Welcome! Here are the website rules, as well as some tips for using this forum.
Need to contact us? Visit https://heatinghelp.com/contact-us/.
Click here to Find a Contractor in your area.

conversion boiler from oil to gas

Options
oldie63
oldie63 Member Posts: 1
edited January 2017 in THE MAIN WALL
Hi all new here just trying to find out some information on converting an oil fired boiler to propane.
This unit is out of warranty installed about 1991 and its a kerr comet model. I have read some comments here but still not convinced. A simple swap of burner units as it already has the normal B venting and then thepljmbing of gas line.
My main concern will the heat exchanger accept or be able to be utilized. I know there are a lot more specs for AFUE etc. but basically a burner retrofit should work?
Woukd it be more cost efficient not to mention environmentally friendly?
Just wondering if the unit itself is adaptable, some may not be easily if at all.

Comments

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,860
    Options
    I suppose my first question is, why do you want to go propane? I can see natural gas, since its cost per BTU is much lower, but in many areas propane costs more per BTU than oil. Also, propane is heavier than air, which makes leaks much more dangerous.

    Other than that, I see no reason why it shouldn't work.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    kcopp
  • GW
    GW Member Posts: 4,693
    Options
    everything comes down to cost per BTU. You're able to get LP at a lower cost than oil? You know about the btu content for each fuel right? What reasons make you consider the change?
    Gary Wilson
    Wilson Services, Inc
    Northampton, MA
    gary@wilsonph.com
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 15,550
    Options
    Maybe there comparing gallon-gallon which propane and oil don't have the same btu/gallon as everyone knows
  • Eastman
    Eastman Member Posts: 927
    Options
    Tell us more about your system.
  • Tim McElwain
    Tim McElwain Member Posts: 4,625
    Options
    It can be done but a few pictures of your unit would help and also the set up of piping and venting. The most important thing is finding an installer who knows what they are doing as to installing and setting up a conversion burner. Most Propane companies are not well versed on conversion burners.
  • billtwocase
    billtwocase Member Posts: 2,385
    Options
    Go new gas furnace off the bat. Yes you could possibly convert it, but is it worth the risk of a hidden crack somewhere?
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,860
    edited January 2017
    Options
    On the OP's unit, if there's a crack, it will show up as a water leak. Switching fuels won't cause a crack if properly done.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • billtwocase
    billtwocase Member Posts: 2,385
    edited January 2017
    Options
    See that now Frank. Saw Kerr, and assumed it was air. My bad. Reminds me of an old Axeman-Anderson
    Danny Scully

Categories