Coastal Maine
Time to think of oil burning boiler to heat newly rehabbed Cape of approx. 420 square feet and new addition of approx. 820 sq. feet over walk-out basement. Have read some prior posts but would appreciate updated input on what’s available today. Fireplace in center of old part rebuilt and lined; chimney will vent boiler as well as future wood stove for cellar beneath Cape.
Because posts discuss the pros and cons of toilets, figured maybe some suggestions on reasonably priced boiler brands could be made available here. Understand some small designs from Europe are considered quite efficient & good for the $$.
Asking around mid-coast area, I haven’t been able to get 2 clear opinions on options, so I’m counting on your responses. Thanks much.
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this thread will go on to greater heights but my 2 cent perspective
can you go another route other than oil fire - gas boiler - propane perhaps - have you had to buy oil?
and without rereading your basement woodstove chimney situation too many times for sure you will need two vent pipes ( maybe two more for incoming air ) to service woodstove & boiler in that chimney
( maybe two chimneys if you get your insurance co & the municipality involved )
sounds like some great digs - Enjoy
Fuel Oil is costly and probably never going to be reasonably priced. Have had propane heat b4 and maintenance was nuisance. Never could find a service company that could figure out how to get unit to function properly.No reason to discount propane, but it isn't cheap either. In fact, if my insurers would allow, I would probably try to heat with wood as have access to firewood.In fact, all those posts I've read RE heating with wood, I'd like to know if your homeowner's insurance was impacted. Or do insurers know? Nothing tops an insurer squeaking out of paying claims because of one thing or another. Just thinking of all those premiums paid over the years!As it is, I have no insurance on property, nobody would consider construction coverage & it's worrisome to have such an investment uninsured. No bank is involved, everything out of pocket, & outlay heading toward $200K to date. I was told without central heat, I would be unable to get coverage in Maine. Think I'll do some double checking on that. Honestly, the hardworking folk rarely catch a break.
My friend installs HVAC for a large oil company in the Boston area. The used to install mostly Weil McClain and a few Burnhams, now it is almost all Buderus. Their company cost is only a few hundred more than the Weil McClain but the boiler is much better and much more efficient. The buderus US headquarters is in southern NH, so I'm sure you have a dealer in the area. Go with the beckett burner option, I think its an NT, it will be easier for service if you need it, the other options might not be known by your service people. They always use the Buderus 115, he said the 215 is loud compared to the 115.
Yeah, think about the noise factor. I foolishly put in a new oil boiler in my basement once, which was right under my bedroom. Was like sleeping next to a Saturn V launch pad. Regretted that one--should have converted to propane.