Replies

1. 
   paul_wiedefeld | Dec 17, 2022 02:30pm | #1

   They make electric boilers that are resistance (so 100% of electricity turns into heat) and heat pumps that heat water which are significantly more efficient than resistance. The heat pumps can be either air source or ground source. They can work with baseboards with some creativity and know-how. I’ve never heard of an induction boiler, probably because it has no advantages I can tell over heat pumps or resistance.

1. 
   Jacob_D | Dec 17, 2022 05:28pm | #4

   Interested in learning more about using a heat pump as the source for radiant baseboard heats. The water that goes into my baseboard loops starts at about 180F -- I didn't think you could reach those kinds of temps with heat pumps. Or maybe you can run cooler water for a longer period? Got any links?

   Thanks

1. 
   paul_wiedefeld | Dec 17, 2022 05:35pm | #5

   That’s the idea - baseboard is historically “sized” for 180 but 1. Sizing of boilers/baseboard is typically a WAG and is often oversized, 2. Existing houses have improved insulation/windows from initial construction, 3. If 180 is needed, it’s needed only a small portion of the year, and 4. Air to water can get up to about 160 with a secondary heat pump, or you can use the existing oil/electric resistance to supplement on the coldest nights. It’s not the easiest replacement, but it’s 100% doable.

   https://idronics.caleffi.com/magazine/27-air-water-heat-pump-systems

2. 
   walta100 | Dec 17, 2022 04:36pm | #2

   Induction boiler is new term to my ear also.

   The real question is how many BTUs per kWh will it produce?

   Seems unlikely to do any better than a resistance boiler.
   Please post a link.

   This air to water heat pump by space pack is interesting but not likley to be cheap.

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlX5z32T1J4&ab_channel=MattRisinger

   Walta

3. 
   Jacob_D | Dec 17, 2022 05:25pm | #3

   Honestly, if the folks here haven't heard of it, it's probably not a viable option, at least not where I live. Here are a few examples I've found:

   https://www.daobright.com/magnetic-induction-boiler/
   https://help-repair.info/heating/induction_boiler__costeffective_alternative_or_disappointments

1. 
   paul_wiedefeld | Dec 17, 2022 05:36pm | #6

   That’s interesting - induction seems quicker than resistance (at least my tea kettle is), but that’s not really a feature a central heating system needs.

4. 
   greenright | Dec 17, 2022 09:40pm | #7

   One manufacturer seems to advertise 98% direct and 121% indirect efficiency- whatever that might mean. So… essentially an instant hot water heater…. Which I personally don’t care about

5. 
   Jacob_D | Dec 21, 2022 10:06pm | #8

   Following up on my own question-- I'd been under the false impression that b/c induction stovetops are considered more efficient than typical electric stovetops, the same would hold true for boilers.

   Wrongo.

   per this post: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/is-induction-heating-more-efficient-and-bio-safe-than-resistance-heating-for-a-water-heater.982621/

   ...since the coil that heats up is submerged in water, all of the energy transfers to the water (no where else to go) vs a stovetop which loses heat to the air etc.

1. Expert Member
   DCcontrarian | Dec 21, 2022 10:29pm | #9

   What you want is called an air-to-water heat pump. But start another thread if you want to discuss it.