Changing over from oil to propane boiler

bob_46

be sure to check local codes. In some areas you cannot install propane appliances below grade etc.. bob

cmg

Adding a zone + changing over to propane from oil

We have a 1850's expanded cape with cast iron hot water radiators heated by an oil-fired boiler that is 35+ years old. We are seriously considering changing over to propane and going with a System 2000 boiler. We use about 1200 gallons of oil a season in our 2100 sqft two story home.

Would be interested in hearing pros/cons about the System 2000.

Also, our home has only one zone. A local heating professional said that if we have our radiators properly adjusted then there is no need to add a 2nd zone. Would like to hear feedback from others on this.

Thanks!

Unknown

cmg

Heard many things about Sys2000 both good & bad,, mostly seem OK as far as I can tell.
Zoning is a matter of personal control preferance, and is easily accomplished if the piping allows for it.

Dave

Leo_12

With an old boiler

With an old boiler such as you describe you will see a dramatic difference staying with oil and upgrading to the System 2000. Which can start out with oil and be converted to gas later. Propane tends to follow oil or be more expensive BTU for BTU.

Leo

Darrell

Locally, given the current prices of oil and LP, some folks are starting to look into LP boilers. LP is more expensive btu for btu, but...most oil boilers are gonna fire at, or near, the 80-85% mark. A few can go higher. Many modern gas boilers fire over 95% AFUE and fully using the ODR and condensing modes give higher realized efficiencies yet. I have done the numbers on three smaller homes...750 feet to 1500 feet...and all three come in cheaper to run on LP than oil...using the AFUE. It will be intersting to see how ODR, condensing, and user variables tweak the numbers. Another consideration is the install, which on all three of these homes was considerably more straight forward with gas than for oil.

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Al Letellier_21

system 2000

Not a bad boiler, seems to be a lot of them around, but the problem I see is when the installer isn't around to service it. Make sure the guy you hire to do the work is a dealer and is trained for servicing the unit. That boiler is sold only to a network of independent contractors and not through any supply house. In my insurance work I have seen numerous units poorly serviced and patched in every way imaginable. This is NOT a slam of the boiler, just the guys who claim they can service "anything". In all my years in the industry, I have never heard of any training available to non-dealers of this product....other than bits and pieces here and there, I know very little of the unit. Make sure who you are buying from and their capabilities to service. The same goes for any boiler out there, not just this one. From what I hear, it is a very efficient unit.

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Jim_139

EK seminars

Training always has been and continues to be available to any qualified technician, plumber, etc. Seminars are given once a month at the plant through most of the year and at various locations in the Northeast from March through May. Visit our website for dates and registration.

Tech Manuals are available at no cost to anyone in the trade.

bob_46

CMG

make sure you checck out local code issues regarding the installation of propane appliances in your home. In some locations you cannot install propane below grade. bob

Robert O'Brien

EK

has always provided excellent technical support,it's only a phone call away!There's no reason for anyone to be intimidated by this unit,other than the manager,it's a standard oil or gas burner.

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"