I'm doing some research for the upcoming replacement of my 40 gallon natural gas water heater which is aging.
I've had very good experience with indirect-fired heaters in the past, but those have been installed in combination with large oil-fired boilers that have plenty of capacity.
The boiler is a small natural gas fired Weil-McLain CGA-25, with an input rating of 52,000 Btuh and output of 44,000 Btuh.
I would be interested in keeping a 35-40 gallon storage capacity. It's just the two of us. One bathroom, 10 minute showers, no dishwasher, a couple loads of laundry per week. I can't remember the last time the shower got cold.
I like the idea of one less opening in the flue (these are naturally drafted), and the storage capacity for when the power is out. I don't like the idea of tankless heaters with flow switches, electronics and drilling holes in the side of the house for PVC venting.
I figure if my natural gas water heater has an input of 38,000 btuh, my boiler should be able to at least match it's performance. I would likely need to have a the indirect zone set for priority, however.
Think this would work?
I've had very good experience with indirect-fired heaters in the past, but those have been installed in combination with large oil-fired boilers that have plenty of capacity.
The boiler is a small natural gas fired Weil-McLain CGA-25, with an input rating of 52,000 Btuh and output of 44,000 Btuh.
I would be interested in keeping a 35-40 gallon storage capacity. It's just the two of us. One bathroom, 10 minute showers, no dishwasher, a couple loads of laundry per week. I can't remember the last time the shower got cold.
I like the idea of one less opening in the flue (these are naturally drafted), and the storage capacity for when the power is out. I don't like the idea of tankless heaters with flow switches, electronics and drilling holes in the side of the house for PVC venting.
I figure if my natural gas water heater has an input of 38,000 btuh, my boiler should be able to at least match it's performance. I would likely need to have a the indirect zone set for priority, however.
Think this would work?
