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Greetings:
I need to replace the boiler for my hot water baseboard heating system. I am not sure whether to choose a cast iron or copper boiler. The old one was a AO Smith copper boiler. Contractor opinions on cast iron vs. copper vary and I was curious as to the opinion of the board on these two different types. Any quick advice would be greatly appreciated as I need to move on this ASAP before another cold snap returns to Cleveland.
Also, is a chimney liner required for either of these two boilers? I have what I understand to be called an “inside” chimney where only the last few feet are exposed out of the roof.
Thanks
Replies
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Hi-
Last year I had my boiler replaced (by the previous owner before we purchased the house) with a Lochinvar Mini-Fin copper tube boiler (www.lochinvar.com). I have mixed feelings about it, as there seem to be some advantages but also some things I am not impressed with. I believe copper fin type units may be more efficient overall as they have better heat transfer qualities than cast-iron units. The Lochinvar, for cleaning purposes, only requires that you undo the gas line and remove two screws- then the whole gas train slides right out the front for access. I have had some condensation problems (may be just with my particular unit) which smells when the water hits the burners, and I would definetly say that not as many contractors service copper tube units (have had trouble finding help). It is very light in weight which easies intall, but I don't think it is built as robust as some cast iron units either.
As far as cast iron, I have little experience but there are more of them around, more guys seems familar with them, and my friend has had a Hydro-Therm which went 26 years before it died. They replaced it with a Weil-McLain Gold series, which appears to be a very nice unit. Look for things like how hard it is to get the access panels off if you need to check for that dreaded water drip somewhere, how close are the electricals to the heat source, etc. Self serviceability is big to me, if I can get access at a lot of it and at least diagnose what a problem may be, you have a hand up in the situation.
Bottom line- if I had to buy one today I'd go cast iron.
As for the Chimney liner, I know they put a 5" aluminum one in my house due to code I think, and most units now require an automatic backdraft preventer (which a lot of them come with).
Hope this helps-
Brian
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Greetings:
I need to replace the boiler for my hot water baseboard heating system. I am not sure whether to choose a cast iron or copper boiler. The old one was a AO Smith copper boiler. Contractor opinions on cast iron vs. copper vary and I was curious as to the opinion of the board on these two different types. Any quick advice would be greatly appreciated as I need to move on this ASAP before another cold snap returns to Cleveland.
Also, is a chimney liner required for either of these two boilers? I have what I understand to be called an "inside" chimney where only the last few feet are exposed out of the roof.
Thanks