"Ed Pawlowski" wrote in message
...
On 4/21/2014 6:20 AM, Pavel314 wrote:
Thanks to all who answered my question about tankless electric water
heaters. I think I'll stick with an oil-fired unit. I got an estimate for
two options; I can replace the free-standing oil-fired unit for about
$4,100, installed, or I can get an indirect water heater which runs off
the oil boiler as a separate heat zone from the house radiators for about
$4,900. I'll get a couple more estimates before making a decision, of
course.

The indirect unit would reduce maintenance costs since I'd only have one
burner going, but it would probably wear out the burner a year or so
earlier from the increased usage. The free-standing unit is cheaper and
will probably last 10-12 years, by which time I'll probably be in a rest
home, while the indirect unit should last much longer.

Any thoughts on indirect units? Thanks in advance for any advice.

Paul



I have and really like an indirect unit. That said, my install was part
of a boiler replacement, not an add on. The price you were quoted seems
high to me. What you are buying is a tank, heat exchanger, zone valve,
aquastat and labor.

My suggestion. If the existing boiler is over 20 years old, replace
everything and have a very efficient unit. I mentioned the System 2000
before and it has been great. The cost of everything is covered by the
savings in oil so it is well worth the price.

If the existing boiler is fairly new and efficient, I'd consider going to
electric if you have the power for it. You will need a 240 circuit of at
least 30A or 40A. I'm not sure of which.

BTW, with my unit, yhou can stay in she shower forever and have plenty of
hot water. My grandson has proven that to be true, right up tot he time I
turned the hot water off.

Heh.