Goals: We are remodeling the basement, and are looking to try to increase available space as much as possible, as cost effectively (cheap) as possible.
Situation:
We currently have a gas fired water heater that needs replacement for multiple reasons (age, clearance required around it for operation take up too much space, too many cold showers in the morning, etc.)
We're thinking about replacing the water heater with a Triangle Tube "Smart 40" indirect water heater, attaching it to the HE-5. This would be stuck in a small closet, running off a new, 3rd, priority zone.
Currently, we have a Weil-mclain HE-5 (133 btu in, ~82% claimed efficiency when new) installed somewhere in the mid 80's (before we owned the home). Running 2 zones, 1 for (2) Myson kick-space heaters in the kitchen, 1 for the rest of the house.
We have an older home (1910). Typical 4 square, 2 story, ~1500 sq. feet., with an additional ~650 to be added when the basement is finished.
We will have 2 bath (with a 3/4 possibly being added in the near future). 4 person household.
Located in Minnesota. (cold winters, but since replacing our windows, the HE-5 keeps things comfortable)
I would like to avoid replacement of the HE-5 at this time. (don't really want to spend $3,500+ on a new mod. boiler.)
I will be doing the installation myself. Material costs for installing the water heater aforementioned are ~$1300-$1400.
Questions:
Will the HE-5 be up to the task?
Any real negatives that an indirect water heater brings to the table, especially when run with an older, non-modulating boiler?
Any other options that may be better than an indirect water heater for such a situation that would cost the same or less?
Situation:
We currently have a gas fired water heater that needs replacement for multiple reasons (age, clearance required around it for operation take up too much space, too many cold showers in the morning, etc.)
We're thinking about replacing the water heater with a Triangle Tube "Smart 40" indirect water heater, attaching it to the HE-5. This would be stuck in a small closet, running off a new, 3rd, priority zone.
Currently, we have a Weil-mclain HE-5 (133 btu in, ~82% claimed efficiency when new) installed somewhere in the mid 80's (before we owned the home). Running 2 zones, 1 for (2) Myson kick-space heaters in the kitchen, 1 for the rest of the house.
We have an older home (1910). Typical 4 square, 2 story, ~1500 sq. feet., with an additional ~650 to be added when the basement is finished.
We will have 2 bath (with a 3/4 possibly being added in the near future). 4 person household.
Located in Minnesota. (cold winters, but since replacing our windows, the HE-5 keeps things comfortable)
I would like to avoid replacement of the HE-5 at this time. (don't really want to spend $3,500+ on a new mod. boiler.)
I will be doing the installation myself. Material costs for installing the water heater aforementioned are ~$1300-$1400.
Questions:
Will the HE-5 be up to the task?
Any real negatives that an indirect water heater brings to the table, especially when run with an older, non-modulating boiler?
Any other options that may be better than an indirect water heater for such a situation that would cost the same or less?
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