Burnham or Weil McLain (what brand boiler do you recommend?)

We’re looking to replace our 175,000 BTU boiler in Brooklyn. We have a few differing price quotes, but they don’t differ as much as the opinions we’re getting on what brand of boiler to get. Weil McLain and Burnham are the two that people feel most strongly about. What do you think? Also, one person told us that Weil McLain is not even up to code in Brooklyn. Someone else told us that “bells and whistles” that come with the Burnham are unnecessary. And, some companies are saying the WM and Burnham are the same price. Some charge more for the Burnham. What should I do??

windmill

in Boiler Repair 11 years and 7 months ago

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Master Plvmber | 11 years and 7 months ago

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Eman is spot on. Don’t let someone mislead you into thinking that one of the biggest boiler manufacturers in the country is not producing a compliant product or that one is adding unnecessary features that would make their boiler less reliable or less desirable in the field. The only thing I can think of that would make someone say suggest that is to be in compliance with the law, which states every boiler installed after July 2008 must have 2 low water cut off devices added, Burnham’s steam boilers make it easy for the installer while Weil-McLain’s boilers do not inherently provide the means (the threaded port) necessary. In other words, Burnham’s is an easier boiler to comply with that particular code.

eman134 | 11 years and 7 months ago

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same safety features… on a steam system the safety controls that are required by NY boiler code that will have to be included in the installation are 2 low water cutoffs (one will probably be in conjunction with an automatic water feed), a backflow preventor and swing check valve on the water feed, a spill switch, automatic vent damper,a high pressure cutoff with manual reset, a carbon monoxide detector in the boiler room, and red safety switches in the boiler room as well as outside of the rooms fire rated enclosure….oh yeah and if you want better control of the boiler get a vaporstat instead of the crappy liittle pressuretrol that comes with the boiler…and your installer should check all airvents in the system for condition and appropriate sizing Like Gennady said, the boiler is just one piece of a good installation

windmill | 11 years and 7 months ago

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Does the Burnham have more safety features?

ellenlourie | 11 years and 7 months ago

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Both boilers are similar. No difference. Efficiency wise they are the same. All these AFUE numbers are meaningless. Boiler efficiency plays lesser role on your heating bill. Savings depend on proper boiler sizing , near boiler piping, insulation of piping, system condition and set ups. And this part is mostly neglected.

eman134 | 11 years and 7 months ago

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whatever brand you choose, go with the installer in whom you have the most confidence, and who includes resolution of any steam heating issues (banging , uneven heat distribution,etc.) in the installation.

eman134 | 11 years and 7 months ago

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jock..it is a steam system ..an ultra is a high efficiency hot water boiler, and unless they are changing out the entire heating system it will not work. Either the IN6 or EG 50 are a great choice… both have 83% efficiency ratings. You will probably end up with a model with intermittent (piezo) ignition rather than standing pilot for either model. You might also consider an indirect hot water heater to work in conjunction with either boiler

jockdeboeraia | 11 years and 7 months ago

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Go with the Ultra if you are going to own your home for awhile.

windmill | 11 years and 7 months ago

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175.000 BTU steam Burnham IN6 Weil McLain EG-50

eman134 | 11 years and 7 months ago

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weil mclain and burnham are both excellent boilers, top of the line for american made produt. Whoever told you that burnham has bells and whistles and weil mclain is not up to code are idiots. What models are you comparing?