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Oil or Gas for Steam System? Best Manufacturers?

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SteamBoilerOwner
SteamBoilerOwner Member Posts: 1
in THE MAIN WALL
We have to replace our oil fired steam boiler (the unit is cracked). Our house is in the Bethesda, MD area. While our current boiler uses oil, we are considering replacing the unit with a gas boiler. Does the fuel source make a difference in a steam set-up? We've heard mixed feedback. Also, what boiler brands do people recommend for steam. We've received bids for Columbia (oil), Weil Maclaine (oil) and Crown (oil / gas).

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  • KC_Jones
    KC_Jones Member Posts: 5,739
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    It's been said on here many times, it's not about the boiler it's about the installer. Find a good installer first since that's really what you are paying for. Whatever boiler they recommend is the one you go with. Have you found a good steam contractor already? If you haven't contacted this one I suggest you do.
    https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/foley-mechanical-inc
    2014 Weil Mclain EG-40
    EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Boiler Control
    Boiler pictures updated 2/21/15
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,324
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    In terms of fuel -- it makes no difference at all. Some boilers are particularly suited to oil; some to gas -- and some go either way very happily.

    @KC_Jones is absolutely right, though -- what you are really buying is a competent, reliable installer. And the man he suggested is very good indeed. So is @Steamhead , who is in Baltimore.
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • Jack M
    Jack M Member Posts: 229
    edited February 2016
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    How many gallons of oil do you currently burn each year? Does the boiler also heat your hot water?
    You are fortunate to have some great installers nearby.
    If the chimney flue is in good shape and gas is already in the building you might appreciate the convenience of gas. You would also gain back the space used in the basement by the old oil tank.
    From a fuel cost comparison the West Texas Intermediate Crude/Natural gas (WTIC/NatGas) ratio has a historic spread of $8.
    If your house is leaky and uses a lot of fuel the payback on a cheaper fuel is more significant.

    Based on this calculator I would have saved thousand in one New England winter alone when heating oil prices spiked a few years ago. At today's price I would save about $80/yr. Your mileage may vary:
    http://www.southjerseygas.com/become-a-customer/calculator-oil-vs-natural-gas.html

    http://nepacrossroads.com/fuel-comparison-calculator.php

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