Savastat LC vs. Modulating Burners

Modulating burners operate on the theory that adjusting the burner flame to match load is better than simply turning the burner on or off. The boiler determines how much heat is needed by comparing output temperatures to return temperatures. Although this has been greatly simplified for this conversation, these values are commonly known as Delta-T.

Savastat LC's imbedded controller does much the same type of computation by monitoring the return water temperature rate of decay, and only when the boiler is called on to fire. The difference is mostly in the complexity of the equipment of modulating burners verses the simplicity of Savastat LC. If you are a proponent of the KISS theory (Keep It Simple Sweet), you will love Savastat LC. No complex controllers, actuators, motorized valves, or mechanical components to fail. Just the controller and a sensor. With tens of thousands of units in operation, failed units can be counted on ONE HAND. This includes LC units in operation since 1992! We at ECMI have never encountered a single failed unit to date. That is reliability!

Often we have a client say, "we can turn off the modulating feature and run the boiler in stage mode." Unfortunately this makes no sense, because Savastat LC will approximate the same savings being achieved by the modulating burner. If you have a modulating burner, then our advise is to use it. You already spent good money for it, which most likely was over ten times the cost of Savastat LC. Also, since ECMI guarantees our clients a savings of 15% or more, we simply can not implement LC systems in this case.

If you are considering implementing a modulating burner in your boiler, that is a different story. Modulating burners typically have a payback of over 10 YEARS. With a payback of 2 years or less, Savastat LC makes a great alternative to modulating burners. Of course your boiler guy would much rather sell you a modulating burner system. With a typical cost of $30k or more, the commissions are quite appealing. In fact, we at ECMI could offer modulating burners to our clients as well, if we would choose to. The reason we don't is because we are in the business of providing our clients with what we feel are the best solutions for saving energy. All of our product meet the criteria of providing a payback of 2 years or less. Modulating burners simply can not do this.