Oil to gas conversion (yeah, another one)

sapienzaf

Hi,

I'm considering an oil-to-gas conversion, through the HomeAdvance/Sealed/National Grid (Long Island, NY) program.

I currently have a Buderus/Riello 85k BTU boiler with an indirect hot water tank, both of which are about 15 years old. They run fine, I'm just tired of oil deliveries and the jet-engine noise from the Riello. The house is about 1600 total square feet of heated space, using predominantly radiant (quick panel, above the subfloor) with two baseboard zones. I might need to add a zone for the garage, since it's currently heated by being attached to the boiler room. The proposal is to install a Navien NHB-150 boiler, piping into the existing primary/secondary system. Basically, they'll be connecting the supply/return lines and using the existing boiler and DHW pumps. I know there's more involved, but it should be a fairly easy conversion.

One concern I have is about the size of the NHB-150. That's around 75% higher maximum output than my oil system. I understand it's modulating and can drop down to 10k BTU, but still it seems overkill. I also have read mixed comments about the longevity of the Navien.

The program appears to have a fixed price, with a fixed equipment choice, regardless of the actual heat load of the house. So there's no choosing a NHB-110 or smaller system, and no discount for an easier .vs. more difficult install. One price, makes it easier for the sales and installation people. (Okay, I'm being cynical.)

Can anyone offer advice/opinions about this conversion program from National Grid, or the equipment they are proposing?

Thanks.

gennady

Nat grid programs contractors usually not there in terms of qualification.

Steamhead

You should be able to convert that Buderus with a Carlin EZ-Gas burner, which would be much less disruptive and run quieter than the Riello.

sapienzaf

Steamhead said:

You should be able to convert that Buderus with a Carlin EZ-Gas burner, which would be much less disruptive and run quieter than the Riello.

I’m aware of that option, but it isn’t offered thru the National Grid program. I looked into having that done a few years ago and the installation estimates were just as high as replacing the whole system. Didn’t make sense to me. The house currently does not have gas service so it could be the effort to connect and test the service raised the costs quoted at the time.

Brewbeer

It's unfortunate that a National Grid sanctioned "efficiency" program would promote inefficiency by supplying
oversized boilers.

Steamhead

sapienzaf said:

Steamhead said:

You should be able to convert that Buderus with a Carlin EZ-Gas burner, which would be much less disruptive and run quieter than the Riello.

I’m aware of that option, but it isn’t offered thru the National Grid program. I looked into having that done a few years ago and the installation estimates were just as high as replacing the whole system. Didn’t make sense to me. The house currently does not have gas service so it could be the effort to connect and test the service raised the costs quoted at the time.

Of course it did. And I'm sure it's going to cost you this time too. Maybe they just haven't mentioned it?

HVACNUT

Not trying to talk you out of the conversion, but...
The G115/3 with the Riello F3 should not sound like a jet engine. They're not exactly quiet but over aired, restricted oil line, or a draft issue is possible. The sound shouldn't be annoying. You could upgrade to a BF3 which is enclosed and takes is outside combustion air. Very quiet. Riello also has a kit for outside combustion air. New cover with knockout, 4" adapter and block off plate for the existing air slots. For either, you supply the galvanized pipe (not hose), barometric relief and hood. Not as quiet as the BF but OK.
And if the boiler room is in the garage, who gives a #*%¿ ? If you're tooling around in the garage, a properly tuned G115/3 and Riello is something I'd turn down the radio to hum along to.
The oil deliveries I dont get.
Where is the oil tank and what size?
2 pipe oil lines?
Not on auto delivery?
Constantly checking the level?
If its buried I guess you're stuck with the stick. If its above, Beckett and others offer a remote tansmitter/receiver tank level indicator. I've got my receiver in an outlet in the kitchen. Next to the cookies so I'll always know.
On LI, the only contractor advise I can give if you decide on the conversion is do not use the company that rhymes with Burger King. Top of Nat Grid installers but strictly for quantity, not quality. That's not all but this is not the place.

Robert O'Brien

That isn't a Nat Grid program. Probably NYSERDA

sapienzaf

Robert O'Brien said:

That isn't a Nat Grid program. Probably NYSERDA

You're right. I thought it was Nat'l Grid, but looking at some documents it's the NY Green Bank, which is a division of NYSERDA.