Why I Hate Wall Mounted Condensing Boilers

Why I Strongly Dislike Wall Mounted Condensing Boilers

As technology continues to evolve, residential boiler manufacturers are persistent in their pursuit of creating low water volume, high-efficiency wall-mounted boilers for homeowners. However, my experience with these products leads me to a much less enthusiastic perspective.

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From the introduction of Raypack's wall-mounted boiler back in the 90s, reminiscent of the tunes of Oasis playing in the background, to the current offerings that resemble almost disposable, European-designed heating appliances, the popularity of wall-mounted condensing boilers has surged, with an increasing number of installations across America.

As a forensic engineer specializing in evaluating these appliances for insurance claims, I must admit I would not install one in my home any time soon. Here’s why.

Almost every manufacturer has jumped on the wall-mounted boiler bandwagon! Brands like Navien, Buderus, Viessmann, Burnham, Weil McLain, Rinnai, Crown, Bosch, and HTP are just a few players in this growing market. Each company offers numerous models, which creates a complex logistical challenge when it comes to spare parts. For example, if a boiler breaks down on a frigid winter night in Bangor, Maine, finding a necessary replacement part for a relatively new unit can be nearly impossible.

I often compare it to the thrill I felt when buying a Jaguar, which soon turned into regret.

Service technicians often relay the sentiment, "This boiler is no good; I need to install another one." This phrase is common when they face issues like circuit board failures, heat exchanger leaks, or corrosive condensate damage. Unfortunately, American technicians seem less inclined to "tinker" and repair these units as their European counterparts are. The simple days when all it took was replacing a Honeywell L-aquastat to restore heat have vanished. Now, it resembles a technological quest reminiscent of the Space Race just to keep the system running and prevent frozen pipes.

What could remedy this situation? Standardization!

Until manufacturers collaborate to achieve some level of standardization in at least the design and components of control systems, homeowners will bear the financial burden as the industry attempts to sort itself out. I look forward to a return to the dependable days of traditional, control-equipped boilers, which provided reliability and straightforward repair options.

Until then, I’ll stick with a larger floor-mounted boiler with lower efficiency. I find solace in knowing that even at 2 AM, regardless of how inexperienced the technician may be, they are likely better equipped and have more spare parts on hand to restore heat quickly in an emergency.

If you're interested in learning more about modern options such as the Wall Mounted Condensing Gas Boiler, it’s wise to gather all available information before making a decision.