Cast iron or steel boiler?

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Originally Posted By: Sergei Lihodi
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Which boiler should I buy to replace the old unit in my house: Cast Iron or Steel?


I have read the article "Cast Iron Boilers should be cast out." (can be found here http://energykinetics.com/pdf/Position%20Paper%20Cast%20Iron.pdf). I agree with the arguments made in the article against the cast iron. Should I install steel boiler?

Thanks.
SL

2

Originally Posted By: Guest
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


A properly sized iron boiler will last as long as anything. It’s important to not oversize the unit so that the cycle times aren’t too short. Cleaning is an issue on iron boilers but it’s certainly not impossible and an average home owner is capable. If it’s a gas unit, cleaning isn’t an issue at all, but even correctly adjusted oil burners should need cleaning no more than once a year.


There are some excellent high tech steel units out there that are maybe 10 % more efficient, but you have to factor initial cost and upkeep on their sophisticated controls.