. They're already happening , but I shouldn't tip anyone off yet.
I agree, most US boiler manufacturer have reduced the thickness of their castings and many leak prematurely or crack. This is why steel is a good option. Quality Control??? LOL Stay away from wall hung units that claim 95% efficiencies on Baseboard systems...you'll be lucky to get 10 years out of them!

It's my hope to get at least 20 and hopefully 30 + years out of this boiler. Thats why I"m doing my due diligence now.

If I can only compile a list of local contractors that people have had good luck with. Does anybody have any names they can share / recommend?

Thanks

[swnoel]

Originally Posted by Charlie T

It's my hope to get at least 20 and hopefully 30 + years out of this boiler. Thats why I"m doing my due diligence now.



Thanks

No guarantee you'll get 30 years, but you should get 15-20 years. There's a lot more options with propane direct vent, but there are options with oil and I'd suggest a Riello burner for direct venting and whatever block you decide, a domestic one or foreign. 3 pass would be better than pin style if you're looking for a bit more efficiency. If you want the most efficient it's this one, the problem you'll have is finding someone with the knowledge and expertise. https://energykinetics.com/wp-conten...solute-oil.pdf No matter what you decide on, the installer, one servicing it and yearly maintenance is critical to longevity of any system.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Charlie T

It's my hope to get at least 20 and hopefully 30 + years out of this boiler. Thats why I"m doing my due diligence now.

If I can only compile a list of local contractors that people have had good luck with. Does anybody have any names they can share / recommend?

Thanks

A quality American made cast iron boiler such as Weil Maclain or HB Smith will last 20 to 30 years. Plus cast iron holds heat much longer. I don't believe you will get that out of a steel boiler, esp the ones that are made with Chinese crap steel.

I've busted up a few Weil Maclain boilers that were 25 plus years old, to get them out of a basement or crawlspace, and the were still pretty solid and leak free.

Finding an installer that won't cost you and arm and a leg will be the difficult part.

[swnoel]

Originally Posted by Biggd

A quality American made cast iron boiler such as Weil Maclain or HB Smith will last 20 to 30 years. Plus cast iron holds heat much longer. I don't believe you will get that out of a steel boiler, esp the ones that are made with Chinese crap steel.

I've busted up a few Weil Maclain boilers that were 25 plus years old, to get them out of a basement or crawlspace, and the were still pretty solid and leak free.

Finding an installer that won't cost you and arm and a leg will be the difficult part.

LOL... they use to built well.... just like cars, appliances, etc. you're living in the old days if you believe they last 30 years!

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by swnoel

LOL... they use to built well.... just like cars, appliances, etc. you're living in the old days if you believe they last 30 years!

I guess time will tell. I installed my new HB Smith boiler 4 years ago, no issues yet. It looked to be the same quality as one I installed 30 years ago in another home I owned.

As far as cars go, I'm an auto mechanic by trade and most of the cars today are far superior to any cars made 30 years ago. As a matter of fact some of the worst cars ever built where made in the 80's. I will agree that appliances are crap today though.

I'm 65 so as long as it outlasts me I'm fine.