Heating Help

follow

@ March 23, 2012 4:43 PM in What's the BEST solution for this...

the directions with the boiler. They put a lot of work in that boiler and the only time I've had an issue with it was when someone didnt follow their directions...

training

@ March 21, 2012 6:11 PM in training

Looking for a school in the new england region that does training and licensing for ac. There is one in Maine but they are booked through November, if anyone has any suggestions it would be greatly appreciated..

??

@ March 11, 2012 3:00 PM in Awareness: A little tidbit

"They alway's smelled the smell" And no one did a pressure test of the system?? That's scary......I dont care how difficult it will be, we shut the system's down and do pressure test's for any and all call's for odors..no matter how small.... 

same here

@ March 11, 2012 2:35 PM in Time spent on Mod/Con maintenance

Between 2 to 3 hours depending on the make of the unit, and whether it was done properly the year before...

at minimum

@ March 9, 2012 6:58 PM in Do I need a new furnace / boiler?

have a flow restrictor and a mixing valve installed. If you are able, having an indirect installed would over time save you in oil consumption. It would also give you all the hot shower's/tub's you would want...

where

@ March 6, 2012 6:57 AM in Munchkin Contender MC-80 on the fritz... Help!?!

in the world are you located? I would recommend shutting the system down completely until repaired. Yes it's a pain but at least you can live with the pain....I dont believe the unit is a lemon, it must be maintained properly by a certified trained tech each year. Sound's like your's is missing this part.

If

@ March 5, 2012 4:29 PM in Old Home-Bad Duct Design

the option is there for a hydronic system that would be my option in a heart beat.

start with

@ March 4, 2012 8:14 AM in rockport8@verizon.net

A heat loss to the building. Once that is done, look at the unit's of choice and compare the warranty's. You will find that the HX has a long warranty but the parts in the system generally have a shorter warranty (controls, electronics). Then search for them online to see review's of each system. I also like to watch for comments about tech support as a company standing behind a product is what counts in my book....The next issue is the installer. Is he familiar with your choice and will he install it per manufacturer specs. Last, will he be  there in 6 month's to a year or two when it  needs servicing or if something malfunction's...

I would

@ March 3, 2012 11:43 AM in Question

rather have the contractor mad at me for doing it right, compared to him pointing his finger at me when doing it wrong causes a problem.....

you could

@ March 3, 2012 11:25 AM in Above-ground Oil Tank Leak at Fill-Pipe?

also look into the option of having the tank replaced. 40 years old has paid for itself and new tank and piping is not a bad option...Little more expensive now but cheaper than a leak...IMHO...

I like

@ March 2, 2012 9:56 PM in Life Expectancy of CO Detectors

Al's thought but generally tell people no more than 4 years.....I do suggest people read the manual that comes with the unit or check with the manufacturer to see if they suggest an earlier replacement...

last I knew

@ March 2, 2012 9:53 PM in constant ignition required

There are two warm air furnaces on the market (sorry dont remember the brands) that state in their manual to stay constant ignition. I'll try and find the info this weekend ...

I

@ February 28, 2012 5:27 AM in Indirect tank proximity to boiler

prefer locating the tank closer....not a fan of recirc loops.

how

@ February 23, 2012 7:31 PM in Do I need a new furnace / boiler?

about some pic's of your boiler and the pipe's around the boiler itself..

The

@ February 21, 2012 4:34 PM in excess oil

general rule of thumb is  no. Once delivered it become's contaminated with everything in your tank so cannot be re-sold. If your intentions are to swap to NG, I would recommend calling your supplier early and having them take you off auto delivery until your sure. Just remember to monitor your usage...btw, you cannot use a condensing boiler with steam. If it were me, I would look into the Burnham megasteam but that is not yet rated for NG....

you could

@ February 20, 2012 9:14 PM in Two thermostats running one boiler

use a taco 502. Wire the t-stat in, run the blower off the 120 volt leads and use xx to call the boiler on.

talk

@ February 20, 2012 8:02 PM in Oil vs. gas heat dilemma

with installer's in your area. Read all the warranty info with each system. Ask people who have had their system's installed and find out how they like them...Make sure a heat loss is done. Since your not in a hurry up situation, take the time to ask the questions, whether you go with oil or gas. Dont do it based on who's the cheapest...

Bob

@ February 20, 2012 7:09 PM in New Lochinvar Knight Installation

Sometime's the best thing said is nothing. Dan is an honorable man and this site is visited by those I consider the best in the field. You had a unit with a part that went bad. The warranty offered by the manufacturer expired..end of subject...Fix it and move on.
btw, edit one of your own post's and you'll see what it say's after doing so. Sometime's we assume, and sometime's we learn from mistakes....

why not

@ February 20, 2012 4:24 PM in Two thermostats running one boiler

zone each appt with electric dampers to maintain a closer temp?

UHL

@ February 20, 2012 4:15 PM in New Lochinvar Knight Installation

I asked about the power spike because I think, although it didnt destroy it, it may have taken some life out of everything else in your system. With that in mind, even if it were not, when I sell a new mod/con to a person, I like to sit and talk with the purchaser. One of the big item's I discuss is warranty and maintanance. Yes these unit's, properly sized and installed can save you a lot in the way of fuel usage. They also require yearly service and in some case's, have a part or two fail. This is not specific to Lochinvar, I have seen much worse with other systems. If your installer failed to point out the warranty, and what it cover's, that's on him. Lochinvar does put it in their paperwork and that is something I would have also gone over with you. The warranty was for one year. The part lasted three...sorry it happens, it's electrical and parts fail...
One other thought, the company I work for offer's service contract's for these types of units. This contract cover's a yearly service and includes most all electrical item's in the unit. Maybe it's something your supplier offer's and you should look into for peace of mind...Best of Luck
Tom

expense

@ February 19, 2012 7:22 PM in Window A\C question

They are more expensive than a window unit without a doubt. But they do work very nice..
http://www.mitsubishicomfort.com/en/consumer/product-solutions/product-showcase

Bob

@ February 19, 2012 7:16 PM in New Lochinvar Knight Installation

I am curious about the power issue that was brought up. Were you in fact aware that your installer made a critical mistake (line voltage to low voltage wiring) in wiring this unit? Was this the only error that was made in wiring the unit?
 I just finished dealing with another manufacturer, the installer made an error installing the vent's and pitched them (3 units) in the wrong direction. The unit had multiple problems and when the inspection was done by the manufacturer, the venting issue was pointed out and the warranty on all 3 unit's were voided. 
And no, I do not work for Lochinvar....I work for a fuel supplier. As far as mid efficiency unit's not having as many issue's, that's not alway's the case. Installed a brand new furnace last week and the gas valve was bad out of the box. Hope to have the warranty valve tomorrow...