Table of Contents
Lochinvar Boiler Reviews - Lochinvar produces hot water boilers from 84% AFUE to 95.3% AFUE*. Lochinvar produces boilers for residential and light commercial applications and is based out of Lebanon, TN. Capacities for residential Lochinvar hot water boilers range from 50,000 BTU to 300,000 BTU’s.
Lochinvar Boiler Reviews | Consumer Ratings
Lochinvar also produces other types of hot water heating systems including modulating condensing boilers in both the floor models and wall mount types for both residential and commercial uses. The Lochinvar line also includes boiler controls systems, buffer tanks, storage tanks, indirect-fired heating tanks, pool and spa heating systems, and a solar hot water heating system.
Features
Various features of selected Lochinvar hot water boilers include:
- ASME certified Lochinvar hot water boilers
- Stainless Steel combustion chamber on selected Lochinvar hot water boilers
- Heavy gauge steel jacket on selected Lochinvar hot water boilers
- Modulating firing rates for selected Lochinvar hot water boilers
- Built-in outdoor air reset for selected Lochinvar hot water boilers
- Smart system control on selected Lochinvar hot water boilers
Lochinvar Boiler Model Comparison Guide
| Lochinvar Boiler Model Comparison Guide | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Efficiency | Mounting | Operation | Energy Star Rated |
| KNIGHT® FIRE TUBE BOILER | 95% AFUE Efficiency | Wall or Floor | Modulating | √* |
| NOBLE® COMBINATION GAS BOILER/SPACE HEATING APPLIANCE | 95% AFUE | Wall | Modulating | √* |
| EPIC® FIRE TUBE COMBINATION GAS BOILER / SPACE HEATING APPLIANCE Available in Canada Only | 95% AFUE | Wall | Modulating | √* |
| NOBLE® FIRE TUBE BOILER | 95% AFUE | Wall | Modulating | √* |
| SOLUTION™ HEATING BOILER | Up to 84% AFUE | Floor | Two-Stage | X |
| *Always check the Energy Star website for product eligibility. | ||||
Warranties
Always read and understand the warranty before signing the installation contract. Most HVAC products, if not installed properly, can lead to inefficiency and premature failure.
Additionally, you will have lots of problems, including constant repairs if not installed correctly. That is especially true for boilers, even with a warranty that can still cost you money. Most HVAC warranties only cover parts and not labor. Therefore, it is crucial to hire a qualified, credible contractor for the installation — someone who knows what they are doing, especially with boilers.
A good, credible contractor will offer you their contractor warranty in addition to the manufacturer’s warranty. These types of warranties typically cover parts and labor for a term of one year. It doesn’t matter whether it is an HVAC contractor or a plumbing contractor; it is crucial to get a qualified boiler installer to do the work. Despite the manufacturer’s warranty, you will have to pay for labor. Finally, some good questions to ask about any warranty will include:
- Will the warranty transfer to the new owner if I sell the house?
- Who pays for shipping if the part has to be expedited?
Lochinvar Boiler Buyer’s Guide
To help consumers when purchasing new HVAC products, we have written a complimentary guide. This buyer’s guide goes along with or product reviews to help you make the best of your purchase. It is geared mainly to help you make the right decisions and know some inside information about the process. How the contractors operate and things to look for in a good, qualified contractor that is truly interested in delivering a great product for you. Of course, we always recommend a qualified, credible contractor over any brand. In any case, see our HVAC Consumer Buyer’s Guide for help in your new boiler purchase.
Lochinvar Boiler Reviews | Consumer Ratings - About Lochinvar
Lochinvar began producing water heaters in 1919 by its founder Walter Vallett, Sr. Lochinvar is a family-owned business with the Vallett family still running the business from its world headquarters in Lebanon, TN.
For more information about Lochinvar and its latest models and efficiency ratings, please visit the Lochinvar website.
For best results and efficiency ratings, always check with the manufacturer for a list of contractors certified to install their products. Any HVAC systems must be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and parameters, industry best practices, and all safety codes. You can also read our page, How to Find a Good HVAC Company.
Lochinvar Boiler Reviews | Consumer Ratings
*For all efficiency ratings please visit the AHRI website database for manufacturer’s certification for efficiency for a specific model number appliance. AHRI is the certifying and testing agency responsible for the efficiency ratings with the HVAC industry.
I have had similar problems with lockouts. The system is expensive and unreliable.
Enough said
WE PURCHASED a Lochivnar KHB 155 Propane Boiler for our radiant heating in our home, 2021. Our local plumber installed it and it worked fine the first winter. This winter(fall) with temps in the 20s the living room zone is not heating up.The two other zones seem to be working okay. Our plumber has worked on it several times but now has given up and asked us to get a knowledge able technician to look at it and repair it. We live outside of Santa Fe,NM about 8 miles South. Are there any techs that could handle this problem?
Product is expensive and unreliable.
Enough said
Same as above; though luckily our problems only started after 4.5 years. BTW, we ALWAYS had a yearly qualified (not installers) service tuning ~2$50. Bought an integrated boiler/H20heater…16K system.
Having major leaks; two internal to boiler/two external and major rusting! Assume it was the installation (the only certified installers in our area)…but with quotes to replace affected pipes, to fix it will be over 4K!
Now faced with do we fix it (since ironically, no computer/system issues) or scrap it after averaging 6K per year (cost plus gas) with NO guarantee it won’t fail in other ways??!?
Absolutely, will not buy again (and probably will scrap and switch out (sigh)); another 6-7K….
Beware those considering Lochnivar…don’t! (Have replaced boilers (Burnham) in other homes, never with issues in this time frame.)
Hard, expensive lesson to learn…
My system was installed in October 2020. I wish I read these reviews before investing in this system. Going through all the problems and complaints listed since April 15. Supposed to have new parts ordered and installed today…not holding my breath. I have no confidence at all in this heating DHW combi system!
UPDATE: I had my Lochinvar combi replaced under warranty in January after many Lockouts due to flame fail. Within two weeks I had to have the hot water sensor replaced on the replacement unit, which took an additional two weeks to get the part. Now I am experiencing the exact same Lockout code I was with the previous unit. These are brand new machines. What gives! DO NOT BUY THIS SYSTEM.
This my last post on the Lochinvar Noble system I had replaced under warranty in 2022. Two weeks ago, I had the same Lockout: Flame Fail message. It is now the start of week three with no hot water (luckily its late spring) and no resolution. This is after 3 different repair techs could not get it to fire properly or understand what is wrong. I am supposed to have Lochinvar techs from the company look at it (this happened with the last unit as well). It does not matter. I am cutting my losses and moving on to a more conventional system.
I was ready to purchase a lochinavar whb199 to replace a 2010 low tech slant fin boiler that is supposedly only 85 % efficient, but after reading the bitter complaints of poor to non existent help by the company service department, I am taking my business somewhere else.
Beware, Lochinavar!
No amount of good engineering and high quality of manufacturing can substitute for good customer service. The industry is littered with great companies that went under due to poor customer service!
And a circuit board for $700 when you can buy a laptop for $200 ??
I couldn’t ore disappointed in my Lochinvar boiler that was installed in my new home in 2013. I have spent far more $$ trouble shooting and repairing the unit than I paid for it new. Real, local technical support is non existent. This week when I had to replace the venturi for the third time the rep did help me locate one at a supply house which I very much appreciated and I was confident he would help me to find the root cause of the problem but soon just more disappointment once again. I would never buy another Lochinvar product and would never recommend Lochinvar to anyone else.
I am looking for someone from Lochinvar that can address a communications problem with the Bacnet module (KIT30142) provided on both the wall mount and floor mount Knight boilers. I have talked to tech support and they don’t have a clue what to do. I have done the research and found the Lochinvar Bacnet module is sending 2-replies with every request for information, not allowed in the Bacnet standards. This cannot be fixed by controls company equipment and needs to be addressed by whomever Lochinvar purchase this module from. Can you direct me to someone who can fix this? We have many of these in service and we have disabled them but the owners want what Lochinvar has promised with this extra cost. Any help is appreciated….
I have been installing Loch N Var 84% efficient boilers for about 10 years with no real issues. It seems the reviews are mostly high efficient systems. I know set up on these is critical .I hope most people are seeing good service. I know the CBN series boiler has been good for our company
Do not buy!
We purchased one in 2014, 1st year we had 10 service calls because it quit working all the time.
2018 control panel quit working, they had to replace it. Now 2020, control panel has quit working again COST of a control panel is $680.00!
District Rep. Will not return our phone calls, I am sure they are tired of hearing from me. I am tired of making phone calls, and dealing with a furnace that does not work. Heartbroken.
Only God knows how I wish I had read these comments before I spent over 20K on a new system, a Lochinvar inclusive heat and hot water. As a senior widow I am scared to death as I have been without heat now for from Sunday afternoon and so far probably until sometime Thursday. yipes
I also spent a lot of money for the Lochinvar boiler and Squire indirect water tank about 10 years ago. Fast forward to today and I have had the Squire tank replaced 3 times because they have leaked back through the pressure relief pipe of the boiler. The leaks would at the inlet to the tank after about 2 years and eventually through the relief valve. As I sit here today Aug 31, 2019 this 3rd tank is leaking. NJ Customer Support is non existent as I have called 5 times this week without a single call back. Each time I replaced the tank it was under a lifetime warranty but I had to pay a qualified plumber. If you are thinking about a new system I would STAY away from Lochinvar. I am going to trash this entire system and go back to a traditional boiler and hot water system!!!
Strongly recommend against anything sold by Lochinvar. I just spent $20,000 on a whole new boiler setup, including a Lochinvar combination boiler and indirect water tank. Some technical installation questions have come up. I waited on hold for an hour yesterday on their tech line and they NEVER answered it. I’m calling again today and still they do not pick up. Looks like they have one person who has to answer all calls.
If I had known how bad they are, I would have told the contractor to avoid Lochinvar. Who cares how good their products are if they refuse to answer tech questions when you desperate need help.
We have a Lochinvar Knight wall mount high eff. boiler that has had several problems from the start.Installed 10-17-2010 it ran for 3 yrs.and had several problems;Was told to replace the main wiring harness to resolve a lockout issue to no avail.Had to replace the main circuit board which was extremely expensive,before the lockout went away. Aprox.3mths.later,system going into lockout again.Found molex plug that inserts into gas valve wont make a good connection into gas valve.Had to tie a wire tie around molex plug to get voltage to energize the valve.Valve is still working to this day.But another issue has arisen yesterday;going off on outlet sensor fault.
Tested sensor and it ohms within the rated parameters for its temp.Tried reaching tech support but they are not open until Monday.Troubleshooting guidelines state that if the sensor and wiring are good,that the main circuit board is bad.I certainly hope not.This board is very expensive and should not be failing this often.First board lasted 3yrs.,2nd board 4yrs.I hope Lohinvar can help me out.
Bob, sorry to hear about your issue. I am a level 10 certified lochinvar installer, i have in stalled more than 500 Lochinvar boilers since 2011. I have had 1 circuit board failure ever.
My guess is they never set is up properly with a combustion analysis, or the heat exchanger is dirty and needs to be cleaned. These issue may make some think it is a board issue.
Hi Mark: two year old Lochinvar NKC 199 on first floor small home. Makes an intermittent noise like a plane, for 5-10 seconds during heating cycle. Installer unaware of similar problem, doesn’t believe us and we can’t replicate noise while he is in house. Lochinvar said possibilities include: combustion problem (do an efficiency test), improper venting, improper gas valve install or wrong valve size. Any ideas? Many thanks!!! Steve
Steve, not sure unless I look at it. If you can, catch the noise on video so you can replicate it for the tech/Lochnivar. Over the years, I’ve seen many different boilers make many different noises from time to time. And for different reasons. Sometimes its a combustion issue and sometimes its a pressure issue.
We had dry leaves in exhaust. Tech opened and vacuumed out. Sounded like helicopter. Leaves gone and noise stopped.
I agree with the negative reviews. The problems, issues, cost of service calls never end. I’ve had my system for over 6 years. I just had an annual service call for a system check up. Two days later the fan failed. Get used to seeing the display read: “LOCK OUT.” Maybe Lochnivar is an over engineered boiler. Reliability is NOT a benefit you get from this manufacturer. And the racket this thing can make! It sometimes shudders and bangs and emits painful high pitched noises that won’t stop.
I was just reading the reviews of the lochinvar boiler. I have gone through the last three seasons with the same problem. The pilot doesn’t light reliably. Every time I call for service the worker flicks the boiler on and it works fine. I just had the gas valve replaced and a week later I am again sitting in my 55 degree living room. Has anyone actually fixed one of these units?
Admin Transfer
Reviewed by Evelyn October 14, 2011
Lochinvar Knight Boiler 210 Horrible experience
Going into our 6th year of not having a consistently working furnace. Each year it constantly stops working. All involved started ignoring calls and emails. Lochinvar will not make it right. Completely refused. Now they are saying that the warranty is no longer in effect so they hare not responsible for anything. They never fixed it. It has never had a winter season that we didn’t have to call a service repair person. I can not stress enough how horribly we have been treated. I would never suggest this company to anyone.
Lochinvar Boiler Reviews | Consumer Ratings
Reviewed by Admin Transfer September 05, 2011
Lochinvar Problems
Reviewed by Bill Pearson November 14, 2010
Lochinvar Problems
My first experience with a Lochinvar Mini Boiler. Residential use at 80k BTU.
Deceptive advertising, as stated to be 94% efficiency, only to be delivered with a 91% tag.
Problems with the electronic ignition after 1 year. The pilot often does not ignite. (probably needs cleaned, but read on). This acts as a catalyst of the real problem. If your ignition does not ignite the first time, there is no second attempt by the the software to re-ignite. Since the pumps are controlled by the thermostat, they are now running as if everything is just fine. The homeowner is on vacation, the system never corrects, and the entire home system freezes. Lochinvar calls this good design?
I will never place another order with this company. Hope I’m missing something here, but tech support doesn’t think so.
Bill Pearson
Admin transfer from old reviews to new site
Submitted by Wayne Lang on 2013/06/07 at 7:59 pm
I am completely disappointed with the Lochinvar boiler that was installed in my home in December 2012.
The local Lochinvar representative in Massachusetts has been totally useless in resolving the problem. In fact he made the problem worse when he visited my home. Since then he has ignored my phone calls.
The boiler had problems right out of the box but after parts were replaced it ran fine for three months. Then it had problems again.
The representative then blamed the installation! Lochinvar has terrible customer support. I am contacting the Mass Save program in an attempt to have Lochinvar products removed from the program. It takes two hours for the boiler to heat the house two additional degrees!