Boiler installation - choosing type- who files and installs ?

We need a new boiler and I do not know what type to get. We have an old 3 story frame house and previous boiler ran on oil – we will convert to gas, with a hot water heating system (mostly old radiators in house). We are on a tight budget as well. As the boiler room is in the lower level of a duplex, part of that basement/English basement area would also be used by a tenant. Finally, one day – maybe in 5 years – we would like to open the fireplace and use it so I want to avoid running pipes up a chimney. 1\. Should we look at to install an atmospheric boiler or condensing boiler? 2\. Who determines what kind/size of boiler is needed and appropriate for the house? 3\. Who files for this – the heating/boiler company that will install it? 4\. Would that same company provide advice as to any requirements of the boiler room, venting, to ensure that all is up to code? Thanks!

anonCH

in About Brooklyn 11 years and 4 months ago

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anonCH | 11 years and 4 months ago

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Thanks all. Super helpful. And Cate, what is this about a ban on wood burning fireplaces???? This is my husbands dream project in 5-10 years????

JoeBushwick | 11 years and 4 months ago

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If you are converting to gas, contact National Grid to see what sort of incentives they are offering. In the past, they would subsidize the purchase of certain boilers.

pythagoras | 11 years and 4 months ago

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master plvmber is correct about the Manual J calculations. But a Manual J calculation is often difficult to get out of many plumbers – it makes them think. It may be a requirement for Dept of Buildings now since they’ve passed the Energy Conservation Code. The Manual J is a calculation approximating the heat loss on you house to make sure that the boiler you install is the right size. Often plumbers oversize and boilers turn on and off frequently, reducing efficiency. A condensing boiler is the way to go. It does mean installing new vent piping. but here’s the equation: do you have an atmospheric draft hot water heater? get rid of it and the boiler, and install a modulating condensing boiler with an indirect tank, and the payback period is a lot less. here’s another part of the equation: do you support fracking in NY state? if not, you should do everything you can to reduce your gas consumption.

cate | 11 years and 4 months ago

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The plumber will do all of this. Consult with a chimney expert to see if you need to make adjustments when you convert and to see the chimney is properly sized for the boiler. They will also be able to tell you if there is room for a gas fireplace. A ban on new wood burning fireplaces takes effect July 2\. It’s not clear if the ban applies to renovations of existing fireplaces and chimneys.

Master Plvmber | 11 years and 4 months ago

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1\. “Tight budget” means you won’t be getting a condensing boiler when you see the price compared to an atmospheric, or standard efficiency, boiler. 2\. A good plumbing/heating contractor will do the proper Manual J calculations to determine BTU output. 3\. The installing contractor. 4\. Yes.