Comments on: boiler efficiency 80 or 90. worth the higher price?

By: Hazel Wooldridge

Hazel Wooldridge — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 04:53:05 +0000

Higher efficiency models will pay for themselves much quicker. They go as high as 93% efficiency which is direct vented with PVC piping. They typically hold 2-3 gallons of water & cycle less which make them more reliable. You could also convert these to operate as the homes water heater as well. The link below is one model but there are others that are even housed in plastic. Also if your radiator system is run on hot water the new Rinnai Tankless water heater can also be used for heating & your homes water heater. Get a minimum of 3 estimates on any job such as this.

By: Walter Curran

Walter Curran — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:15:08 +0000

There’s some good and accurate answers here, but also take this into consideration. With the improvement of 10% the added controls used in this boiler increase the potential for mechanical failure thus incuring a service call and a monetary lost to the initial cost pushing your recovery of cost further into the future. I would say stay with the 80%

By: Alonso Vernon

Alonso Vernon — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:27:05 +0000

to put it bluntly .for every dollar of fuel spent in an 80%boiler 20cents is going up the chimney as in a 90% 10 cents is going up the chimney.so based on that .you can expect to recoup your money in 4to 5 years.the only thing i don’t like about 90%units is that they relie on electro/mechanical dampers to achieve its efficiency.they are known to be problematic.and that means no damper no heat.but on the Britte side peerless is one of the best out there good luck

By: Samson Shrimpton

Samson Shrimpton — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:56:20 +0000

How much do you spend on heating fuel? That should give you the answer. You would use about 10% less fuel with the 90% eff. unit. How much savings would that be? Your heating fuel always goes up in price. It you live in the north, it would pay for itself in 3 years or so. In the south, it would be longer.

By: Fisher Munro

Fisher Munro — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 06:14:53 +0000

I replaced an old 60% with a 80% saved a bunch. I didn’t think it was worth the extra. Look at you bill and see how much you will save. I figure I’ll replace the whole thing in another 20 years.

By: Tiana83

Tiana83 — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:55:50 +0000

long term better is alway better, if your tight on money get the cheaper one. but once it’s paid for it’s self it will continue to save you some money

By: Mira Wainwright

Mira Wainwright — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:15:06 +0000

Yes/No. It depends how long your planning on living in the house. You have to be able to recoup the effecenty for it to really be worth it. If I put in a 95% AFUE furnace and leave a year later I just wasted money and the new owner gets a deal. 80% seems to be really good idea becuase it is relatively efficient and good if you don’t know how long you will stay. However 90% qualifys for IRS tax credits. BTW are you talking about water boilers or gas furnaces…..

By: Bentley Horsfield

Bentley Horsfield — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:50:43 +0000

im not sure,i have been told my furnace is running on about 80% and that was good,we recently put all new windows in our house and that made a huge difference