Hi, I have a three year old LP boiler (Peerless MI-04) that works perfectly and I'm wondering how to dispose of it. I'm switching to a forced air system. While I'm sure my contractor would be happy to "dispose" of the old system, it seems like there ought to be some value in this for me. For that matter, the whole 2-zone system with all the switching, copper piping (for 1500 sq. ft.), thermostats, etc. is still sitting here installed and working perfectly. Can any of you help me determine the value of such a thing for Craigslist? I'm more interested in getting it out of here than I am in getting maximum value for it. As usual thanks to everyone for their input!

 

Hi bh2, if you could see some of the clunkers people are having to live with you would consider what you have as brand new. However, if you fail to get any reasonable offers, it wouldn't be too hard to find a needy family or senior that would be eternally grateful for your donation. Oil for the needy programs are everywhere and usually well aware of someone who could use it. Donate it to a non-profit and take the tax deduction.

Just a thought,
Bud

 

Bud, yes, that is my backup plan. I don't think letting my HVAC guy walk out of here with it is an option.

 

I have a friend in the heating business and he frequently brags about the resale of furnaces or boilers he has replaced. I have nothing against making an extra buck, but if the home owner asks, they should answer. Probably a quick couple of grand.

Bud

 

Just hang onto it... you might not like the forced air. :moonu:

 

This line of thinking reminds me of more than one person I know who smashes anything that is remotely close to working or has even insignificant value before taking it to the dump!

Curious to know why anyone would hire a contractor that they have have such a low opinion of.
So what if he benefits from what could be garbage to you?

 

I'm with Who... I can't imagine why anyone would want to dismantle and dispose of a perfectly good hot water heating system and install scorched air. But, to each his own I guess!

Want central air? OK, add the central air then... but keep the heating on the hot water boiler.

 

I agree. I cannot even imagine anyone doing such a thing. Crazy.

 

Greg: I'm fine with my contractor. He's the one who told me to try to sell it. The quote you referenced was my feeble attempt to get some value-advice on the low end so I can move this thing.
NJ: the old hot water system heats only half of one level of a two story home. I'm going with forced air throughout (both floors). I could have kept half of the ground floor heated with hot water but decided to just make the whole thing uniform. I guess this boiler forum is hostile territory for that sort of talk. Anyway, if anyone has any idea of the value of this boiler system, I'd love to hear it. Thanks.

 

Used boilers. piping and trim tend not to be worth very much. You may find that its highest value may actually be at a scrap dealer.

Nobody is being hostile here. We're just telling you stuff you might not want to hear but hopefully someone in the future might see if they are in the same book.

BTW, it's easier to add piping through an area than ductwork. A 1" pipe of water can carry as much heat as a duct that is many times as wide and as tall.

 

Yeah, not hostile... well, I guess being called crazy is a bit... but I think he meant that as a kinda 'euphemism'... anyway...

Honestly though, hot water heat is without a doubt a more comfortable and economical than scorched air. The numbers are in, and there's no argument on that point. That's why you'll get some resistance here to your plan. But, as I said, to each their own!

I would bet that the existing boiler is big enough to heat the entire home, and Who's statement about it being easier to run pipe than duct is a truism.

I assume that you are running the ductwork for central air anyway... so you an contractor are thinking why not heat with it also... so be it, your choice.

I'd be surprised if you will be able to get more than a few hundred for the old boiler. I'd probably shoot for maybe $500 and go down from there.

 

Took mine to a scrap dealer in Brick, NJ. Was a Peerless boiler 18 years old. Got $50.00 for unit.

 

I'm surprised there is any significant market for used boilers, particularly one sized for a 1500 sq ft house. Much of the cost for installation is labor.

I would think a window A/C unit on the 2nd floor might even work?

My 2-storey house has hot water heat throughout. "Central" A/C was added. The evaporator and air handler are in the attic, with diffuser vents and returns distributed around the ceiling of the 2nd floor. We used parts of a couple of closets as a vertical chase to route the refrigerant lines and to snake a flexible duct from the attic to exhaust into one central area of the first floor. The compressor is on a pad outdoors. Since cool air is denser than warm air, the whole house is comfortable. No walls needed to be ripped up to route the ductwork, and I'm still heating with hot water.
Doug

 

You could easily add ductless split units, which today are VERY efficient. The plus side is some zoning, you can get multihead units run from one condenser.

Add the heat emitters tot eh new area, and use the rest to add insulation to the older walls and new drywall.

You will soon find that your more comfortable and have more money in the back every month because you added insulation.

Or, go with the forced air. It's you place after all

 

Yes, NJ Trooper said what I meant by crazy. It was not meant as hostile, but just a blunt, undiplomatic attempt to say what Trooper said. A boiler would heat the whole house much more comfortably and efficiently. For one, you have a big head start. 2d, you can easily zone it for comfort and efficiency plus have the best domestic hot water supply.

As for old boilers, we have seen a great trend in people upgrading to better heating systems. You cannot give the old ones away simply because it is cheaper in the long one to buy a good one.