We're having our boiler replaced and could use some advice choosing between a high efficiency and cast iron boiler. We have a single-family house in New England, 1500 sq/ft, insulated walls, with hot water baseboards and a 40gal super store. The two options that were recommended by our plumber are a Lochinvar KBN080 high efficiency and a Burnham ESC3NI-TS cast iron. With a state rebate the HE system only comes in about two or three thousand more expensive than the cast iron.
Theoretically, the HE system would save on fuel cost, as its 95% AFUE vs 85% for the cast iron. However, the HE furnace would require yearly maintenance that's more expensive than the cast iron, and according to my plumber, the cast iron could go with maintenance every other year for the first 6-8 years. I feel like this would pretty quickly wipe out any fuel savings between the two.
Also, in terms of lifespan, I'm told that the cast iron has an expected lifespan of 15-30 years, whereas the HE system is 10-15 but has yet to be proven. Again, wiping out any cost savings of the HE furnace, as I plan to grow old and die in this house.
What I'm wondering is, given these points, is there anything I'm missing that would make me go with the HE boiler, because right now everything I'm seeing is pointing cast iron and eating the additional fuel costs, but with a greater savings overall.
Additionally, if I go with the the cast iron system, I have the options of an outdoor reset card, and a touch screen (both for additional costs). We have 3 zones in the house, and tend to only heat the zones we're occupying at the time. Would the outdoor reset do much for us in terms of comfort and efficiency, or is in not worth the extra cost?
Also, I'm a bit of a hands-on guy, and like to troubleshoot problems myself. Does the screen on the burnham get me a useful interface, or is it mostly just shiny blinky lights?
Thanks
Theoretically, the HE system would save on fuel cost, as its 95% AFUE vs 85% for the cast iron. However, the HE furnace would require yearly maintenance that's more expensive than the cast iron, and according to my plumber, the cast iron could go with maintenance every other year for the first 6-8 years. I feel like this would pretty quickly wipe out any fuel savings between the two.
Also, in terms of lifespan, I'm told that the cast iron has an expected lifespan of 15-30 years, whereas the HE system is 10-15 but has yet to be proven. Again, wiping out any cost savings of the HE furnace, as I plan to grow old and die in this house.
What I'm wondering is, given these points, is there anything I'm missing that would make me go with the HE boiler, because right now everything I'm seeing is pointing cast iron and eating the additional fuel costs, but with a greater savings overall.
Additionally, if I go with the the cast iron system, I have the options of an outdoor reset card, and a touch screen (both for additional costs). We have 3 zones in the house, and tend to only heat the zones we're occupying at the time. Would the outdoor reset do much for us in terms of comfort and efficiency, or is in not worth the extra cost?
Also, I'm a bit of a hands-on guy, and like to troubleshoot problems myself. Does the screen on the burnham get me a useful interface, or is it mostly just shiny blinky lights?
Thanks
