All Forum Posts by: Ben Staples

@Timothy Meuse thanks for the thoughts.  It really does seem to be the way to go.  I will keep you posted!

@Rich N. definitely.  Both Daniel Viola, and a plumber I am currently talking to have mentioned the significant difference in average unit life.  It seems to be well known, mostly driven by the new technology of high efficiency, and their high burn temp.  I also had a plumber inform me that while traditional units can go a year or so without service, high efficiency units MUST be serviced every year, otherwise they will burn themselves apart.  

Hey @Jon Roland, thanks for the thoughts.  While the cost savings from the increased efficiency are very appealing from an environmental prospective, because the utilities are separately metered I'm not sure the difference would be enough to warrant increased rents.  

You bring up a great point around venting.  Would the venting requirements be greater, or less than a conventional boiler?  I'm assuming greater because they burn hotter?  That being said, I'm planning to vent this unit out of the side of the basement rather than through the chimney with the goal of eventually removing the chimney once I change over all of the boilers.

I have National Grid currently, but another great point for people to know.  I have thought about shopping energy providers...

Thanks!

Hey @Daniel Viola, thanks for the reply.  Yes! That lifespan is exactly what a few people have referenced.  While the interest free financing is very attractive, I just don't think the purchase of the high efficiency will be worth it.  Thanks for the guidance. 

@Eddie Werner that is a very interesting idea.  The units have both separate gas, and separate electric meters.  It was my understanding that electric heat is significantly more expensive (from a tenant usage prospective).  Is that not true?  I will do some digging as I get estimates and keep the thread posted.

I have a three unit buy and hold property in Malden Massachusetts that has a separate gas fuel forced hot water boiler for each unit. The boiler in unit 2 needs to be replaced. The state of Massachusetts offers 7 year interest free financing on high efficiency boilers, however I've heard conflicting things about them. For a buy and hold I plan to keep for the long term, should I replace the boiler with a new, traditional one, or go with the high efficiency?

Pros of high efficiency that I see:

- 7 year interest free financing

- more efficient (maybe I could market this in the listing)

Cons of high efficiency that I see:

- about $2k more to install

- people seem to complain about their reliability 

- the lifespan seems to be half of traditional boilers

- repairs in general are more expensive

If I installed a traditional boiler, I wouldn't be able to get the interest free financing. Has anyone else faced this decision? Which way did you go?

welcome @frank

Best of luck!

@Rawderson Amaral recently bought my first triplex in Malden as well. Hope I have a similar story!

Thanks for the resource @Scott C.

Here was there response: "Whirlybird roof vents will still work if installed on and angle. However, it won’t be to their full potential. Also by the vent being installed incorrectly can lead to increased bearing stress and voids warranties."

I have had my roofers come back, and correctly adjust the vents!

Ben

hey @Scott C. thanks for that resource. I've reached out to them and will update the thread with findings. They really do seem like experts. 

Ben