Part A
I am going to replace my mod/con gas boiler (94% AFUE) because it has had three failures in 12 years (company name begins with B). For each failure, I was out of the country for an extended period in winter. Twice the exhaust blower had to be replaced (different problems), with a corresponding delay waiting for parts to be overnighted. If it were not for these failures, I would say that I am pleased with the comfort and operation of the boiler. Compared to the previous oil-fired, 40 year old original, the comfort and operation is great! I now have internet connected thermostats so I can monitor for possible heating failures.
Conditions: 1950’s, well-built home in upstate New York, upgraded insulation and windows; baseboard emitters, most rooms have excess output for heating requirements so low circ temps work ok, 4 thermostat zones and two radiant floor heat zones without thermostats (They work really, really well. Explanation by request.); boiler provides indirect hot water to a 40 gal tank; outdoor reset not used but water temp is actively managed when I am home or set to 135f when I am away.
I am also not sure if a mod/con boiler is the best choice. I am willing to pay extra for the high efficiency version and I need to stay with a low temperature, side wall vent. I want the efficiency AND reliability.
Should I consider a non-condensing boiler in hopes of improved reliability? I have seen just as many failures for other non-mod/con installations. Did I buy a race car that should have been expected to be babied? I am considering a replacement from a company that starts with V. The manufacturer is better represented locally (parts off the shelf). But an annual servicing will run ~$500. Would this be swapping a Ferrari for a Porsche when a Ford would do just as well?
My background is in physics and engineering and it can skew my thinking because I love to understand and be involved in the nuances of physical processes. Certain joys come with a cost. I know.
Thoughts?
Part B
Here is a (unrelated) question. Observing the exhaust from my boiler in operation. There is always a cloud of condensate in the air at the vent. Does that mean that there is uncaptured heat since the moisture has not condensed in the heat exchanger? Or does the cloud represent the captured heat-bearing condensate?
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