Heating Systems

Is there a measurable difference between the various high efficiency boilers that are on the market?

A Brief History: 

High efficiency natural gas boilers first became available for commercial buildings nearly fifteen years ago.  Several of our staff began installing these systems before residential versions were introduced in 2001.  When we founded Labrador Services in 2003, the first two widely available lines of condensing boilers were fraught with problems and poor performance.  To compound the situation, the manufacturers provided little support and offered nothing more than a standard warranty.
In the ensuing two years, we identified Buderus GB-142 and Viessman Vitodens boilers as standouts in the European market.  Both product lines have been in service for over a decade and the two companies offer an unmatched commitment to quality and customer service.

Cost comparison:

For customers working with a more limited project budget, Buderus boilers are a great option.  However, for the highest level of craftsmanship, fit and finish, Viessman is the clear choice.  Both lines offer outdoor temperature reset as a standard option (see our Technology that Matters page for more information) and improved efficiency when appropriately matched with radiant floor heating.

 
Why Not “American Made?” 

We are frequently asked why we recommend European made water heating boilers.  As an American small business, we certainly can appreciate the merits of a strong local economy.  However, we also pride ourselves on offering our clients an unsurpassed level of service—and we expect the same of our product suppliers.  For several years we endeavored to sell and install two “American made” hot water boilers.  To our dismay, we learned that the so-called “American” equipment contain many critical components that are made outside of the states.  What’s more, quite a few of these products are simply re-branded European designs—designs that had proven to be problematic and inferior in prior years!

Commitment to Quality:

At Labrador Services, we keep a watchful eye on emerging technologies and new products from a variety of manufacturers in order to provide our clients with the best possible options.  In the world of condensing boilers, recent additions to the market (late 2007) utilize variations of technology and equipment that were consistently problematic in the past.  As a result, we continue to work primarily with Buderus and Viessmann, for their superior value—even in the face of a weak dollar.

For the last four years we have made a commitment to installing Buderus gas fired water boilers, York hot air furnaces, Viessmann oil fired water boilers and Viega radiant floor heating systems. These four product lines offer the best of both efficiency, reliability and competitive costs.

Gas Hot Air Furnaces:

For homes and office spaces with forced hot air (systems with air ducts) heat we recommend York modulating gas furnaces matched to a two stage heat pump. The York modulating furnaces varies combustion or burn rate to match heating requirements. This modulation offers better comfort and increased efficiency. Matched with a York two stage heat pump the system can achieve efficiencies greater than 100 percent. (Essentially, above 35 Deg. F. the system is able to extracting heat from the outdoor air).

We recommend York furnaces. York has been ranked as one of the most reliable heating and air conditioning equipment brands by a leading consumer magazine for the past seven years. Additionally, York furnaces offer the some of the best insulation rates and lowest air leakage values in the industry. Both superior insulation and low air leakage help us meet our commitment to installing the highest efficiency systems available.

Oil Fired Boiler:

We recommend the Viessmann Vitola series of oil fired hot water boilers. Three features set the Viessmann Vitola boilers apart from other oil fired equipment.

• First, the Vitola series has solid efficiency ratings.
    
• Second, the boiler offers modulated water temperature. Modulated water temperature allows the boiler to reduce its water temperature as the outdoor air temperature increases. Reducing water temperature allows for reduced oil consumption and greater efficiency. An added benefit of modulated water temperature is that it increases heating comfort.
     
• Finally, the Viessmann Vitola boiler is designed to allow ease of cleaning. The front service door on the Viessmann allows full access to the heating surfaces of the boiler. There is no struggling with awkward access panels or cramped heat exchangers. This easy access assures that the boiler can be properly cleaned. With oil fired equipment proper cleaning is the key to maintaining the operational efficiency of the boiler.