sharkytm
12-27-2008, 12:08 AM
I've contracted a local heating/plumbing company (really only one guy, but I'm ok with that, he's been responsive to calls on weekends and at night) to replace an old oil-fired boiler that has lived a 26-year life, and is in need of replacement (it was fine in the summer, but can't keep the coil hot enough for the cold months). My house is in the Northeast, 2000sqft, and currently has 2 zones. I've just added cell. insulation into the attic to reach ~R-60 up there, and the main house is 2x6, and is insulated pretty well. The heating system is hydronic baseboard. I'm moving to gas for several reasons, which he agreed with. I've gotten a bunch of great references, and I trust him more than any of the other 4 I called.
My original choice, from research here and elsewhere, was the HTP Munchkin Contender (a MC-120, which goes down to 44K, and has a SS316 HX), and a HTP SuperStor Ultra 45G for my DWH. We talked it over, and found that the gas company was offering the Burnham Freedom (120K down to 40K and has an AL HX) for about $2500 less than he could get the Contender. I looked at the specs, and like the slightly lower minimum firing rate. We agreed on it. The pricing was a little higher than others, but he was willing to come out and talk to me on weekends and after work, which is critical to me. (I'm not home during the day, and I'm gone for many weeks in the summer)
I've already ordered the Freedom, its arrived, and he's mounted it. He's run the gas lines, and has started designing the piping. However, it seems that he's never installed this exact model before, and is running into some snags. First of all, he claims that the circulator is under-sized, and he needed to order a larger one. This doesn't feel right to me, and I'm worried that he's in over his head and not telling me.
Anyhow, I know that the AL HX's are very sensitive to water pH, and that the water should be tested regularly. I know there are specific additives that must be/can't be added to the system.
Anything else I should know about this specific boiler?
Is there a question or two that I could ask that would show if he was in over his head, or knew what he was doing with this modcon boiler?
I'm also slightly afraid that he oversized the boiler for the house (as most do), as he didn't do a heat-loss calc. Should I have him do one before the boiler is actually installed?
Thanks in advance.
My original choice, from research here and elsewhere, was the HTP Munchkin Contender (a MC-120, which goes down to 44K, and has a SS316 HX), and a HTP SuperStor Ultra 45G for my DWH. We talked it over, and found that the gas company was offering the Burnham Freedom (120K down to 40K and has an AL HX) for about $2500 less than he could get the Contender. I looked at the specs, and like the slightly lower minimum firing rate. We agreed on it. The pricing was a little higher than others, but he was willing to come out and talk to me on weekends and after work, which is critical to me. (I'm not home during the day, and I'm gone for many weeks in the summer)
I've already ordered the Freedom, its arrived, and he's mounted it. He's run the gas lines, and has started designing the piping. However, it seems that he's never installed this exact model before, and is running into some snags. First of all, he claims that the circulator is under-sized, and he needed to order a larger one. This doesn't feel right to me, and I'm worried that he's in over his head and not telling me.
Anyhow, I know that the AL HX's are very sensitive to water pH, and that the water should be tested regularly. I know there are specific additives that must be/can't be added to the system.
Anything else I should know about this specific boiler?
Is there a question or two that I could ask that would show if he was in over his head, or knew what he was doing with this modcon boiler?
I'm also slightly afraid that he oversized the boiler for the house (as most do), as he didn't do a heat-loss calc. Should I have him do one before the boiler is actually installed?
Thanks in advance.