I need to replace my oil boiler for a forced hot water baseboard system. My plumber has suggested a Viessmann setup. It is much more expensive than a similar Weil-McLain setup. Does anyone have any experience with the Viessmann, is it worth the extra cost?
What about service?
I plan to stay in the house for awhile, at least 10 years if not forever.
Replies
My experience with Viessmann is through the utility-sponsored energy efficiency rebate programs that I am involved with at work. The units that we deal with are typically for commercial-grade applications such as schools, multi-unit condos, etc.
We have worked on several projects where their condensing, natural gas-fired, hot water boilers have been installed. As far as I can tell, their hallmark is energy efficiency, and condensing equipment. Not sure if they make a condensing boiler for oil, since we usually work for the gas company. But I would compare the AFUE or other efficiency rating with the comparably sized Weil-McLain that you mentioned. Using your historical bills for the existing heating system, you can probably come up with a decent means of calculating how much you'd save per year with the Viessmann, if it is in fact more efficient. I'm sure there is a calculator for this on some website, try google searching it.
If you do go for a condensing unit, be aware that you will need to install water temperature reset controls to get the full benefit of the boiler's efficiency in condensing mode. These controls automatically adjust the boiler's hot water supply temperature based on outside air conditions.
If it's reputation you are wondering about, I get the sense that they are a high quality manufacturer, on par or better than Weil-Mclain or Burnham. But maybe you should hear some anecdotal evidence from some of the tradespeople that are on this forum before making a decision.
Hope this is of at least some help. good luck!
I consider them the very best quality boiler on the market. They are the Mercedes of boilers. The Vitodens (gas only) is the best condensor on the market.
I'm drooling over the Vitodens....
So compact and thorough.
And oh so expensive.
If we can justify the outlay, it will replace the Burnham gas boiler and the electric hotwater heater.
I put one in my house, although not a condensing unit. The sales rep talked me into it, and since I installed it myself, spending the extra $700 on equipment wasn't such an issue. Although I installed it, I don't service it myself. The service guy I use tells me that Viessmann boilers are some of the most reliable units available.
The Viessmann is available in area my area, but only from one supplier. This wholesaler has a reputation for carrying a product for a few years and then dropping it. So that is the reason I have not tried Viessmann boilers. Sooner or later the thing is going to need servicing, who's going to do that? The local oil company? Do they carry the parts for Viessmann? Just some things to consider. Although Burnham, Smith and Weil McLain are good old brand names, I feel their technology has fallen behind. They are louder and not as serviceable as others like the Energy Kinetics System 2000 and Buderus my personal picks.
Yesterday I couldn't even spell plumber, today I are one.
Gotta hate when a supplier does that crap huh?
Buderus rocks! They are my personal favorite.
Did'ja know their condensing wall hung unit should be out soon. I know they have said that for 2 years. But they are doing high altitude testing now which is the last stage of testing. When the Vitodens went into high altitude testing it only took 6 months to be released.
re - Did'ja know their condensing wall hung unit should be out soon.
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Thanks for the heads-up on this info.
Do you know if it will be configured similarily as the Vitoden, i.e., have DHW provisions built in ?
don't know. details are sketchy. those who know are being quiet. I asked the top dog at Buderus USA last week and he was evasive on any and all details. why? dunno.
Thanks for the speedy reply, Wet Head.
So far I've managed to get an ok from the nearest installer of the Vitodens to let me buy and install the gas model if I follow their schematics and they inspect and approve my work afterwards.
(The installer is 3-hours away.)
I would not do the gas connection as it would need a permit and inspection from the town.
A viable competition/alternative would be more then welcome even if Buderus has similar stipulations.
I have an alternative suggestion that can save you a ton of money. I would need to know a lot more before I go further.
What kind of pricing were you quoted on the Vito?
Edited 5/11/2003 8:19:18 PM ET by Wet Head Warrior
Ballpark figure is around $6,500 just for the boiler....
It's been several months since my last correspondence with them.
Sticker shock, you know.
And at that price we would have to stay in our house until I end up in a nursing home. Well, you know what I mean.
How about this...
Wall hung
Fully modulating between 45,000 and 150,000 btus
Vents with 2" PVC pipe
Includes outdoor reset
Compact
Dependable
NG or Propane
Simple to install
Around $2500 delivered to your door.
Interested? Let's talk.
Wow - thanks for the offer.
Give me some time to guess which unit you are hinting at...
Drawing a blank at the moment.
Maybe the Monitor MZ ?
I'm really burned out from all the selections out there and have a soft spot for German engineering, which doesn't necessarily mean it's the right/sensible choice in every situation including ours.
Currently we are using a Burnham Series 1A (93,900 water btu/hr) for two zones and want to replace our elec water heater by adding a DHW loop running a heat exchanger plate.
Absolutely nothing wrong with the current setup, which has been running flawlessly since I worked out all the bugs several years ago.
(It was a bubba installation when it replaced the oil boiler before we bought our house.)
Just want to get things lined up for when the day comes.
There is also a house next door we own, which has an ancient American Standard oil boiler (1000 gal. in-ground tank) with a recent replacement Beckett burner.
That one may need to be replaced first...but not sure about sticking with oil or switching to gas. Have nothing against oil.
Nope. Not the MZ. This one is made in Canada and uses parts from Germany.
Darn....Canadian/German....
Give me another chance.
Just so I don't waste too much of your time, let me have a couple days to solve this mystery.
the company name will lead you to think it is a US company though! LOL
The mystery is gonna drive me nuts but I will not ask you.
Thanks for the hint on the name.
Time to put the boys to sleep but not sure if I can pry them away from "E.T."....
NTI Trinity ?
shucks... too easy
thoughts?
Thanks for cluing me in on this product.
The "combi" unit appears to be what I would be interested in, and the pricing/performance is certainly far more attractive.
I'll be more then glad to go through you when the time comes.
I have several PDF files downloaded already.
If it's ok I will more then likely have questions.
Since I will want to be hands-on with the boiler after the installtion, the "All-new Sentry 2100" controller will have to be scrutinized a bit more in terms of self-serviceability if there are any mishaps.
I don't want to get stuck with a "we have to send a technician" situation, which I don't have to deal with with our current setup.
On the other hand, Viessmann/Buderus probably frowns on owners tinkering.
There is hollerin' for "Time for Bed, boys".
Thanks for your help !!
BTW, on your tag line... what did you do to become a plumber? watch a video?
LOL
When you have just the right client who trusts you completely it is lots of fun to use this line. When they ask you if you can do something you tell them "yep, because I just watched a video on it this morning."
Makes for a fun joke which helps your relationship. But you have to have just the right customer or it would backfire big time!!
WOW! They got it on vidio now? I had the cassette version of the book.
Yesterday I couldn't even spell plumber, today I are one.