Yeah that makes sense. I’ve gotten two quotes so far one around 2.2k and another 3.5k which is a pretty wide difference. They are definitely only replacing the tank and yes a colder climate but we have all four seasons in good quantities. I’m gonna wait for another quote or two but it’s been tough since some places don’t install those tanks because the manufacturer has stricter requirements when it comes to certification (which is a good thing I guess; 18 years for a tank feels like a pretty good lifecycle). I appreciate your insights though and will live with my cold water for now!
It’s a good thing, really. It’s likely a combination of having a tech who is familiar with the product they are installing plus some amount of covering their ass. A boiler with a inbuilt storage tank is a potential explosion. Whatever volume of water you have expands by something like 1,000 times when converted to steam. Pressurized container allows water to increase in temp past 212/100, vessel ruptures and that 5,10,20 gallon boiler tank can potentially expand near instantly to 1,000 times it’s volume. It is potentially deadly and very destructive.
There are flow switches to make sure water isn’t dwellingin the heat exchanger too long, pressure switches that will kill the unit before a pressure gets beyond it’s design parameters. Thermostats to watch tank temps. Those safeties are regulated by government bodies wherever you reside, and they always err on the side of caution.
It’s a real pain in the ass for the user/owner because you have to jump through hoops to do what you are doing, the cost can be prohibitive, and end of day the companies reputation is built on the guys doing the install and the techs attitudes can vary wildly within the same shop.
Yeah that makes sense. I’ve gotten two quotes so far one around 2.2k and another 3.5k which is a pretty wide difference. They are definitely only replacing the tank and yes a colder climate but we have all four seasons in good quantities. I’m gonna wait for another quote or two but it’s been tough since some places don’t install those tanks because the manufacturer has stricter requirements when it comes to certification (which is a good thing I guess; 18 years for a tank feels like a pretty good lifecycle). I appreciate your insights though and will live with my cold water for now!
It’s a good thing, really. It’s likely a combination of having a tech who is familiar with the product they are installing plus some amount of covering their ass. A boiler with a inbuilt storage tank is a potential explosion. Whatever volume of water you have expands by something like 1,000 times when converted to steam. Pressurized container allows water to increase in temp past 212/100, vessel ruptures and that 5,10,20 gallon boiler tank can potentially expand near instantly to 1,000 times it’s volume. It is potentially deadly and very destructive.
There are flow switches to make sure water isn’t dwellingin the heat exchanger too long, pressure switches that will kill the unit before a pressure gets beyond it’s design parameters. Thermostats to watch tank temps. Those safeties are regulated by government bodies wherever you reside, and they always err on the side of caution.
It’s a real pain in the ass for the user/owner because you have to jump through hoops to do what you are doing, the cost can be prohibitive, and end of day the companies reputation is built on the guys doing the install and the techs attitudes can vary wildly within the same shop.