Why should I use a brazed plate heat exchanger to hookup my outdoor unit to my existing indoor boiler?

When installing an outdoor furnace that is considered an open (non-pressurized) system you should take into account the advantages and disadvantages of direct plumbing the two systems as one. In my opinion the disadvantages far outweigh the advantages. Simply put I would use a heat exchanger between the two systems. It may cost a little bit more but it is worth the piece of mind.

Adavantages
-saves the cost of the heat exchanger
-slightly more energy efficient

Disadvantages
-changes your indoor "closed & pressurized" system to an "open, non-pressurized" system
-can have air lock problems
-introduces oxygenated water to the system 24/7, simply put oxygen corrodes. This is the whole reason your existing indoor boiler has an air scoop/air eliminator to pull the air/oxygen out of the water so your ferrous components will last the desired lifetime. direct plumbing an indoor system will greatly reduce its usable life.
-VOIDS MOST FACTORY WARRANTYS FOR YOUR EXISTING INDOOR BOILER

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