Improving Gas Boiler Operation
History – purchased a new gas boiler in 2007 and realized cost savings despite the higher cost of fuel. Hoping to further improve the boiler’s efficiency this year I had a plumber look at the unit. He suggested we install an outdoor reset control; increase the size of the pump; and increase the amount of…
History – purchased a new gas boiler in 2007 and realized cost savings despite the higher cost of fuel. Hoping to further improve the boiler’s efficiency this year I had a plumber look at the unit. He suggested we install an outdoor reset control; increase the size of the pump; and increase the amount of air to the burners. Are any of these changes likely to yield addt’l savings?
Thank you all for responding so quickly. Based on your feedback, I’ll get a second opinion (SteamMan is right you have to keep your sense of humor) and if the ODR work is doable, I’ll “work up” a quick cost/benefit analysis. I’ll keep you posted on my progress.
This question is right up my alley. One of the greatest lessons I have learned from working on large scale plants is this: There is no such thing as a free lunch. Even when the construction manager is paying for it! ROFLMAO!!!
Ok enough cheesy construction humor. The fact is that edkopel hit the nail on the head and MasterPlvmber gave you the good, short answer.
My concern with the pump replacement is that your pump should have been correctly sized during the boiler replacement. A bigger pump would definitely use more energy. I might suggest to you if I were more familiar with your job, a variable speed pump like the Taco 00 Delta-T. Of course the pump cost money and that would have to be weighed against savings over time, hence the “No free lunch.” comment.
As far as the excess air to your burner. Unless the plumber stuck a combustion analyzer into the stack and could actually see what the flue gas components were, then he shouldn’t be telling you to increase the amount of air to the burner. Sounds gross but it’s kinda like the doctor needing a stool sample to see what is going on in your gut before adjusting your intake!
Hey, you have to make this stuff fun sometimes!
Good luck.
-Steam Man
The ODR control, yes. Especially if it included multiple indoor sensors. But for it to really make a difference, you have to be piped for it.
Can you post or link to a pic?
it completely depends upon the design of your system…an outdoor reset would certainly increase efficiency, but would probably entail the installation of new controls..if you want a free consultation email me at errol832000@yahoo.com
Wouldnt a bigger pump require more energy?