Same ole question, Oil or Gas Boiler

ritelec

I believe it's time to put my current boiler down. A 23 year old oil fired Weil McClain, for hot water baseboard.



Has anyone had experience with both and preferred one over the other. I'm alittle played with the will or will it not start, plume of smoke in the middle of the night, a bit dirty, and more recently more expensive then natural gas.



However, although I'm considering making the switch from oil to gas (as my long time buddy and plumber keeps telling me)..........something is telling me to stick to oil.





Thank you for any suggestions.



-rich

Steamhead

How about

a boiler that's approved for either oil or gas, like the Solaia? This would future-proof the installation. 

Techman

Steamhead

Why and what for w/ the two draft dampers ?

lchmb

guessing

I'm betting since they are both wide open that chimney has one heck of a draft...

ritelec

Measure twice cut once...or at least 20 yrs from now.

Thank you....Solaia.......looking into it.



And by future proof, are you saying installing the Solaia with an oil burner then a possible changing burner to gas (and or back to oil???). Will research.



Thanks again.

-rich

icesailor

Oil or Gas:

I'm wondering why you have to worry about the thing going off at night? Mine never does and my customers don't go off at night. If it is a Weil, it must be a 68 Series. What kind of burner does it have? Is it set up with digital combustion testing equipment by someone who knows what they are doing? If not, don't change just because the thing isn't serviced properly. Gas is only going to be as cheap as it is until the gas companies get a large amount of oil customers to switch. Once they have you, the price will go up and be equal. You are paying for BTU's.



If the Wall Street Banksters have their way, all Natural Gas will be de-regulated and allowed to float on the free market gambling casino. The Banksters have run the price of petroleum up to where it is unaffordable. Now it is dropping. Natural Gas is next.

ritelec

68

Yes. it's the 68 rear flu (nice.. reckon you've been doing this awhile!). I was considering refurbishing it but it looks like the firebox is all clappsed in. Beckett burner. Will be calling Weil Mc Clain to see about replacement parts (firebox). Also checking on the solaia and I see a doulbe (dual fuel) burner. Interesting.



-rich

ritelec

middle of the night PLUMES

And thank you for the advice of oil/gas.........something to think about.



Middle of the night has been Plume of Smoke filling basement.

When I first installed it, the oil company who serviced the boiler would check (test) breach, co2.... they merged with someone else, and now service from two other companies has been vacuum and change filter.



If I stay oil.......I would think about getting test equipment and learning how to use it. I'm not the sharpest pencil in the draw.....but have taught myself a few things (lic.electrician) Recording software, building.....



Any direction on equipment for testing and suggested reading for knowledge on testing and adjusting oil burners???



Thank you.



-rich

lchmb

chambers

are fairly inexpensive. Of course, it can be fun if the bolts break but generally the 68 isnt to bad to do. I would however, look at upgrading the equipment. Granted with proper service it could solve alot of your problems but it is an older system. Nothing wrong with upgrading boiler and controls and having the ability to use either gas or oil. I also strongly suggest if you do replace the system, you do all close boiler parts (circulators, flow checks, zone valves)  and controls. Unless they are new.

Steamhead

Yes it does

that four-story chimney can pull pets and small children up to the roof!

Steamhead

That's correct

you would need a gas line and an oil tank, and proper barometrics for each fuel, but the boiler would not have to be replaced to switch fuels. 

CMadatMe

Biasi

That Solia is nothing more than a Biasi with a different name. I contend that the answer to your question is dependent a few things. What are you looking to accomplish? What is the heat loss? How does that heat loss compare to the capable output of then existing heat emitters?

Steamhead

It is Biasi-based

but there are some detail differences. Most importantly, the people who market the Solaia are some of the best in the business, which is why we like to install Solaias.

ritelec

May be Refurbishing

I looked into a combustion chamber kit. The item is 386500085. Some sights are calling it a combustion chamber replacement.... and others include the word "kit". So if I order the replacement, I'm hoping I get the KIT.



OIL Pump. I've seen on this sight that the replacement would be a Suntec A2VA 7116.

On line also mentions a Sid Harvey P6-36.

Which is preferred and on the Suntec.... two different sights with pictures but the pictures don't match??



http://www.pexsupply.com/Suntec-A2VA-7116-Single-Stage-Oil-Pump-3450-RPM-9932000-p



http://www.patriot-supply.com/products/showitem.cfm/4402



Wonder why?



Thank you

-rich

ritelec

Picture clarification

Just checked the sights for the different pic's of the suntec.......the one mentioned it was not the actual picture.

CMadatMe

Agreed

Rosemary and the rest of the Boyertown crew are top notch.

ritelec

Brand?

Hi all.



Wanted to thank you all for your input and the input on the post I have up in oil heating.



I will be going to a local supply to look at units (gas hotwater) and size a unit up that will hopefully be a close fit to my existing oil boiler (close fit....right...I know ever-things going to be on opposite sides but...).



I believe he will have availability to several manufacturers and there is a supply house down the block where I'm also going to check.



My plumber suggested Utica, I guess Weil McClain has there gas, and there's Crown, Peerless, Burnham........



Is there a boiler brand I should consider more than the other, or ones I should steer clear of?



As mentioned. I installed the Weil McClain 22 yrs ago. I just turned 50, and really don't feel like going through this again if I make it to 70.



Thank you for your help and suggestions.



-rich

ritelec

Heading out.

Will be leaving shortly to go to the supply house checking on units.



Not a biggey, just interesting how one can search around for an area to live in the country or world, compare cars, search and compare for audio recording hardware and software etc...but nothing about boiler comparison and reviews.



Again.....not a biggey.



Have a great day all.

Hang in there.

-rich