I never heard of a service contract including a provision to replace a boiler. What you are finding is the contractor trying to do anything possible to not replace the boiler under the service contract. What brand boiler do you have now? Assuming the fairly new burner will match the TD boiler that could be reused. A combustion chamber is not something that is removed. Any new oil boiler will provide efficiencies in the low to mid 80's. So I don't see why a TD would be significantly less efficient than something else. Another boiler would probably be better but free is free. The burner is the main source of noise so if you are satisfied with the current noise level then don't worry about it. I would try to find out what model no. TD they want to use. Then look at your current boiler and write down the brand and model no. of the burner that is currently installed. Call TD or TD's distributor and say you have this burner and you want to see if it will work on this boiler. If they say yes that is fine than get it installed.

There are many reasons why prices may vary besides labor rates. Some are factors such as wall hung boiler selection which may vary in cost depending on model, as much as $1200 to the contractor. From there is a choice of reusing versus tying back in. Some may prefer to reuse the zone valves versus replacement or, change them to individual circulator pumps. With todayÂs boilers proper piping is the key to its longentivity and efficiency. Personally, had I been designing to job, I would cut out all the existing sloppy piping and start over with appropriate manifolds and piping, providing for a better layout, easier servicing and proper operation. FYI, the indirect tank, while it once had a lifetime warranty against leaks, is now out of business, so a moot point on parts/warranty decisions. It is a stone lined tank and very heavy. Doing an emergency replacement while in the cold, would definitely affect the price and workmanship. Discuss with contractors what they intend on doing, replacing and other hi-efficiency boiler experience they have. Try calling some heating companies and check their credentials with boilers, they many times tend to go beyond the fix or repair mentality an old-time plumber tends to take. (No offense at all meant to plumbers)

The plant is in my shed that we turned into an extra bedroom. It will stay there for now but can't be there in winter. I want to propagate the long vines that have no leaves in the middle. I have had poor luck propagating Marble Queen, they seem more delicate that regular Goldens. What I did with the other long golden was cut a few vines but some of the long ones I put in seed starting mix still attached to the mother plant. I also put one vine looped down into a jar of water (water from my fish tank which the plants love). I think I will do that with the MQ as well. That way I can hopefully get roots on a vine before I cut it. I know that really long vines can be harder to get roots. I think this one really needed some good sunlight. I will leave her there for now and I should have my potting medium within a week or so. I will transplant her and then see about trying to propagate some of the vines while still attached. Maybe I should fertilize her now so she has more strength for when I repot? I know the better sunlight will help too.

Yes. It will look very nice together.