Boiler size for
#1
Hello,
I am a first time home buyer, and the previous owners have replaced the old gas fed hot water boiler (house uses hot water for baseboard heating) with a new unit that is 145,000 btu's. I do not know the size of the old unit - only details I have is that it was 30+ years old and needed to be replaced. The size of the home is approx 1800 sf. It is a 2 story split level - 3 bedrooms/2bath. Can anyone tell me if the boiler (which cost about $4000) is large enough for the house that I am describing? Thanks.
I am a first time home buyer, and the previous owners have replaced the old gas fed hot water boiler (house uses hot water for baseboard heating) with a new unit that is 145,000 btu's. I do not know the size of the old unit - only details I have is that it was 30+ years old and needed to be replaced. The size of the home is approx 1800 sf. It is a 2 story split level - 3 bedrooms/2bath. Can anyone tell me if the boiler (which cost about $4000) is large enough for the house that I am describing? Thanks.
#2
Join Date: Feb 1998
Location: The Shake and Bake State USA
Posts: 9,927
Upvotes: 0
Received 7 Upvotes
on
6 Posts
My Two Cents
Hello Gary Larson and Welcome to the Do It Yourself Web Site.
I often have to wonder {???} why well discribed postings, such as yours, remain unanswered for this duration of time. Unlike yourself, some people simply do not post enough detailed information to reply to with either generalized information or exact information, while yours has sufficient details.
I am not a professional on this matter nor does this forum have a moderator. However, the best generalized suggestion would be to obtain BTU estimates from local dealers.
Consider the fact that BTU estimates are just estimates. BTU inputs vary slightly between manufacturers units also.
My guesstimation would be the current replacement unit is sized correctly for the square footage. A BTU comparison between the two units would not match. Newer units are far more energy efficient than older units. Therefore, the BTU's would differ.
Too large a BTU unit would not work well for the boiler either. Internal moisture and gas residue deposits would have a negetive effect on the unit.
The boiler must run long enough to work correctly and heat the house over a general time period. Too large a unit would not necessarily heat faster or better. A larger unit would most likely be far less energy efficicent.
I hope my information helps somewhat answer your question.
Regards & Good Luck
Forum Moderator
Tom_Bartco
Energy Conservation Consultant & Natural Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technician.
I often have to wonder {???} why well discribed postings, such as yours, remain unanswered for this duration of time. Unlike yourself, some people simply do not post enough detailed information to reply to with either generalized information or exact information, while yours has sufficient details.
I am not a professional on this matter nor does this forum have a moderator. However, the best generalized suggestion would be to obtain BTU estimates from local dealers.
Consider the fact that BTU estimates are just estimates. BTU inputs vary slightly between manufacturers units also.
My guesstimation would be the current replacement unit is sized correctly for the square footage. A BTU comparison between the two units would not match. Newer units are far more energy efficient than older units. Therefore, the BTU's would differ.
Too large a BTU unit would not work well for the boiler either. Internal moisture and gas residue deposits would have a negetive effect on the unit.
The boiler must run long enough to work correctly and heat the house over a general time period. Too large a unit would not necessarily heat faster or better. A larger unit would most likely be far less energy efficicent.
I hope my information helps somewhat answer your question.
Regards & Good Luck
Forum Moderator
Tom_Bartco
Energy Conservation Consultant & Natural Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technician.
#3
Thanks Tom. I will follow your advise and come back with the information for future visitors to this site. Since the home's sale was contingent on the replacement of the boiler, I am assuming that the seller's would not spend any extra money for the boiler (ie putting in a larger one than necessary). I have the receipts of the boiler and plan on contacting the company that installed the unit. Thanks again for your posting.