Switching from Oil to Gas

Keano

I have been doing research on the possibility to replace my current oil boiler to a gas boiler. I have steam heating and two zones with hot water baseboard.



Some calculators online say that for my consumption (previous owner last year used 1,200 gallons) I would be saving about $1,000 to $1,500.



My concern is the fact that efficiency wise my system would not get much of an upgrade. or so it seems. My current efficiency, according to the Oil company maintenance guy is 81%. (not sure how old is the system, but my guess is 25 yrs).



Gas steam boilers are also in the 85% efficiency rating.



Last year the owners paid about $3,000 for heating on oil. However, few houses down, I have a neighbor who has a almost exact hosue as mine and he paid around $1,500 to heat his house. Very similar windows, no insulation, same sq. footage, etc.



Where would the savings come from if I switch to gas? Just the price itself that gas is cheaper, or will I gain some on efficiency because a 81% efficiency on a 25 yr old boiler is not the same as 85% efficiency on a brand new steam boiler?



My current estimate is that my payback would be around 5 hears or so if I make the switch.

Steamhead

Before you replace the boiler

have a steam man come look your system over. Often a few simple upgrades can work wonders.



Where are you located? Have you tried the Find a Professional page of this site?