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Author:
Arcosaur (MA)
My wife and I just bought a small ranch in Western Massachusetts. The house was built in '63 and still has the original A.S. Arcoliner oil-fired boiler (hot water) with the original Arcoflame burner. We've been getting mixed messages from people (mainly our oil company and home inspector). The oil company is saying that there's no need for us to replace it. It works fine. The home inspector (who's been doing this for thirty years) is saying we should replace it before it poops out on us. The thing is, this boiler, at 43 years old, is still making 85% efficiency. I've been told that you can't buy a boiler with that kind of efficiency now without spending a million bucks (figuratively speaking). What should we do?
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Author:
Edward429451 (CO)
At 85% efficiency, this is a no brainer. Hang onto it. They don't make em like they used to. That thing is liable to just sit there and quietly give you no trouble for a long time to come.
Sure get a couple estimates for replacement, and maybe start a boiler fund stash so you wont be caught with your pants down if she springs a leak etc.,
I serviced an an Arco N.G. boiler last thursday and it was doing great also. They repeatedly asked if it should be replaced, they were ready. I told them the truth. Maybe for a few pennies of efficiency's sake but then again, those new electronic controls will throw that savings out the window when it comes time to work on it.
Your inspector probably had good intentions telling you to replace, but lacking specific trade skills, its easy to say OMG, old piece of junk b/c he don't realize the full ramifications of replacement.
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Author:
yonson (SC)
Ours is original to the house too. Built in 1955. Not the same brand as yours. Still going strong. We added a new burner and an indirect water heater and we are saving a ton of $ with these new things.
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Author:
Arcosaur (MA)
Thanks for the encouragement, Ed. Since my last post I have spoken to my uncle (30-years installing boilers and hvac) who said hang on to it. They made those with virgin cast iron...not the recycled crap that they're melting down today to make boilers. I guess, as you said, they just don't make 'em like that anymore. Thanks again.
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