Table of Contents
Munchkin Boiler Reviews - Munchkin offers small boilers for residential and light commercial use with efficiency AFUE ratings from 92% AFUE to 95% AFUE* that range in capacities from 18,000 BTUh to 399,000 BTUh. Munchkin hot water boilers can be easily converted from natural gas to propane gas and use sealed combustion technology.Munchkin Boiler Reviews | Consumer Ratings
It is imperative that you install and boiler properly within the manufacturers parameters and installation instructions. Additionally, knowledge of various industry best practices, mechanical codes, and electrical codes are required for proper installation. Failure to follow the installation instructions, best practices, or any codes is dangerous and will likely result in the malfunction and early retirement of the boiler. This is especially important for condensing boilers such as the Munchkin.
The Munchkin boiler allows for modulation control. It is a compact condensing boiler made for higher efficiency ratings and for installation in tight spaces.
Munchkin Boiler Reviews | Consumer Ratings - Features
Various features of selected Munchkin hot water boilers are:
- Electronic spark ignition on Munchkin hot water boilers
- Quiet operation on Munchkin hot water boilers
- State of the Art control for Munchkin hot water boilers
- Compact and durable stainless steel construction for Munchkin hot water boilers
- Direct vent using schedule 40 PVC or other low temperature approved venting materials
- Modulating firing rate for Munchkin hot water boilers
About
Munchkin boilers are made by Heat Transfer Products based out of Freetown, Massachusetts. Munchkin boilers can be ordered online directly from the manufacturer.
For information on HTP/Munchkin and their latest models and efficiency ratings please visit the HTP/Munchkin website for more details.
Munchkin Boiler Reviews | Consumer Ratings
*For all efficiency ratings please visit the AHRI website database for manufacturers certification for efficiency for a specific model number appliance. AHRI is the certifying and testing agency responsible for the efficiency ratings within the HVAC industry.
Finally replaced the Munchkin, easily the worst product I have ever bought. I have spent thousands of dollars trying to keep this POS running but finally had it replaced with a good old fashioned chimney vented cast iron boiler. Sure my efficiency will be less but repair cost of the Munchkin outweighed any savings. Happy when I saw that thing go!
Similar to all the above negative comments. I have 2 140MHA R1 Munchkin boilers. Constant problems since new. First the Vision 3 Control Board went out. (Discontinued). Had to jury rig but this eliminated the cascade of the 2 boilers making them less efficient. Now the exchanger is leaking and no replacement can be made. If I only replace 1 boiler they will not work together. Looks like 2 new boilers are required to fix the problem. They are only 13 years old and not run hard. Customer service at HTP is awful. 2 hrs on hold for tech support. Stay clear.
Like everyone else, I’ve had a terrible experience with our Munchkin Boiler Heater. What units are there that are good replacements in a tight installation?
Try a combi-boiler. There are a lot of manufacturers out there that make them. Here’s an example: https://amzn.to/2RGlhBk
I put in an HTP 80 11 years ago. First (only) boiler I ever installed. Other than routine cleaning regularly, zero problems. PRO code lockout. So the pressure switch died after 11 years. I replaced it with a generic 12 lb switch. Excellent water chemistry. Widely spaced air intake and exhaust.
What I did do is put on a few monitors over the years. Much of the data can be accessed on the readout. But I wanted external monitors. So a bunch of temp sensors everywhere. Inlet/outlet/zones in and out/ ammeters on pumps. Temp of air inlet, exhaust, inside sealed boiler case. Hobbs hour meter. Cycle counter. Voltmeter and ammeter on 24 vac relay controls for pumps. Manometer on LP line. Excellent quality water pressure gauge. Valves to isolate anything that can break.
It helps. You can see pretty much what is happening. Delta T etc. I am running this at about 106 degrees max into radiant stone floor. I think that a good install helps. I think that sensitive electronics do not like being cooked cyclically. Like with 180 degree boiler temp. I also kill input power unless there is a heat call. (Bad lightning here, power spikes etc.)
This did not cost much to do. $200 maybe. And my time. eBay is your friend.
As for cost to maintain, a little over $2 a year.
There is no substitute for good luck. Probably the most important thing in the above.
We purchased our home in 2012; the house was built in 1999. The first year we lived there, the Munchkin was leaking water; we opened it up and someone did a “repair” by make a channel out of duct tape to divert the water. That was our first repair. The following year, we had to have a $1200 repair to replace parts because something cracked (made of plastic). The year after that another $800. We just called a repairman this morning because it’s not working and giving out heat; we have it serviced each year – so disgusted. We keep pouring money into this and depending on this outcome, we will replace.
I built my house in 2005 and had my brand new Munchkin boiler installed, hardly a year has gone by where a repair was not required, the heat exchanger had to be replaced after 5 year, thankfully that was under warranty still and the boiler mate at least 3 times, not to mention fixing numerous other problems. The heat exchanger is leaking again and now out of warrantly, i need to replace the boiler now after 15 years. Munchkin is poor quality, do yourself a favor and get something more reliable.
I hate to be different but….I had the Munchkin 80M installed new including the whole house system. Baseboards and warm air coil in attic. I have had the unit serviced 6 times for maintenance only. Cleaned and tuned. Not one failure ever since 2005. I recommend in the future you install a properly sized UPS ahead of the new boiler of your choice to insure clean power. Don’t run a a generator on them either unless you use the UPS or an inverter type generator and still thru a UPS.
I have had this boiler since 2003. After 3-4 years I had problems with ignition detection F09. This had to do with the screws that bolt the boiler had some corrosion. The boiler had some signs of burns and was replaced under warranty and the max temperature was dropped to 190 from 205. I believe these boilers are probably better with in floor heating where the temperature setting is much lower. I have the old baseboard heating. My was very smart and wired the pump to be on continuously unless the boiler is shut off. This eliminated the condensation. I would turn it off in the summer. After a while I was having issues getting the pump to start back up and had to knock on it. I was also having pressure switch issues. I now leave the pump running all year around and have no more pressure switch issues. I have not had it serviced in 10 years. The company that installed the boiler no longer installs them. Since they installed mine they said they might service mine. After reading all the nightmare reviews I am definitely going to have it serviced following winter. I do believe the installation is critical with this boiler and condensation is the root of most issues.
our Munchkin T80M has had a recurring F01 error problem. The boiler was left in a house we bought. The pipes had frozen, but we pressure tested the boiler and it seemed ok. It is ten years old, and there was probably a couple years it did not function before we bought it. Anyways, the F01 error was resolved for awhile by replacing the vent temperature limit switch, or so we thought. It is still unpredictable, but seems to occur most often when it warms up outside (there is a outside temp sensor). It will run for weeks, then suddenly F01 error. The main message is…I can’t leave this unchecked for more than 24 hours. Many people have studied it, no one has solved it. Boiler is cleaned and maintained yearly. My guess is, since the temp switch sits on the boiler, something gets stuck in there and heats up and the switch pops. Time for a new boiler. thanks.
Agree with all who say steer clear of this P.O.S. It costs so much every year in constant repairs that it is not at all worth it. It breaks down at least once or twice every winter, even with yearly maintenance. I wish I could dump it after only having it for 6 years (versus 70 years for the last boiler), but just had to put another $1,600 into it.
2 munchkins 399K BTUs. Owned for 8 years. Each shuts down at least once per week from any of a long variety of error codes. Both have had computer boards replaced twice. Both are completely unreliable. Even with two I don’t dare leave the house in winter for fear they will shut down and pipes freeze. Absolutely garbage!!
Unfortunately I have to add my name to the long list of
Dissatisfied customers. The Munchkin Sucks!!!!!!
Joseph schachner
Installed a Munchkin 140M 13 yrs ago. It’s been working fine with no problems up until now. It’s one of the original models that doesn’t have the “upgrade” kit/control bd. Last week, no heat. Technicians spent 2 days and lots of my $ to no avail. Still no heat. They replaced the blower motor but problem now appears to be the pressure switch. I called HTP and the joker in tech support tells me that the pressure switch that this units requires has been discontinued and is no longer available. Now I’m reasonable safe around tools so I asked him if there are any after market pressure switches that are compatible. He says no and that instead, I need to buy the “upgrade” kit/control bd (wholesale cost from HTP ~$550). Can you believe this nonsense? Instead of replacing a $10 pressure switch, he recommends that I throw away more of my hard earned money for an upgrade kit? If this company cared about customer service, the least they can do is get one of the members of their “crack” technical staff to spend a little time researching a compatible replacement. Instead, they peddle this bit of nonsense. This company is corrupt. I will go out of my way to steer everyone I know away from this corrupt company and their faulty products.
I have had a similar issue.
Do not buy a munchkin!! You will be sorry. This is the worst furnace on the market. Do not buy anything from Heat Transfer Products!
Do take my word google munchkin reliability. Furthermore I am replacing this piece of crap munchkin with a regular efficiency furnace . All the money I saved from this so callled high efficiency furnace I paid out in costly repairs. Stay away, you’ll be cold and sorry if you don’t!!!
I can agree with most of the comments that this boiler is a piece of s—! I have owned this boiler for 16 years and have had at least 6 service calls and they and the parts are not cheap. We just had one yesterday for a new gas valve and now a fan or something is making more noise than a semi driving in the house. I have not received the bill, but I bet I will have to mortgage the house I heat with it.
OMG this is the worst operating furnace sold in the US we,have had unit for 6 years,and nothing but problems it is not dependable, last a,couple of years then it starts klunkng and banging that you will need a,new furnace we were robbed and taken advantage of this furnace is,crap do not buy you will regret it 6 years,from now because it finally breaks down and you have to get another unit what a,scam furnaces should at least last 15 years this tin can peice of garbage do what’s best for you not them do not let there ,product and company fool you they have so many complaints of so many customers not liking munchkin and so many people with serious issues,needed new,furnace so if you are smart plea see by a different product from a different company this one is not one you can count on now we are out 8000.00 2nd time 1st one under warranty 2 years
I have an 80MLP, installed in 2002. I bought the house 4 years ago. After seeing what others have written, I guess I should be glad I had no problems until this year. The plastic inducer motor fan came apart, stopping the motor from turning. 4 days with no hot water. Of course, the entire motor had to be changed, 677.00 for the motor alone. Since I heat the house with a pellet stove (can’t afford to heat with propane, with is another outrage, but anyway…..I am going to have an instant hot water unit put in so I am not dependent on this piece of garbage for hot water. DO NOT BUY A MUNCHKIN!!!!!
It’s been just one replacement part after another replacement part. The service people must be trained in how to replace parts one after another in Munchkins Boilers. My condo unit building has a Munchkin that is not very old but has been a huge head ache. I’d never buy another one.
Stay away from HTP. I replaced a 2 year old Weil McClain Ultra that never worked properly with an Elite 120 from HTP. Unlike oil boilers there is NO warranty of any worth from HTP. They do not stand behind their product at all. I have now had the HTP 4 years and have spent over $2500 on maintenance and broken parts that conveniently broke after the one year warranty for parts, ridiculous for a boiler.
Quite frankly having seen the HTP unit apart during numerous repairs it is a very cheap and poorly constructed unit in my opinion.
In talking to the various technicians who have serviced the unit(HTP has very few qualified technicians in New Hampshire) I would recommend against installing a high performance boiler. The technicians have really nothing good to say about any of them. They are good for the technicians because they provide them a steady income stream in service calls. Any fuel/energy savings will be far outweighed by very high maintenance costs.
I have a 4 year old munckin boiler that is making a lot of noise. sounds like a truck driving through our house. I had it serviced a couple of weeks ago and the plumber who did the service said he didn’t think he could fix the problem; What ever the problem is. He indicated that the noise is when the rpm’s are about 1500. I’m concerned that it is going to vibrate itself apart.
https://highperformancehvac.com/hydronic-pump-cavitation/ – hope that helps
Have had a munchkin model 140mr2 for seven years, now it won’t even work, live here in Maryland and we have a blizzard due here I about twelve hours. And the place I bought it from does not even have the part’s on hand and worried about pipe’s freezing up in house my old oil furance lasted for over 60 years thought gas furnace would be more efficient with all the modern technology guess I was wrong, not a happy camper munchkin is not very dependable according to what I have read