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Posted by hydronicnetwork.net on May 24, 2004 at 13:28:55:
In Reply to: Re: Combination Boiler for Smaller Home? posted by Joe on May 19, 2004 at 08:50:23:
Check the price per btu for propane and electric. In most areas, propane is the same cost per btu, so there is no savings by having a propane gas boiler vs electric. Also, the water in colorado can be high in hardness, which will foul the exchangers of small wall-hung units, requiring replacement every few years and service every year.
If the cost of propane and electric per btuh are about the same, go with the electric. If it is truly a vacation home, the electric will require little service. An inexpensive electric water heater would suffice; turning off the water and electric to the heater and draining it while away would reduce freeze damage and get rid of settling dirt inside.
Examine a diesel-fuel-burning Toyostove for heat while you are at the cabin. You can get the diesel fuel at any truck stop on the way and use up a 5-gallon can in a week at 1/3rd the cost of electric or propane.