which boiler?

I been running an EFM 700 for bout 10 yrs now. I bought it refurbed for 4 thousand dollars + 1000 to install. Boiler started leaking 2 yrs ago, fixed with Silver King. It let go with a much heavier leak 3 days ago. I'm going to try the Silver King again. I was told that maybe I did not use enough the last time. I bought 1 bottles, hopefully to get through the winter. Either way, the boiler needs replaced.

I have the option of getting another refurb, base and boiler for about 3,800 + 1,200 = installed. My question is: should I do this again? I like the EFM, but it has had some issues. I'm leaning toward a new furnace/boiler, but would really appreciate some recommendations.

The issues you have had with your EFM are likely due to the age and condition when you received it. You could have the same issues with another used boiler - although the type of leak you described in your other post is pretty uncommon.

If your base and stoker is in good shape, I would try to find another 700 boiler from someone with experience checking them over.

Like Rob said you may have the same issues with a used boiler. A new EFM DF520 will set you back around $12,000 just for the complete boiler. I don’t think EFM makes the 700 anymore. I would have somebody who know what to look for in on these boilers.

700's are a nice boiler . How much are you heating ?

I have nothing against used boilers, but you either need to know what you are looking at, or buy from someone that does (and buy at a price that matches the risk). If sticking with an EFM 700, the later models are plate boilers rather than tube boilers, and usually command a higher price.

Another thought - if you are only running the 700 at 4 or 5 teeth, you could do the same job with an EFM 520. It should not be too hard to find an EFM dealer that would take a nice 700 stoker and base on trade.

I wonder if the boiler was in a steam system before you bought it?

Rob R. wrote: ↑

Mon. Jan. 11, 2021 9:15 pm

I have nothing against used boilers, but you either need to know what you are looking at, or buy from someone that does (and buy at a price that matches the risk). If sticking with an EFM 700, the later models are plate boilers rather than tube boilers, and usually command a higher price.

Another thought - if you are only running the 700 at 4 or 5 teeth, you could do the same job with an EFM 520. It should not be too hard to find an EFM dealer that would take a nice 700 stoker and base on trade.

+1 ^^
A 520 can heat more than most ppl use them for, plentiful, and about as robust a heating unit as you can get .

in reality at todays pricing a condensing gas /propane boiler costs less than a new efm and at 90% efficiency compared to a coal boiler efficiency it makes the cheaper fuel price propane ,not coal.

a suggestion if you purchase do not over size this unit know your heat loss .

https://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.supplyhouse.com/produ ... erview.pdf aprox 4200$ plus labor

franpipeman wrote: ↑

Tue. Jan. 12, 2021 9:14 am

in reality at todays pricing a condensing gas /propane boiler costs less than a new efm and at 90% efficiency compared to a coal boiler efficiency it makes the cheaper fuel price propane ,not coal.

a suggestion if you purchase do not over size this unit know your heat loss .

https://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.supplyhouse.com/produ ... erview.pdf aprox 4200$ plus labor

When my boiler gives it up, I will do a condensing boiler for sure.

franpipeman wrote: ↑

Tue. Jan. 12, 2021 9:14 am

in reality at todays pricing a condensing gas /propane boiler costs less than a new efm and at 90% efficiency compared to a coal boiler efficiency it makes the cheaper fuel price propane ,not coal.

a suggestion if you purchase do not over size this unit know your heat loss .

https://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.supplyhouse.com/produ ... erview.pdf aprox 4200$ plus labor

If this is true, would wall mounted ventless units be even more efficient? I've read contradicting opinions on coal vs oil vs propane -no nat gas here where I am. If I'm spending 3000 dollars a yr on coal, would I really be able to keep it around that number? Boy ... that would be fantastic!

How much coal are you burning per year?

non-condensing oil @ 85%+ is generally still cheaper than propane @95%.

If you think you'll get away from annual maintenance with a condesing gas boiler over oil - guess again. depending on the heat exchanger material, the mfgr may require a water treatment and test to maintain their warranty. Also, count on needing generally primary secondary piping. Oh, and full replacements every 10-15 years with the occasional heat exchanger or circuit board in between.

And, if you want to actually achieve that 95% rating, you'll need to have less than 130F return water temps, not likely if you have baseboard.

yes, wall mounted ventless units are more efficient, but I wouldn't put them in my home. I see enough sevice calls come through for co alarms on those things to know better.

Bear in mind, efficiency and cost are not the same thing. Electric resistance is ~100% efficient, but may still be ~2-4 times the cost of oil to heat the same home.