Replacing boiler

I have an old oil-burning boiler that is apparently converted from coal some 20 years ago. I am planning to replace it with a high-efficiency unit(s). Any comments or suggestions for the following three questions would be very helpful. Thanks in advance. _a bit more info on the building_: it is a two-family four-story brownstone from 1888 and therefore rather leaky. Have done a bunch of stuff (including replacing windows in some areas) to reduce draft. We have old cast iron hot-water radiators and would like to keep them. Questions: 1\. whether I should go for a unit operated by natural gas or electricity? In either case, what model(s) would you recommend? 2\. does it make sense to install two separate heating systems so that each unit can control its own heat? (We are renting out the second unit and are planning to do so for many years to come.) 3\. do you have any recommendation for contractors who can give us cost estimates as well as informed advice on how to maximize efficiency?

deanmansion

in Boiler Repair 11 years and 9 months ago

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brucef | 11 years and 8 months ago

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Sounds like you are on the right track. ES2-7 boiler documentation calls for stainless lining only, no masonry flue allowed. It’s 85% is the highest natural drafting ( as opposed to direct venting) boiler on the Nat Grid chart. I think it calls for 6″ flue.

deanmansion | 11 years and 8 months ago

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Hi Everyone again. Thanks for all your very helpful responses. What is your take on Burnham ES2-7 boiler? Any good? Also, I have been told that in older brownstones, we cannot go beyond 85% efficiency. Is this true? Thanks again.

brucef | 11 years and 9 months ago

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One other consideration on Issue #2 regards the venting requirements for two boilers. There may not be sufficient BTU capacity in one flue, requiring relining two flues, which may be more expensive or impractical due to the existing flue layout. I vote for zoning tenants unit separately, but sticking with one higher efficiency boiler.

eman134 | 11 years and 9 months ago

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as gennady points out in his usual sunny manner, it may be cost prohibitive to install 2 separate boilers… again , the only real way to proceed is to take a look at the site and see what you can or cannot do contingent on site conditions and budget

ellenlourie | 11 years and 9 months ago

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> Gennady, why “good luck finding a good steamfitter”? Brownstoner has one right here!

Sorry, my bad.

steam_man | 11 years and 9 months ago

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Gennady, why “good luck finding a good steamfitter”? Brownstoner has one right here! 🙂

ellenlourie | 11 years and 9 months ago

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1\. whether I should go for a unit operated by natural gas or electricity? In either case, what model(s) would you recommend? Gas is cheaper than oil per btu. By switching to gas you just getting cheaper fuel, and not better, more efficient system. You have to look for improving system efficiency and get better, more efficient system, It means look beyond boiler replacement, look at improvement of heating system. Electricity in NY is more expensive than gas per BTU, but in locations where electricity is cheap electric boilers are very good options. 2\. does it make sense to install two separate heating systems so that each unit can control its own heat? (We are renting out the second unit and are planning to do so for many years to come.) You can install separate heating system, but you will have to re-arrange all heating piping, it is expensive and involves considerable construction. If you have steam, good luck finding good steam fitter. Plumbers suck at heating work. if you have hydronic system good luck too. 3\. do you have any recommendation for contractors who can give us cost estimates as well as informed advice on how to maximize efficiency? go to heatinghelp.com and read posts there, it will help you a lot.

JoeBushwick | 11 years and 9 months ago

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Separate systems for each unit makes sense if you can get your tenant to pay for their own utilities. Huge savings to you and it encourages them to not to waste energy. I am a big fan of gas boilers and National Grid does offer some decent incentives to switch. I agree that you should find your own installer – not necessarily one from their list. Just make sure that the plumber knows that you want to get the boiler from National Grid and to factor that into his quote.

Putnamdenizen | 11 years and 9 months ago

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I’ve never heard anyone recommend electric over gas. Efficiency means very little if teh cost is much higher. Also prior posters have said the utility list of “qualified”plumbers is not vetted in anyway.

eman134 | 11 years and 9 months ago

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I certainly would give a free consultation and quote….the devil is in the details with venting natural gas HE boilers…drop me an email at errol832000@hotmail.com

unemployed_master_plumber | 11 years and 9 months ago

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eman will be happy to give you free quote.

unemployed_master_plumber | 11 years and 9 months ago

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You can visit nat grid website they have a list of qualified plumbers for oil to gas conversions and they have a list of discounted boilers. If you want to go electric you have to get electrician to wire boiler. electric boilers are 99% efficient and do not require chimney.