Gas and Oil Home Heating Furnaces - Direct Vent Boiler concern
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stephen001
12-08-02, 11:53 PM
In brief. I need a new gas boiler AND I need $2,000 (lowest estimate) in chimney relining, pointing, etc. AND the current boiler exhausts across the house (12 feet to the chimney) through an asbestos pipe that has seen better days.
I've read a little about Direct Vent boilers and Indirect Water Heaters (requiring no vent pipe).
So...I was thinking this could be an option. I can't find any info on the price of these items. I checked out the Dunkirk (Quantum Leap model) website and it sure looks appealing.
Any advice, info would be greatly appreciated.
Posted this in Gas Appliances forum too. Wasn't sure where to go.
I've read a little about Direct Vent boilers and Indirect Water Heaters (requiring no vent pipe).
So...I was thinking this could be an option. I can't find any info on the price of these items. I checked out the Dunkirk (Quantum Leap model) website and it sure looks appealing.
Any advice, info would be greatly appreciated.
Posted this in Gas Appliances forum too. Wasn't sure where to go.
trinitro
12-09-02, 10:09 AM
Most (if not all) furnaces are induced draft, and require no chimney. Some (78 or 80 AFUE) require a high temperature plastic or metal vent, and some (90 AFUE) can use a standard PVC pipe as the vent. They can be vented either through the chimney, or through an outside wall. The 90 AFUE pipe is basically cold to the touch.
You can also use an induced draft water heater, all require a high temperature plastic or metal vent, but they require no chimney. One thing you loose is that if you have no power you have no hot water.
You can also use an induced draft water heater, all require a high temperature plastic or metal vent, but they require no chimney. One thing you loose is that if you have no power you have no hot water.
HomerJSimpson
12-09-02, 01:21 PM
You may also use a power venter. The power venter mounts outside the house and sucks the vent gasses out. You can use one power venter for you boiler and hot water heater. The good thing about this option is that you don't need expensive stainless steel vent pipe. If you do get an indirect hot water heater, beware of pro-rated lifetime warranties. Some of the “pros” that I talked to where against indirect HWH because they obviously require the boiler to fire up every time you use hot water. Well, just more to think about. Good luck.
Brewbeer
12-11-02, 08:15 AM
Just replaced my old boiler with a natural gas fired Utica.
The regular model (80%) vented through an existing chimney.
The higher-efficiency model (87%) is direct vented through the wall, no chimney required.
My plumber quoted me $2,600 for the regular boiler, and $3,600 for the higher efficiency model. Went with the higher efficiency model. Gas Company gave me $500 rebate for getting a high efficiency model (>85%).
An indirect fired water heater, such as a super stor, is was a $1,200 option. B/c my chimney is in good shape, and I won't be staying in the house for very long, I went with the regular gas hot water heater ($450) vented through the chimney. The plumber advised against the power vented water heater in favor of the indirect fired model.
Had boiler fired indirect hot water heater in my last house. Loved it! Stainless steel construction, lifetime warranty, never ran out of hot water. Very efficient way to heat water. Some folks I spoke with prefer this method, as it keep the boiler from sitting "idle" all summer. Never had any problems with this set up.
The regular model (80%) vented through an existing chimney.
The higher-efficiency model (87%) is direct vented through the wall, no chimney required.
My plumber quoted me $2,600 for the regular boiler, and $3,600 for the higher efficiency model. Went with the higher efficiency model. Gas Company gave me $500 rebate for getting a high efficiency model (>85%).
An indirect fired water heater, such as a super stor, is was a $1,200 option. B/c my chimney is in good shape, and I won't be staying in the house for very long, I went with the regular gas hot water heater ($450) vented through the chimney. The plumber advised against the power vented water heater in favor of the indirect fired model.
Had boiler fired indirect hot water heater in my last house. Loved it! Stainless steel construction, lifetime warranty, never ran out of hot water. Very efficient way to heat water. Some folks I spoke with prefer this method, as it keep the boiler from sitting "idle" all summer. Never had any problems with this set up.