The Buderus GB142 Wall Hung Residential Gas Boiler is an Ultra Efficient Modulating Condensing Boiler with efficiencies of 94%+ AFUE. This ultra high efficiency makes the Buderus GB142 eligible for the Energy Star, which makes receiving Rebates, Grants, and Tax Credits under a variety of government energy saving incentive programs possible. Buderus started as a manufacturer of cast iron goods in Germany about 1731, and by 1835 they had expanded to five foundries and were well know for their stoves which were known as “Long Burners.” Today they are part of the Bosch Group and have a worldwide presence and in over fifty countries. Today Buderus has product lines including Solar Energy, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Wood Fuel Burners, and Gas and Oil Burners. Their US headquarters is located in Londonderry, N.H. and their main product lines in North America include: hot water boilers, domestic hot water storage tanks, climate and energy controls, panel radiators, and other hot water heating accessories. Buderus is widely recognized as a high-end manufacturer of heating products.
The Buderus GB142 is a Mod/Con Boiler, which is what we in the trades nickname Modulating Condensing Boilers. The modulating condensing feature is what allows these boilers to attain previously unheard of levels of efficiency while lowering emissions to new levels of clean and green that also were previously unattainable. The modulating burner modulates the flame size so it matches the heat load without wasting fuel and the condensing feature uses a second heat exchanger section to scavenge previously unused heat in the flue gases to preheat the water returning to the boiler. This condensing section actually scrubs so much of the heat out of the flue gases that water vapor in the flue gases condense to water and the flue gases are cool enough that they can be exhausted through PVC Pipe. The high efficiencies make the Buderus GB142 eligible for a rebate of up to $200 under the Appliance Stimulus Package, Grants of up to $6500 under the Weatherization Assistance Program if you qualify, and a 30% Tax Credit of up to $1500, along with other Rebates under various state and utility programs in about ½ of the states.
The Buderus GB142 is available in 4 models with modulated outputs ranging from 22,700 to 196,600 BTU/Hr depending on model and application. The GB142/24 has a rated input of 84,800 BTU/Hr, the GB142/30 is 106,000 BTU/Hr, the GB142/45 is 160,900 BTU/Hr, and the GB142/60 is rated at 214,800 BTU/Hr. The Buderus GB142’s have an attractive fully enclosed housing and the boiler features super quiet operation. The GB142 can be fired on natural gas or, LP gas, and has direct vent and sealed vent options. The GB142 has an aluminum heat exchanger and is supplied with a prefabricated manifold that makes installation easy. The GB142 is also supplied with the AM10 outdoor reset control module. The GB142’s are super clean burning with the CO2 content at full load being only 9.2 ppm and NOx emission factor of 22 – 24 ppm depending on the model. The Buderus GB142’s are fully covered a limited warranty for the first year with a limited lifetime warranty on the heat exchanger, which has a pro-rated service charge after 10 years.
The timing is right to consider an upgrade to a more efficient heating system.
I have 2-GB142/60 boilers installed 3 years ago. I have had multible heat exchanger failers. I use well water not soft and I have the proper water chemical treatment for the aluminum heat exchngers. Is Buderus having issues with the aluminum heat exchangers?
Hi Bill,
I haven’t heard of problems with the heat exchanger, and I’m wondering if the water chemistry may be a factor in your failures. Have you had the PH checked in the system water?
Thanks for posting,
Redwood
Hi Bill
We are also having problems with our Buderus Boiler. We have replaced 2 heat exchangers and also have had the ph tested. We used bottled water with a ph of 7 – 7.5 in the system. When the second exchanger went we tested the fluid in the system and it came back at 10.7ph. We used propylene glycol for freeze protection with some inhibitors. Have you found out what the cause of the heat exchangers failures were? Also what would cause the ph to elevate? Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.
Chris
Hi Chris,
Do you recall the brand of the freeze protection solution you used?
Have you used any boiler cleaners?
The high PH is a definite problem.
Redwood
I am researching boiler systems. The Buderus GB142-30 vs. Weil McLain Ultra 105 of a Baxi Combi Model 380HT. I haven’t read more negatives about the buderus than positive. We were leaning towards the Boderus because it was the pricing was in the middle between these two. Anyone well versed to give a recommendation?
We have at least ten units and one that was five years old rotted away Buderus has an update kit for the gas line, trap and float. they also want you to use Fernox F1 Protectant.
Hi Mike,
I hope this info helps our readers avoid costly repairs.
Thanks for your comment,
Redwood
I purchased a gb-142/45 last heating season. I replaced an old Sears Homart boiler from 1963. I was told that I was replacing a 60 % efficient boiler with a n 97% efficient. All that I saved in heating was 14% . If that was the case then My old boiler should have a rating of 83% which I highly doubt. This boiler is not at all giving me the saving that it is supposed. Also the circulating pump makes considerable noise . My old pump you had to go down to the basement to listen to it through a screwdriver. This boiler is either sized wrong or not putting at all what it is advertised to do . I get no satisfaction from Buderus on the matter.
The heating subcontractor of my builder sold me on the Buderus GB142 for new construction. During the second winter, the system stopped several times, so we woke up to a 55 degree house. Turned out to be aluminum sludge blocking the condensate drain. The company that installed it tells me (after the fact) that I should have yearly cleanings. They just did one for $180. That is 10% of what I spent on propane. It is hard to say what kind of gain the GB offers over other solutions, but the Buderus web site talks about the systems paying for themselves in 2-5 years and providing minimum operating costs. Nowhere in the sales literature does it say you have to treat it like an oil furnace and clean it once a year. I feel I have been had. Bad engineering! Sleezy marketing.
I am thinking of purchasing a Buderus GB142/24. Because some of our heating pipes run through unheated crawl spaces, we have had to use anti-freeze in our current system. Has anyone had problems using anti-freeze with a Buderus boiler?
We purchased a BG 142 in 11/06. The heat exchanger went within 3 months. Buderus refused to replace the system, only the heat exchanger. Also refused to place the qlychol we had just purchased prior to repair. Then while having the unit serviced last year the tech says “this unit looks about 15 yrs old from all the rust & discoloration from the steam when the heat exchanger was leaking and everything is brittle now also. The flame sensor and condensate trap had to be replaced in 12/09. Then the unit started leaking and whistling very loud in february of this year. They replaced the pressure relief valve, which stopped the leak but not the whistling as it heats up to 197 degrees. Now Buderus say our circulating pump is causing it because it is clogged from the glychol & is undersized for use with glychol, but within specs. Pump cost 400.00.
My heating contractor is dropping Buderus as they have 100’s of units down from faulty black boxes which is like the Mother board from what I understand. This was suppose to be a worry free system for 20 yrs, which cost us 11,000.00. Feed up!!