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Converting existing boiler from oil to propane

MaxMercy
MaxMercy Member Posts: 518
in Oil Heating
Hi, I was wondering for future consideration the feasibility of converting an existing boiler to LPG. I have a 2 year old Slant Fin Intrepid TR30 that is running an AFG. As of this morning, heating oil is $6 per gallon. I don't know where oil will go from here but I'd like to consider some options for the future.

Quick searching shows a Beckett CG4 burner which has the same form factor as an AFG,which means it will physically bolt right up to the Slant. Such a burner would mean I wouldn't have to replace a fairly new boiler with a gas-dedicated one, but what kind of efficiency does a gas conversion burner like this Beckett CG4 have compared to a typical gas boiler that was built specifically as a gas appliance?

Thanks.

Comments

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 10,945
    It depends on the specific boiler design, but in general boilers with forced draft can be more intricate and extract more heat than natural draft appliances.
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 24,859
    If the boiler manufacturer allows the conversion in question with the specific burner in question, then you are fine. i don't know if that one does. However, before you leap from the frying pan into the fire, consider that for oil at $6.00 per gallon LP must be less than $9.33 per gallon to break even on the fuel cost.
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • STEVEusaPA
    STEVEusaPA Member Posts: 6,505
    I wouldn't, but Beckett has a spec...

    There was an error rendering this rich post.

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 16,479
    And a Carlin gas burner will work as well.

    The efficiency on gas will always be a couple of points less than an oil burner (we are talking 1-2%). Gas in any non-condensing boiler is always slightly less efficient than oil due to the water vapor in gas.

    If the gas price is right, it will make up for that if your talking natural gas.

    Summer is almost here. I would wait a little bit and see if oil prices come down. You would hate to have the conversion done and then regret it
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 16,479
    Whoops. Missed the fact your talking propane I doubt it would be worth it.
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 10,945
    EBEBRATT-Ed said:

    Whoops. Missed the fact your talking propane I doubt it would be worth it.

    Propane also has less hydrogen content than methane but still more than oil.
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,385
    Intrepids run great with Carlin gas burners- Midco EC burners too.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting

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