oil to gas conversion...to do it or not to do it?

kate_3

we've got a cracked boiler and are replacing it, but also wondering about the possibility of going to gas. are there any good resources on this? general wisdom? we have radiators now, so I know there would be the extra expense of ducts probably. but what do you know about energy efficiency, monthly rates and long run cost reduction?

Gene_3

it depends

you would not be changing the system type, just the fuel burned

some things to consider

Natural Gas must come from the street, LP is in tanks

with oil you can shop around, with gas you are usually stuck with the company you have, either due to the pipes in the street being from one company or your LP tank is usually from the company you are buying from

with oil you get @ 140,000 btu's of heat/energy per gallon

with gas you get just under 100,000, so you do get less energy from gas

with oil you can burn diesel, kero, bio fuel or veggie oil if you have to

with gas you can run you stove/oven, dryer, gas grill, and heat hot water from one source and have one bill

a gas stove and clothes dryer are more efficient that electric
but oil is more efficient for heating

confused yet??

Steamhead (in transit)

Kate, you say

"we have radiators now, so I know there would be the extra expense of ducts".....

If some contractor is telling you that you have to tear out all the radiators and piping to get heat or switch fuels, that contractor is trying to RIP YOU OFF. Period. Do not even consider dealing with that contractor. Slam them on Angie's List if you're a member.

Any type of heating system can run on any fuel. A radiator system is no exception.

Now, regarding oil vs. gas- since most gas utilities are essentially unregulated monopolies, and can raise rates whenever and however high they want, it makes sense to stay with oil. Oil suppliers are in a much more competitive situation than "alternative" gas suppliers (where such things even exist) and this tends to keep prices under control.

There are also some boilers out there that can run on either oil or gas by just changing the burner and a couple other related parts. We like the Solaia series for hot-water, and Smith ha gas burners available for their 8 series for water or steam.

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