Possible to convert Burnham boiler from oil to gas?

emma123

Hi everyone, I was wondering if I have a Burnham boiler (model MPO-1Q115-TL), can I get it converted from oil to gas? It's about 5 years old. I already use gas for stoves and want to use gas for water and steam radiant heating since gas is more affordable and convenient. If I can get it converted, does the contractor need certain parts or replace the whole boiler? Because when they gave me estimates, multiple contracts are telling me different things. Many thanks!!

JStar

You can convert any boiler to natural gas by swapping the burner and doing a few other key points in the installation process. Where are you located? We may know somebody nearby to reccomend for another opinion.

Robert O'Brien

What JStar said. Been using the Beckett CG4,pretty sure they have MPO applications

emma123

i'm located in MA. so they just need to change the burner to a gas one and do some piping from the gas lines to the burner? i'm not familiar with what other installation processes that need to be done. do you think it'll be very expensive? because talking to a few of the contractors, it seems like it's at least $4k to get it to be gas use. thanks!!

BobC

I had a oil fired boiler installed brand new with a gas gun instead of the oil gun a few years ago and I have been happy with it

A boiler that has been used with oil has to be cleaned REALLY WELL before installing a gas gun and a chimney liner might have to be installed. Be aware that converting it will void the warranty on the boiler.

We don't discuss pricing on this site but if you tell us what area of Mass you are in we might be able to steer you to someone who will do a great job for you.

Bob

Steamhead

emma123 said:

i'm located in MA.

What part of MA?

Robert O'Brien said:

What JStar said. Been using the Beckett CG4,pretty sure they have MPO applications

Yup, they do, but maybe not for that particular MPO:

http://www.beckettcorp.com/cg4apps/SpecGuide_CG4.pdf

The Carlin EZ-Gas Pro is another good choice- it's the one we use the most.

j a_2

We constantly preach on this site to read the manufactures install manual...If it was notsupplied to u as it should have been then u can go to u s boiler.... And look up your model..its not commonly done here in the Boston area as it once was...I do read here other areas are more prone to convert....Check your available gas supply size and nominal pressure...you can call ur local gas supplier... For that info....then confer with local plumber and local inspector, prior to investing ....Just my thinking ....Also check for venting as previously discussed as well as make up air available for safe combustion...Hope I helpep

Aaron_in_Maine

You need to check the venting of the boiler. Is the chimney in the center of the house or exposed to the outside. If inside the house the chimney may need to be lined. Although it should have been done when the oil boiler was installed. If the chimney is exposed on the outside of the house you most likely need to do something different like a power vent and forget using the chimney. Which in some cases by the time you upsize the gas line, put in the burner, line the chimney or put in a power vent it can get expensive.