Ok, ok, ok…we all know how much high gas prices suck and are killing us financially…but what are the positive things??

Let's look on the bright side!

1. The car industry is finely listening to those of us who have been begging for alternative energy vehicles. (I hope)
2. fewer gas guzzlers are being bought.
3. folks are driving less and thus polluting less.
4 Some, who live close enough, are riding bicycles to work and getting the added benefit of extra exercise.
5. less pollution equals easier breathing for asthma victims.
6. alternative energy sources are getting better looking everyday, even to banks.
7. The drop in gasoline sells, (I heard on the news today) is actually biting the Gov. in the behind as they aren't getting the tax revenue they were getting. (Maybe that will get THEM off of THEIR addiction to oil!?)
8. it's a boost to the green idea of buying your food close to your home.
9. Maybe people will actually meet thier neighbors now.
10. some folks are learning that they really CAN do without oil, gasoline, and driving around like mad.

My parents had a newer boiler than mine. When they had a gas valve replaced, it cost nearly $500. I called a different HVAC company and they said that it was about right. I am trying assess the wisdom of buying a new boiler. I have an old Maclean-Weil (hope that’s right) about 40 years old for a split level home about 1800 square feet plus sub-basement.

Yes, more parts and some are electronic which are pricey. Gas valves are pricey but that sounds a bit high to me by at least $100 for only a valve. Maybe that included a servicing too.

Generally I doubt the higher efficiency for a gas boiler will pay off all that much. I usually tend towards saying if it is working then leave it.

If it was much older than your 40 years it might be worth it. I would guess you are closer to 80% efficient at that age, that generation of units. Older ones can be 60%-65%. To get to 90+ they add a lot of stuff that cost more, like a draft inducer fans and sensors for it and intermittent ignition. They do require more service. Then you only gain like 10% or 15% max. for the investment.

But payoff time is directly proportional to the cost of the gas.

Unless you intend to stay in the house for many many years it probably won’t pay off. And investing the money from the purchase cost would generate enough income to cover the cost of the slightly lower efficiency, imo.

Good Luck.

My parents had a newer boiler than mine. When they had a gas valve replaced, it cost nearly $500. I called a different HVAC company and they said that it was about right. I am trying assess the wisdom of buying a new boiler. I have an old Maclean-Weil (hope that’s right) about 40 years old for a split level home about 1800 square feet plus sub-basement.

Yes, more parts and some are electronic which are pricey. Gas valves are pricey but that sounds a bit high to me by at least $100 for only a valve. Maybe that included a servicing too.

Generally I doubt the higher efficiency for a gas boiler will pay off all that much. I usually tend towards saying if it is working then leave it.

If it was much older than your 40 years it might be worth it. I would guess you are closer to 80% efficient at that age, that generation of units. Older ones can be 60%-65%. To get to 90+ they add a lot of stuff that cost more, like a draft inducer fans and sensors for it and intermittent ignition. They do require more service. Then you only gain like 10% or 15% max. for the investment.

But payoff time is directly proportional to the cost of the gas.

Unless you intend to stay in the house for many many years it probably won’t pay off. And investing the money from the purchase cost would generate enough income to cover the cost of the slightly lower efficiency, imo.

Good Luck.

Where do you live and how much does the gas cost? Gas in Michigan (where i live) cost $1.56 per gallon. The last time it was that low was when I was 8 years old
Mrs. Cullen, its a little over 2.00

Where do you live and how much does the gas cost? Gas in Michigan (where i live) cost $1.56 per gallon. The last time it was that low was when I was 8 years old
Mrs. Cullen, its a little over 2.00