Along with prior post on converting a residential boiler from oil to natural gas, this is about the water heater - a standard 40 gal gas tank or indirect.
I am trying to decide on a gas steam boiler and I'm down to Burnham's INS4 (or 5) or Peerless 63-03. I live alone and don't use much hot water.
Are these lower efficiency boilers (about 82 to 83%) nowadays cold start for these specific brands? Meaning I would not heat the boiler water at all during summer if I choose a standard tank? Some say cold start risks problems in Fall start-up. But the KEEA energy website says: "Typically, the controls that reduce off-cycle losses function best with condensing boilers. But any boiler can benefit by being wired for “cold” starts, where no heat is maintained in the boiler unless there is a need for heat in the house. Ask an installer or technician about these options."
Would it be true that the standard tank's lesser efficiency with some energy going up the chimney is not really an issue in my case as there is not a lot of cold water pouring in to heat up given that I don't use much hot water?
Not sure how to compare fuel use comparing a std tank versus an indirect that heats and uses the boiler water to warm domestic water. Given I use so little hot water. I don't like the thought of firing up the boiler once or twice a day in summer, but I also don't like a rupturing std tank risk.
If the gas standard tank costs about $1000 installed and is $1000 less than an indirect, I'm assuming I could buy two standard tanks instead of 1 indirect and get 12 years maybe, maybe it "evens out".
This is the new Peerless Indirect (steam only).
http://www.peerlessboilers.com/Prod...ner/tabid/130/Default.aspx#dnn_productratings
Thoughts appreciated on helping me sort this out - std tank or indirect.
I am trying to decide on a gas steam boiler and I'm down to Burnham's INS4 (or 5) or Peerless 63-03. I live alone and don't use much hot water.
Are these lower efficiency boilers (about 82 to 83%) nowadays cold start for these specific brands? Meaning I would not heat the boiler water at all during summer if I choose a standard tank? Some say cold start risks problems in Fall start-up. But the KEEA energy website says: "Typically, the controls that reduce off-cycle losses function best with condensing boilers. But any boiler can benefit by being wired for “cold” starts, where no heat is maintained in the boiler unless there is a need for heat in the house. Ask an installer or technician about these options."
Would it be true that the standard tank's lesser efficiency with some energy going up the chimney is not really an issue in my case as there is not a lot of cold water pouring in to heat up given that I don't use much hot water?
Not sure how to compare fuel use comparing a std tank versus an indirect that heats and uses the boiler water to warm domestic water. Given I use so little hot water. I don't like the thought of firing up the boiler once or twice a day in summer, but I also don't like a rupturing std tank risk.
If the gas standard tank costs about $1000 installed and is $1000 less than an indirect, I'm assuming I could buy two standard tanks instead of 1 indirect and get 12 years maybe, maybe it "evens out".
This is the new Peerless Indirect (steam only).
http://www.peerlessboilers.com/Prod...ner/tabid/130/Default.aspx#dnn_productratings
Thoughts appreciated on helping me sort this out - std tank or indirect.