The Munchkin Contender Gas Boiler is a Modulating Condensing Wall Hung Boiler made by Heat Transfer Products Inc. and comes in 4 models that offer a modulation input range of 18,000 to 120,000 BTU/HR with efficiencies of 92 – 93% AFUE. The ultra high efficiency of the Munchkin Contender makes it Energy Star Rated and eligible for rebates of up to $200 from the Appliance Stimulus Package, Grants of up to $6500 under the Weatherization Assistance Program for those who qualify, and a 30% Income Tax Credit up to $1500. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is providing “Free Money” to help stimulate jobs in industry and with installers especially products that save energy or are “green.” The free money programs are to help offset the costs associated with the upgrade and allow the payback to reach the consumer faster further stimulating the economy. Heat Transfer Products Inc. which manufactures the Munchkin Contender Gas Boiler has been manufacturing and designing heat exchangers since 1974 and offers a full array of products including highly efficient boilers, gas water heaters, solar water heaters, indirect water heaters, electric water heaters, and hot water storage tanks.
The Munchkin Contender Gas Boiler is a Modulating Condensing Boiler or, Mod/Con as we refer to them in the trade. The Modulation and the Condensing Boiler feature is what give these boilers their ultra high efficiencies. The modulating feature has a burner that modulates to match you heating demand. The Munchkin Contender uses a microprocessor-based control with an LED display that monitors the heating demand and controls the modulation of the burner for the most efficient operation possible. The fuel is thoroughly mixed in the burner fan before going to the stainless steel burner for the best possible combustion and efficiency. The Condensing boiler is the other half of the high efficiencies of the Mod/Con Boilers. In a condensing boiler the boiler has an extra section that uses the heat present in the flue gases to preheat the water coming into the boiler. This extra section removes so much of the heat that steam present in the flue gases actually condense into water and the exhausting flue gases are cool enough that they can exhaust through PVC pipe. With the clean burning and high efficiency comes an added benefit. The exhaust emissions of the Mod-Con boilers as we refer to them in the trade are exceptionally clean and have low emissions of CO and NOx, which is good for the environment and lowers the emissions that contribute to smog and global warming. This is the other side of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act “Free Money Programs.” The programs are also designed to promote “Green Technology” and make it affordable for you to upgrade. “Going Green” is nice but for going green to face universal acceptance there must be a pay back. With the incentives available the pay back can be putting lower energy cost dollars in your pocket sooner.
The Munchkin Contender Gas Boiler is available in 4 models:
- The MC50, which modulates from 18,000 to 50,000 BTU/HR Input.
- The MC80, which modulates from 19,000 to 80,000 BTU/HR Input.
- The MC99, which modulates from 44,000 to 99,000 BTU/HR Input.
- The MC50, which modulates from 44,000 to 120,000 BTU/HR Input.
The Munchkin Contender Gas Boilers feature a compact wall hung design that operates very quietly. They have a lightweight plastic cover made from Noryl that lifts off providing easy access for servicing. The Munchkin Contender Gas Boilers can fire on natural gas or, can be converted to LP gas, and they have a Stainless Steel Heat Exchanger that is built into a single assembly that also encloses the back flue and water manifold. This simplified design contributes to the lower cost of the Munchkin Contender. The Munchkin Contender Gas Boilers are pre-wired for easy installation of the optional Vision1, 2, or, 3 Control System. Standard features on the Munchkin Contenders are the modulating stainless steel burner with 3:1 turndown, 2-stage operation for heating and domestic hot water production, 2” PVC venting direct and intake, direct-spark ignition, 30-PSI relief valve, low pressure gas valve, pump relay with freeze protection, inlet and outlet temperature sensors, an on/off switch and a convenience outlet, outside termination fittings, and a 12-Year limited warranty. Options include the Vision 1 Control Panel with provisions for domestic hot water priority and outside temperature sensing, sidewall vent kit, condensate pump, condensate neutralizer kit, and a concentric venting kit. The Munchkin Contender does not have a DHW coil but will make a seemingly endless amount of hot water when a SuperStor Ultra Indirect Water Heater is installed on one of the zones.
The Munchkin Contender Gas Boilers are a great choice for an energy saving upgrade and the “Free Money Programs” can start a quick payback on your investment.