|
Posted by Clark on May 30, 2007, 11:33 pm
> ...sent early by accident
>
> I had a home energy audit done by RISE engineering. They recommend
> installing a Burnham gas steam boiler with an AFUE rating of 82%-86%.
> The price is $4900. They didn't mention a specific model number. Does
> anyone have any experience with this brand? I have the option of adding
> a 41 gallon indirect hot water heater (lifetime warranty, super
> insulated stainless tank, unlimited supply...) for an additional $1800.
> An additional option is a Tekmar outdoor heating system control for
> $800. I checked out the website but I'm not sure exactly how this device
> is supposed to save me money. I don't think I'm, going to go with the
> the two options just the new boiler, but I'm interested in any advice or
> opinions. Thanks
> Dante
>
>
>
Is that an installed price? What is being replaced? How old is the existing
system and what is it's AFUE?
The Tekmar control might make the house more comfortable but might not save
much money. Basically the idea is to set the boiler output temperature low
until it is really cold outside and you need maximum performance from the
radiators. As I understand it, a modulating boiler is needed for the Tekmar
control to be effective and even then it is marginal for a home in terms of
cost savings. Commercial applications are the target market for the Tekmar
controls.
On the negative side: Burnham boilers may have a problem with heat
exchanger leaks on some models. I owned a house with a Burnham boiler that
had obviously dumped a lot of water before I bought the house. Other folks
have reported problems with some Burnham units.
On the positive side: I've had two different houses with indirect water
heaters. They are a very nice way to produce hot water. The only concern is
boiler maintenance and a little extra heat loss from the boiler to hot
water tank piping. Insulation on the pipes takes care of the heat loss and
annual maintenance is required for the high efficiency boilers.
I just replaced my 40+ year old Triad boiler with a Munchkin. Next heating
season will tell the tale of whether or not it was worth the extra expense
to go with a high efficiency boiler. I could have put in a Raypack for
several hundred less...
--
---
there should be a "sig" here
| 
Yahoo! 
Google 
Windows Live 
del.icio.us 
digg 
Netscape 
XML Sitemap