Boilers: Cast-Iron vs. High Efficiency Modulating 🔥

In this video we are going to compare and contrast Cast-Iron Boilers vs High Efficiency Modulating Boilers, and ultimately help you choose which unit is best for your needs.
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[Mr.JoeBangles]

I'm not a heating/plumbing/hvac guy but some in the comments seem to think that cast iron is better because it's simpler and therefore more reliable. My thinking is that if high efficiency boilers cost more wouldn't it make good sense to use the money saved by going cast iron to add insulation and air sealing to your home? That would make up for some of the efficiency discrepancy I would think. The most efficient boiler in the world is not saving anyone money if the insulation is substandard. Am I right?

[moki]

Thank you for taking the time to explain the differences between the 2 boilers. You helped me decide to go with the condensing boiler. I have an old 2 family Georgian, with a 150 year old chimney, servicing 2 cast iron boilers that my plumber installed,
what seems like yesterday, but was 25 years ago. At a cost of $950 each for 275k btu output in now looks like a deal .They still run great but the chimney is has deteriorated. I am going to have the same plumber install 2 of these new wall mount style . My plumber is retiring this year. When they shit the bed in 10 years, I hope you answer your phone to do the repairs .It’s hard to find professionals these days, I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like 10 years from now

[mikeyo]

I currently have a 30 year old iron boiler. Recently renovated parts of my house and ran ductwork to my attic for future central air/ heat pump and I have solar panels that I own. I feel for me a cast iron is a no brainer in the case I get a heat pump, the boiler can be a great reliable auxiliary heat source. Most parts sold at a local Home Depot as well.

[mikedefilippis]

As a plumber, I would go with a cast-iron boiler. You will not ever get a high-efficiency boiler to last as long as a cast-iron boiler. And with a cast-iron boiler, you will have less headaches and less service calls.

[sciencetestsubject]

Looking at this from a Dutch perspective, here the only boiler you can get is High efficiency condensing (has been so since 2006).
You mentioned cast iron boilers are cheaper, I just looked up the price of the model I have (Intergas kombi kompakt HRE 28/24) it was €935 on the first google result.
Even if a cast iron boiler was free the gas saving will be worth it in about 5 years.

[JacanaProductions]

Also in Colorado gas is so cheap all this is really moot, mid winter $100 for gas! Now if I were in Cali!

[PJam]

The cost of equipment, installation, maintenance and upkeep, not to mention the shorter lifespan, is reason enough to pass on going with a condensing boiler.

[mr.l]

You’re better off with a steel boiler that transfers heat faster and more efficiently- such as Energy Kinetics gas or oil boiler.. My last steel boiler was over 60 years old still going strong. Check out the Energy Kinetics boilers. Best made in the country.

[c-shn]

What are the average costs for these two setups?

[Jessedog]

Much of the energy saving is gone with repair and maintenance costs on a Condensing boiler. parts cost a fortune and are not readily available.

[JacanaProductions]

Biggest issue is all the installer want to make up Boilers vs from supply house and charge $$$$ to install.

[pridemechanical]

And, a condensing boiler doesn't always condense.

[MrInkotime]

Cast iron all the way, condensing never pays off with cost and maintainenceu. It only works for the hvac companies who will service them. Cast iron hydronic system with a indirect is the best setup.

[jimbinger]

The guy keeps waving his hands around. Too distracting. He must not be very confident in his words.