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Comparison

U.S. Boiler Company Independence IN3I vs IN4I

Verdict in brief

The IN3I and IN4I are the two smallest chimney-vented Independence steam boilers, both 82.0% AFUE. The IN4I raises input from 62 to 105 MBH, net steam from 38 to 65 MBH (158 to 271 sq ft) and chimney requirement from 4×15 to 5×15 inches, adding 70 lb.

Side by side

Published manufacturer figures. Input and output are kept separate; blanks mean the manufacturer did not publish that value.

Comparison of U.S. Boiler Company Independence IN3I and U.S. Boiler Company Independence IN4I
SpecificationU.S. Boiler Company Independence IN3IU.S. Boiler Company Independence IN4I
Input62 MBH105 MBH
DOE heating capacity51 MBH87 MBH
AHRI net steam rating38 MBH65 MBH
Steam square feet158 sq ft271 sq ft
Efficiency (AFUE)82 %82 %
Minimum chimney requirements4×15 in chimney5×15 in chimney
Approx. shipping weight350 lb420 lb
Domestic hot waterHeating-only boiler — domestic hot water comes from a separate indirect tank or water heaterHeating-only boiler — domestic hot water comes from a separate indirect tank or water heater

What actually separates them

Both are cast-iron, gas-fired steam boilers at 15 PSI maximum working pressure with electronic ignition, stainless-steel burners, a step-opening gas valve, probe-type LWCO and a 15 PSI safety valve. Their rating rows both print 82.0% AFUE, so the decision is the connected steam load: 38 MBH net steam (158 sq ft) on the IN3I against 65 MBH (271 sq ft) on the IN4I.

Chimney requirements step with the section count: the IN3I lists a 4×15-inch round chimney and the IN4I a 5×15-inch, both measured 15 feet from top of drafthood to top of chimney. Shipping weight rises from 350 to 420 lb.

For homes without a chimney, the same two capacities appear in the power-vented line as the IN3PVNI (62 MBH input, 83.2% AFUE) and IN4PVNI (105 MBH input, 82.2% AFUE), which vent through 3-inch AL29-4C stainless steel at 35–45 equivalent feet instead of a chimney.

CurrentCanadian status unknown
Input
Output (max)
AFUE
82 %

The U.S. Boiler Company Independence IN3I is the smallest chimney-vented Independence: 62 MBH input with 51 MBH DOE heating capacity and a 38 MBH AHRI net steam rating at 82% AFUE, chimney vented (4×15 in chimney).

Natural gasPropaneHeating-only
CurrentCanadian status unknown
Input
Output (max)
AFUE
82 %

The U.S. Boiler Company Independence IN4I is the second chimney-vented size: 105 MBH input with 87 MBH DOE heating capacity and a 65 MBH AHRI net steam rating at 82% AFUE, chimney vented (5×15 in chimney).

Natural gasPropaneHeating-only

Frequently asked questions

Which Independence sizes are these?

The IN3I and IN4I are the two smallest of the seven chimney-vented Independence sizes; the line continues to the IN9I at 280 MBH input.

Can both convert to LP gas?

Yes — the ratings table notes LP conversion kits are available on the chimney-vented IN3I–IN9I models.

What chimney does each need?

The IN3I lists a 4×15-inch round chimney and the IN4I a 5×15-inch, both 15 feet minimum height from top of drafthood to top of chimney per the data sheet.

Not sure which one fits your home?

A consultation includes a heat-loss review so the size is right the first time.

On-site service in Greater Vancouver, BC. ROMA lists “Open 7 days” on its site; call to confirm same-day availability.

Sources and verification

Facts checked September 9, 2026. Last updated September 9, 2026. Technical reviewer: not yet assigned.

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