Pricing for Boiler and hot water heaters a lot more than I expected

I have to replace both my boiler and two hot water heaters. I had done research online and expected the boiler to come to about $5k. I got two different quotes from plumbers recommended here on Brownstoner and got similar prices: $9k for the boiler and $1,500 for each hot water heater. The boiler quoted is “175,000 BTU hydronic.”

Would the discrepancy between my online research and these quotes come down to everything is more expensive in NYC?

Should I try to find a better price?

If I do suck it up and spend $12k, how long can I expect these to last?

jzeitlin

in Plumbing 9 years and 2 months ago

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daveinbedstuy | 9 years and 2 months ago

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> @mozeeatupu
> DIBS, what make/models?

80,000 BTU by Weatherzone and 40 gal Rheem water heater

jzeitlin | 9 years and 2 months ago

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Thanks for all the advice. Yes, this did include installation. Sounds like it’s the right price but I will ask all the detailed follow-up questions to make sure I’m getting what I need.

mozeeatupu | 9 years and 2 months ago

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DIBS, what make/models? Also need to get this done

daveinbedstuy | 9 years and 2 months ago

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I just paid 12K in Philadelphia for a high efficiency gas fired forced air furnace and a high efficiency hot water heater that are both vented using PVC. No permits needed.

chjuran | 9 years and 2 months ago

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12K seems reasonable with installation

eman134 | 9 years and 2 months ago

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My contact info is in my profile, and could possiblyoffer better pricing but if the job is filed and inspected, the price is not unrealistic. The make and model of a hydronic boiler makes a huge difference in pricing. . If it is a plain vanilla boiler, make sure that the price includes a chimney inspection and contingency for any conditions. Remember that NYC boiler code requires a lot more controls than what you see on the internet. In NYC you need 2 low water cutoffs, one with manual reset, a high temp cutoff with manual reset , two shutoff switches, a spill switch if appropriate, backflow preventer, and pressure reducing valves at minimum. Make sure that you are getting 10 year hot water heaters, not the cheaper 6 year models, and if you have a multifamily, make sure that the warranty is valid for multifamily use.

mhquinones | 9 years and 2 months ago

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Does this include labor for installing the boiler and the hot water heaters? Or just the cost of the units?