While there is an array of choices, an owner and engineer may not be familiar with the latest offerings in boiler design or may not feel comfortable with designs that have not been thoroughly tested in the marketplace. Many owners and engineers have familiarity with a certain boiler design or have established maintenance programs around a specific boiler type. Therefore, changing to a different boiler design is not considered for new projects or for boiler retrofits.
The parameters and factors that an engineer should use to select the most appropriate choice for a facility include HVAC system type and resulting hot water return temperature; installed boiler system costs (not just the first cost of the boiler); maintenance cost; owner preferences; and boiler life. All too often, the initial boiler cost is the deciding criterion for selection, and this can lead to problems.