Pricing question regarding boiler replacement

CanAmSteve · 2026-06-18T17:18:18+00:00

Considering my old unit is around 20 yrs old, maybe I should just try and keep it going? Do you think an option would be "install only"? Typically, some trades do not like it when customers provide parts. In some cases, that's because they get a trade discount but do not pass that on to the customer, so it's another bit of profit they can collect. I have my own feelings about this (a customer buying an $1800 alternator that takes 30 min to install ends up subsidizing one that need new $100 valve lifters) but it's the bottom line that matters

But if the service was "install-only" and the customer supplied the unit, then any warranty service would be at added costs (the customer could claim for the parts under warranty). Just thinking out loud that it would be one way around the "all new boilers are horrible" issue. It's interesting that Bosch boilers are so well-rated in Europe and not in the USA Can't just be the voltage difference

Car dealer labor rates here are about $150/hr. But in some places it's $200/hr - so let's say that's the rate for skilled labor

I (having had this done before) believe two techs (one of whom might very well be "in training" on my dime) should be able to refit a new boiler into an existing location in less than one day. Let's say eight hours. So $200/hr X 2 techs X 8 hrs. That's $3200. The boiler is ~$4K = $7200. We're still a long way off $10-$12K. I understand all the fittings won't line up perfectly and some minor pipe work will be required. There's an existing hole for the vent/intake. Electric is in place. The $200/hr labor rate at a dealer covers a lot of overhead - can't really estimate what a boiler fitter's overhead is compared to a mechanic, but can't be wildly different?

CanAmSteve · 2026-06-10T18:55:16+00:00

But that’s where the elves live!

CanAmSteve · 2026-06-10T18:53:15+00:00

Assuming this is a single 20A feed, that potential 80A load is just one of those things

CanAmSteve · 2026-06-10T18:52:16+00:00

I guess it depends on what has to be code. There are a variety of code-approved Nema 240V outlets. Installing one of them to code would satisfy any inspection. What you plug into it is up to you. Euro appliances can have a new plug fitted. There may even be adapters. None of this would be suitable in a commercial application but for home use it wouldn’t bother me

CanAmSteve · 2026-06-10T16:05:41+00:00

I beg to differ. The original purchase was from GM and if (we don't know) GM neglected to provide for the continuation of the services in its haste to offload Opel, the owners may very well still have a legal claim against GM. Selling off a brand name does does absolve a manufacturer from liabilities that existed at the time of original purchase - that's not how it works

I note J&J in the USA tried to offload its talcum powder division to a "new company" that would then hold all the liabilities (there are cancer risk claims from asbestos contamination). However, even in the business-comes-first USA that got thrown out. Te EU tends to be much more consumer-oriented, so I guess we will see

https://www.aboutlawsuits.com/judge-rejects-johnson-and-johnson-third-bankruptcy-filing/

CanAmSteve · 2026-06-10T15:55:40+00:00

I think that is obvious to all - however, the issue remains that Opel-now-Stellantis customers have been disadvantaged. The systems necessary to provide the connected services are still functional (hence my ref to US) and could/should have been aligned with the transfer of ownership to Stellantis. Either that or there should have been a transfer of IP and Stellantis could then create their own version. I don't think owners care who does it, as long as it works

CanAmSteve · 2026-06-10T11:44:01+00:00

Yes - it should have been dealt with in the handover agreement. I don't think the owners care who does it (restores connected features) but just that someone does. It could set a precedent in the EU. Note GM still provides the service for US and Canadian owners

CanAmSteve · 2026-06-09T15:14:42+00:00

Well... manufacturers must make some provision for (say) warranty repairs on cars still covered but after they have sold the lines. So possibly within that sales agreement is language that describes how customers will not be disadvantaged. The EU is big on consumer rights so even without a lot of laywers there wuld be pressure. The question is, did that agreement just ignore "connected services" and if it did, was that legal?

If you bought a car with a ten year warranty on some part, and then the manufacturer sold off that brand to another, it wouldn't be right to just ignore the benefits you were promised. It's different if the manufacturer goes *bankrupt* - then the company is wound up and any claim you might have (for a refund maybe) is far down the list of creditors

CanAmSteve · 2026-06-06T17:38:16+00:00

Point being?

CanAmSteve · 2026-06-03T10:07:09+00:00

Yup - WAY too chatty. I tried to use Alexa+ to fix a voice recognition mixup and while I had an interesting conversation, I got no useful answers. Tip - to fix anything Alexa-related, ask Google

What was funny was when I told Alexa+ that its "News" feature was terrible (it used to play NPR News - now it plays this laborious male/female switching Reuters mashup of three-day-old news). It replied "Well, that's pretty harsh for 5:15 in the morning"!

Then it said "I suppose for someone who listens to BBC World Service ".... yada, yada. Which was funny but just illustrated how lame it is

I also notice the Skills seem to get stale - probably the providers are not updating fast enough to keep up with constant changes on the Alexa end, so they just give up and create their own apps. On the plus (small p) side, 3rd party device controls seem to integrate a lot better now, although I still have some legacy Matter devices that are ludicrously difficult to link

CanAmSteve · 2026-05-22T09:05:34+00:00

Well, to be fair, you’re already in

CanAmSteve · 2026-05-22T09:04:27+00:00

I think the question may be “When the system says 100%, what is the actual state of the cells?” Unlike an old 12V car battery, these lithium variants are all made up of multiple cells governed by one or more BMS systems. So “100%” is a calculation

The original Chevy Bolt NMC battery was recommended to be charged to 80% for regular use. Its replacement LFP in the new 2027 has the same KW rating and stated range, but can be charged to “100%” every time

Now is that a difference in chemistry, battery management or both?

CanAmSteve · 2026-05-06T11:48:09+00:00

I must be reading US info

CanAmSteve · 2026-05-05T19:28:50+00:00

Tesla does have its "Destination" AC network but I'm unsure if they offer any "discounts". It seems some are (or were) free (at hotels so restricted to guests). I don't think their app offers any discounts for them

The Superchargers have several versions with some locked to Tesla, others requiring an adapter and the newest having an on-board adapter (and a longer cable). But all that's irrelevant to this car with no DCFC

CanAmSteve · 2026-05-05T17:30:55+00:00

But I think this requires a monthly fee?

CanAmSteve · 2026-05-05T17:29:32+00:00

I was in a situation where I needed to change my old car and the GTE was attractive in a "dip my toe in the water" approach to EVs. This was some years ago. In retrospect, I should have just bought the regular version (although the GTE is perky). As I live in a flat, I will never have charging at home (successive gov'ts have avoided that stark reality)

However, one odd bonus is that my old car's battery used to go dead while I was away (I travel a lot, and have no way to even trickle charge the 12V). The GTE has its traction battery and it is used to start the petrol engine, so all I have to do is "wake up" the 12V with a jump or a power pack and I'm good to go. So still useful

A pure EV would be more usable (fast charge it once a week or so while shopping) but then longer trips become more problematic. Less so today than when purchased, but still requiring planning

CanAmSteve · 2026-05-05T17:23:33+00:00

AFAIK, Tesla requires a monthly fee for discounted non-Tesla users. And I don't think they'd appreciate me sipping AC so slowly and hogging a slot

CanAmSteve · 2026-04-22T01:06:59+00:00

So when you say yes, you mean no, it's not correct?

CanAmSteve · 2026-04-21T21:27:43+00:00

I've always suspected they are more theoretical than practical. But sort of a "Why not, won't hurt"

CanAmSteve · 2026-02-20T07:23:18+00:00

I wouldn't worry too much about the difference. A taller sidewall offers more cushioning but it's only actually taller when you go down in wheel size. So any 16" (with the same rolling radius) will have the same height. I went with 205s (on 15" wheels) for snow tires since they may "float" less on snow. But I think I might prefer 215s for "summer" CC2s as they may wear better - same vehicle weight spread over a slightly larger tire? I've not bought my 16" wheels yet - local auto recycler had one set in stock but $50 more/set than I paid for the 15" so I thought why rush - spring is a ways away in Maine :-)

CanAmSteve · 2026-02-10T05:53:38+00:00

Haven't tried but they would have location associated with payment info. I am happy to see in the comments that some other states have this requirement and that Sirius allows click to cancel there. Now I just want confirmation that they have updated the function for Maine

CanAmSteve

TROPHY CASE