To switch or not to propane

Fizz

Currently have single pipe steam system off a 40yr old WMG which is working well. My concern is the oil tanks are likewise 40 yrs old, and I am concerned about them leaking since they are in the cellar. If they need replacement, i am considering going with LPG for peace of mind. I can use the extra space in the cellar. I would love to switch to propane burner in current boiler(I did so in prior house with natural gas using Wayne 250 AF) with good results. Current heat is off boiler heating coils. Probably would need hot water tank, and worse case scenario new boiler. There is some surface rust, but no sign of oil.

Fizz

SuperTech

Those tanks can last a long time if they are installed correctly. If you are concerned about the oil tank why don't you just replace the oil tank? You can put the tanks outside and still save space in the cellar.

Remember oil delivers a lot more BTUs per gallon than propane and where I live propane costs about the same as oil. Anyone who converts to propane here complains about spending more money to heat their home. Even when they install a high efficiency condensing boiler. Using a conversion burner on a cast iron boiler would be even worse.

pecmsg

compare the price v BTU’s oil LP

https://coalpail.com/fuel-comparison-calculator-home-heating

Waher

Roth oil tank with a tiger loop and stop worrying about leaks.

Jamie Hall

Do the math. Take the propane per gallon cost and multiply by 1.5 and compare that to the oil per gallon cost.

Where I am located propane works out about 3 times as costly to heat with as oil.

Fizz

Thanks guys! All are leading me to put tank outside, tho the area is narrow. Will get quotes.

hot_rod

You really need to check pricing in your specific area. Current and historical data is available online for fuel costs.

I'm seeing fuel oil at $3.62, going up, LP at $2.24.

Plug those numbers into the calculator at www.coailpail and see what you get.

Depending on heat emitters you could run 90% efficiency with LP for a portion of the year. Burner modulation on an LP boiler can save fuel also compared to a fixed output oil fired.

So, more questions than answers

ChrisJ

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1871691#Comment_1871691

Not to mention other benefits of a large LP tank, like backup generator, clothes dryer, water heater etc.

EdTheHeaterMan

When you purchase LP gas the price can vary based on how you put it. Many propane companies will lease you the fuel tank (they keep ownership) so you must purchase all the fuel form them. they also add the lease price ot the price of the fuel they deliver. So you get a free tank and a high price for fuel.

The other way is to purchase your own larger (500 gallon or 1000 gallon) tank. You can keep it above ground or bury it. Now you own the tank and can shop around for the fuel from several local suppliers and get a lower price.

With oil, you own your tank and are responsible for the maintenance and tank condition. If you purchase the Roth tank it is a plastic tank with a metal tank wrapped around it. Double wall tank with the inner tank being rust proof. Yhey can be insyalled in the basement or a outside above ground. Just remember if you are in a extreeme cold climate, the outside tank will be subject to that extreem cold temperature. Cold temperature can cause all kinds of fuel problems resulting with no heat when it is the coldest temperatures outside. Ask me how I now about frozen fuel oil lines?

Jon_blaney

How about the cost of electricity needed for oil vs gas. Much less electric needed for gas and a back up electric source is much simpler.

pecmsg

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1871703#Comment_1871703

what?

ChrisJ

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1871696#Comment_1871696

While I prefer propane to oil, to be completely fair propane has it's own problems in extreme cold.

I don't know what the limit is, but I suspect below 0 will make your capacity drop quite a bit, and I have to think below 20 you're really pushing it? Do they make LP tank heaters?

hot_rod

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1871712#Comment_1871712

Most of my heating years have been on LP in 4 different states and in some cold high mountain conditions, Utah, Idaho and Montana. Even my truck was on LP at one point in the 1980's. It needed a heated vaporization heat exchanger.

The tables shown above can help the lay person with tank sizing.

The companies that sell and deliver are also typically dual trained for service and delivery. In Missouri every few years I had to attend a State training and recertification class to keep my LP service certificate.

I owned my tanks in Missouri and the LP delivery companies even checked maintained, and occasionally replaced my regs for me. Obviously service oriented to keep your business.

The end of heating season is usually the lowest prices, I always filled up then. Pre-buy deals are cut before heating season in the fall.

Pros ad cons to all the various fuels.

Jamie Hall

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1871703#Comment_1871703

How's that again? Maybe an old-timey atmospheric gas burner like your grille — but any form of power burner is going to use almost exactly the same amount of electricity as an oil burner — which isn't much.

ChrisJ

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1871737#Comment_1871737

Grill,

Any cast iron atmospheric boiler.

Cast iron steam or gravity HW boiler with millivolt valve really has them beat.

Fizz

Had pro come today, he checked oil tanks, some moisture on one, with change of color line…not too serious. His estimate of age was spot-on. He said to go outside you're looking at double piping and need for oil additive in winter(cheap), piping is not. Decided to remove both and replace one…$3000. He said to run fuel to a 1/4, which will make-it easier to remove them, and he'll transfer remainder to new tank. Looking at early Dec, Tue after TG.

pecmsg

please, get a second opinion