Oil Fired Steam Boiler vs Gas Fired ? What would you chose ?

Bobby D.

I have searched the wall for posts on this subject and have reviewed many of them about this question. So once again let me throw this out to all of you for your expertise.

I own a two bedroom cape on Long Island with a one pipe steam system, which I have tweaked thanks to all of your help from the wall. With proper pitch, venting, pipe insulation, wall insulation, new windows etc. I have been able to reduce my oil consumption every year.

This home has no more than 400 sq. ft of radiation. I have not include the pick up factor in this calculation.

If you were to replace my old 6 section Dunkirk converted from coal to oil
oil consuming beast, circa 1947, with a new boiler would you chose natural gas, which I have already or stay with oil.

I have looked at the Smith G8 and the Peerless for staying with oil.

Currently I use about 1200 gallons per year for heating only, as I have a separate gas hot water heater for hot water.

Thanks in advance for all your help now and in the past, and a special hello to the Mad Dog for his advice in adding a hot water zone system off my current boiler to provide a heat loop for my finished basement.

Long live the Dead Men !

Mackie

Oil Steam

I would take a look at the Burnham Megasteam, looks like you would need the MST396. The boiler is a three pass design,very well insulated and the most efficient oil steamer on the market right now!!! We started using them last year and it is the only oil fired steamer we will use now. You would also have the option of and indirect off of it as it has tappings below the water line built in.

We have been tracking K factor on some of the replacements we have done using the Megasteam and all have saved a minimum of 20%, the highest being 48%.

Just my 2 cents

Robert O'Brien

1200 gals?

In a cape?Heat only?Got to tighten up that envelope!A power gas burner in an oil designed boiler is much more efficient than a gas atmospheric boiler.It also leaves the option open of returning to oil.If you like the Smith,the same boiler is available either gas or oil.

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Bob Gagnon plumbing and heating

Dunkirk

How many problems have you had with the Dunkirk boiler over the years? How long has that boiler lasted, 70 years? Dunkirk/Utica makes a great boiler, consider replacing it with another Dunkirk. They are made in upstate New York.

Thanks, Bob Gagnon

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Steamhead (in transit)

The Smith 8 series

is approved to burn either oil or gas. With the gas burner it's called the G-8. As much as I like the MegaSteam, it doesn't have a gas burner option (Burnham knows we want it).

The G-8 would let you switch fuels without buying a new boiler. So you'd be ready for pretty much anything. That's the way I'd go.

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