gas vs. oil in a brownstone steam heat boiler system?

saussyHen

We have a 5 story brownstone and have an oil burner steam heat boiler system.
We need a new boiler and want to know the advantages/disadvantages of a gas v. an oil burning furnace. Any thoughts? We were inclined to go with oil, but the owner on the top floor gets fumes coming from his chimney onto his roof garden. He wondered whether gas is cleaner and therefore better or if a new oil burning furnace will result in no fumes coming from his chimney. Thanks so much
Patty
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Steamhead (in transit)

Why not

a boiler that can burn either fuel? This would let you burn whatever is cheapest per BTU, by having a pro swap the burner and a couple trim items.

Here's a pic of one we installed, a 6-section Smith G-8. At the moment, Smith is the only manufacturer offering the oil-or-gas burner option on a residential steam boiler. This one's burning gas.

BTW, a well-operating oil burner won't make smoke, soot or fumes.

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