Greenhorn concerning boilers

[LatitudeNorth]

Hi,

Looking for advice between two boiler quotes: Total cost is the about the same for a System 2000 EK-1 or a Burnham EL-1 w/Tekmar Outdoor reset control. Any advice and comments would be appreciated. Thank you.

[johnsp]

Are you not including an indirect tank? I looked at the same 2 systems
and the EK was much higher in price. So for the same money, I got a Phase III Stainless steel indirect, Tekmar 260, and Riello BF burner and had enough left over to get the chimney lined with an 6" stainless steel flex liner. I've been very happy with the LE. I prefer using a boiler with non-proprietary
controls.

[LatitudeNorth]

I did mean the Burnham LE-1. Thanks johnsp for the info and catching the typo. The quotes include an indirect tank, but neither mentions a specific brand or model. I'm leaning towards the LE-1 quote. Thanks again for the info.

[johnsp]

I just think at that high price, you're only getting a basic Beckett burner and a glass lined storage tank. The domestic water is getting heated with a flat plate heat exchanger.
Some people had these things plug up require cleaning. I also prefer having the outdoor reset. The heat feels more comfortable when the Tekmar lowers the boiler temp when it's not as cold out. The EK-1 controls always send the boiler to 180 degrees then purges off the leftover heat out to the zone. Sounds like over heating the
space to me. I hate temp swings like that in a house. The EK-1 needs an approved
dealer to get parts, so if you change oil dealers, you need to find one certified to work on the EK.