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Posted by HeatPro on June 22, 2006 at 16:22:15:
In Reply to: Derating a hot water boiler posted by Mark R on June 22, 2006 at 11:13:04:
The way the boiler was designed gave it its maximum efficiency. Changing the way it was designed can run you into problems, like condensation rusting in the boiler and stress fractures. If the boiler doesn't have a stack damper on it, have one installed, then any heat standing inside the boiler can be saved by preventing it from going up the chimney.
Derating a boiler by removing burner elements means that the sections not heated on one side might be heated on the other so the stresses begin. It is possible to derate by dropping the gas pressure, but that can cause burner popping and delay problems.
Without knowing which boiler and its construction such results are not predictable. If you are concerned about efficiency, replace it with a more efficient water heater of the proper size for your needs. It is rarely possible to make a greyhound from a white elephant through surgery.