Posted by Selby Clark on November 10, 2001 at 20:39:35:
In Reply to: Re: American Radiator Co. Ideal Boiler #12 - Oil Fired posted by jtown on November 10, 2001 at 12:43:11:
The fellow I had "prepare it for another season" only services units, doesn't sell new ones. He said mine was 74 3/4% efficient, but I see that new ones from Burnham are 86% efficient. So you may be exactly correct, and generous with 20%, about the real lack of payback benefit. The unit is a very clean-looking avacado green cube about 5' square with stainless steel corner/edge pieces that hold the enameled green panels in place. It has one large door on the front and the burner, bright red and I don't remember the brand, looks much newer than the rest of the boiler and appears to be cemented into a hole that used to be larger. It doesn't heat any water for bath/shower usage. I could take a picture, but how would I show it to you?
I really appreciate the advice!! The unit has no leaks now, nor any indication that it has ever had any. What had concerned me was that the service guy had said it looked like the original boiler in the house and since the house is over 100 years old I was concerned about a boiler being that old and still reliable. Of course, it's possible the house never had central heat when it was built and the "original" boiler may have been put in as a retrofit in the '30's, '40's or '50's. That's why I asked if anyone might have any idea of the real age of my boiler.
Again, Thanks and if anyone else has anything else to add I would very much like to hear from them.
: If kept dry and water leaks fixed right away, it could run forever. I'm not familiar with the model, a picture of it is needed. If you can save 20% of a $2,000 a year oil bill, that's 400$/yr. If your quoted $6,000 for a new one a fifteen yr payback may be questionable. Your professional should have been able to answer your questions and discuss upgrades like a modern burner, sealing the air infiltration between the sections, baffling etc. That can make an old boiler about the same as a new one.