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What should i do?

chowchow
chowchow Member Posts: 56
in Oil Heating
I'm on a limited budget and i have this problem. In a few weeks or so i will be running out of oil and i have NO idea when i will be able to get more. Heres my question can i leave my boiler off for the spring/summer season without damaging my boiler? I really dont need heat or hot water during these months so thats not an issue, but i was wondering can it cause MAJOR damage to my oil boiler, or is it just basic clean and tune that will have to be done before the winter season stars? Thanks for help in advance.

Comments

  • WMno57
    WMno57 Member Posts: 1,408
    edited March 2
    How do you plan to live without hot water for hand washing, bathing, cooking, washing dishes, and laundry?
    There are a few steps that can be taken to put a boiler into storage condition for a period of non use.
    One is to fill the oil tank full and possibly add a biocide to prevent algae growth. Important with biodiesel! If you don't do this, you will be buying a new tank, because the old tank rusted out.
    I read a few of your other posts. I'm really baffled as to what your long term plan for your home and heating system is. You said in another post you recently had a new boiler installed. That was a major investment. These systems require regular maintenance and spending to get full life and use of that investment.
    If you don't have high water usage, a simple electric resistance water heater might be an option for you. Lowest installation cost, highest operating cost. Operating cost is less of a consideration if you don't use large amounts of hot water.
    I'm sorry if you had a financial setback. I don't mean to kick you if you are down. You may want to talk to your bank about a reverse mortgage.
  • HVACNUT
    HVACNUT Member Posts: 6,329
    What make and model boiler?
  • JMWHVAC
    JMWHVAC Member Posts: 56
    I installed and service some oil boilers that only run in the winter. In the long term you can get a little corrosion inside the boiler from summer humidity being absorbed by any soot/dirt inside boiler. However, I haven't seen major reduction in lifespan. And no, I never did anything special to prepare for summer or winter with those systems. One in particular that I think of is nearing 30yrs old and it is getting replaced because the location is getting natural gas.
    chowchow
  • chowchow
    chowchow Member Posts: 56
    edited March 2
    Yes thanks for the input my make and model is its a Peerless boiler model WBV-03. And its a boiler where my hot water is made direct from the boiler i dont have a tankless or a tank water heater. I dont need hot water to do all those things you mentioned above. Dont want to get into the financial side of things but times are tough. Ok thanks to the group and any other input that might be said much appreciated. Also my oil tank is inside my house and all my equipment is basically in new condition. I use regular number 2 fuel oil i dont use biodiesel will i get algae growth with my tank empty? What can i do to prevent any algae growth in the coils? Yes i will look into some programs to help me out.
  • Waher
    Waher Member Posts: 286
    You don't want bacteria growing in your hot water coil by letting it sit. You should look into heating assistance from charities/local/state programs to keep your household functioning/habitable at a code minimum sanitation standard.
  • Ironman
    Ironman Member Posts: 7,547
    You could save 15-30% by using an indirect water heater or an electric instead of the tankless coil in the boiler.
    Bob Boan
    You can choose to do what you want, but you cannot choose the consequences.
  • HVACNUT
    HVACNUT Member Posts: 6,329
    A newer WBV shouldn't have a problem being shut down for extended periods of time, but I wouldn't want extended periods of humid air coursing through my burner and boiler with nothing to dry it out. 
    Keep the oil tank full, not empty. Again, moisture is the enemy. 
    chowchow
  • chowchow
    chowchow Member Posts: 56
    edited March 2
    My problem is getting the oil to fill the tank i always in the past kept it full. Now i cant do that so what could i do besides keeping tank full to cut down on moisture and bacteria growth? Would you recommend a small dehumidifier to keep that moisture down that might work. Thanks to all for your comments and helpful advice.
  • gyrfalcon
    gyrfalcon Member Posts: 179
    Will the fuel oil company allow a payment plan?  My LP company has a charge account set up for me with a 30 day grace period of no interest charge.  

    The idea is to keep the tank full of fuel so there is not any room for air to contact The surface of the fuel and the surface of the tank.  This helps to minimize rust buildup, as well as bacteria growth
    Slant Fin Galaxy GG100(1986) , 2 zone hot water baseboard, T87 Honeywell thermostats. 
  • chowchow
    chowchow Member Posts: 56
    edited March 2
    I just ordered some Biobor JF Diesel fuel additive from amazon to help the bacteria growth in my tank if its going to be off for a while. Has anyone else used this product?
  • WMno57
    WMno57 Member Posts: 1,408
    All Home Heating Oil in the state of New York is now at least B5. A lot of it is probably B20. Ask your oil supplier.
  • Panheadsforever
    Panheadsforever Member Posts: 21
    Lay it up probably gonna leak when it cools if its gasketed deal with cold shower

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