When it comes to designing and installing boiler systems that take advantage of the efficiency promised by newer condensing models, there are a lot of factors to take into account. According to the experts, the most common mistake made by designers and installers is failing to calculate the correct heat load. Other common errors occur when system operating temperature and piping are not properly considered.
Although it’s an often-repeated refrain in the HVAC world “bigger isn’t better,” experts say oversizing boilers is still one of the most common mistakes made by designers. Oversizing occurs when designers fail to obtain a proper heat load calculation, said Gerry Hogan, director of training and applied technology, PB Heat LLC, Bally, Pennsylvania. “A designer may assume that matching the capacity of the boiler being replaced is accurate enough,” Hogan said.