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FAQs

Please read through here if you have any questions and see if they are already answered!

General

What precautions should be taken with flood damaged HVAC equipment?

IN THE INTEREST OF PUBLIC SAFETY, ECR INTERNATIONAL, INC. SUPPORTS WARNINGS ISSUED BY THE AIR CONDITIONING, HEATING AND REFRIGERATION INSTITUTE (AHRI) THAT RECOMMEND THE REPLACEMENT OF ALL FLOOD DAMAGED HVAC EQUIPMENT REGARDLESS OF ITS AGE. 

Replacing only the operating controls of flood damaged HVAC equipment may not be sufficient if other parts of the equipment like piping, venting, burners, insulation, etc., have been effected by the flood waters. 

IT IS ALWAYS SAFER TO REPLACE RATHER THAN REPAIR 

Do I need a low water cutoff on my water boiler?

In many cases, the boiler is at the lowest point in the system, which means that there is little likelihood that the boiler will run dry. If radiators are below the top of the boiler, you’ll need a low water cutoff. An example of this would be baseboard radiators near the basement floor, or in-floor radiant heating in the basement. 

Can I convert my boiler from oil to gas or visa-versa?

The simple answer is no.

Boiler manufacturers design most boilers to accommodate the characteristics of the intended fuel. A boiler meant to burn natural gas (a vapor) uses burners that simply can’t burn No. 2 fuel oil (an atomized liquid). There are power gas burners available from third-party manufacturers that can replace oil burners, but we don’t sanction any of these as suitable replacements for our heating systems and we don’t recommend their use.

Who should I contact to work on my boiler?

It is always recommended that the installer of the boiler be contacted first. If the installer is unable to be contacted or is unable to provide service, a qualified local heating technician should be contacted. In the hands of an inexperienced person, heating equipment can be dangerous: never attempt a repair yourself.

What size boiler/furnace do I need for my home?

The best way to determine the size of the heating unit needed for your home is to have a heat load calculation done by a qualified heating technician. This calculation looks at the size of the structure, insulation, doors and windows along with your climate area for outdoor design temperature. A heat loss is then calculated to determine what is required for the boiler and the heating elements to heat the structure. It is an exercise worth the time and effort to know that you have the sufficient sized equipment and radiation to do the required job next winter, without oversizing the unit and losing efficiency.

Can I buy a boiler direct from the factory?

No. As a manufacturer of equipment we sell our product only through wholesale distribution who in turn will supply the dealer in your area with our products along with all the other items your dealer will need for your system. We support the professional tradesmen to know that your new piece of heating equipment is installed and operating correctly for maximum efficiency and safety concerns. With today's installation codes, in many areas a piece of equipment can only be installed by a licensed plumber or heating technician, which is good for the industry and safety of all concerned.

What kinds of rebates are available to me?

For information on any rebates or incentives on our Olsen units, please visit dsireusa.org. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency® or DSIRE is the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States.

Where can I purchase an Olsen unit?

For information on a local dealer or distributor in your area, please contact us at marketing@ecrinternational.com.

What is the difference between a furnace and a boiler?

While it might seem like you can use the two terms interchangeably, a furnace and a boiler are two markedly different units. The main difference is that a furnace heats air and a boiler heats water. A furnace will heat air that will be moved through a home’s duct system to provide warmth. A boiler will heat water that then flows through the pipes of your home to provide heat.

What is the normal temperature for a hot water heating system?

It depends on the type of hot-water heating system you’re working with. For instance, you’d normally set a hot-water baseboard heating system for a high temperature of 180° F. A radiant-floor heating system, on the other hand, can vary widely, with a supply temperature from 90°F to 130°F, depending on what type of construction and material is covering it (carpeting, hardwood flooring, and ceramic tile). The radiant designer takes all of this into consideration.

Do I have to register my warranty?

We recommend you register your warranty so we have your information on file should we ever need to contact you in regard to a technical issue.