Oil v. Gas

Steve_211

How does the costs of an oil steam boiler compare with the costs of a gas steam boiler and what are the pros and cons of each?

mattmia2

it depends on the cost of each in your area. in most cases natural gas is less than oil but in many places oil can be less expensive than propane. oil requires a bit more maintenance than natural gas but if the burner is set up right oil burns very cleanly in a modern burner. the design of the boiler probably has more effect on the cost of the boiler itself than if it has an oil or gas burner.

pecmsg

Fuel Comparison Calculator for Home Heating | Coalpail.com

Jamie Hall

As folks are saying — it's ALL in the cost (and in the case of natural gas, availability) of the fuel. The cost PER BTU varies widely, and over short distances, so use the cost from YOUR supplier in YOUR area.

STEAM DOCTOR

One more thing to consider. Gas is typically more dummy friendly. Working with the unfortunate reality, that they're not that many qualified technicians around, and certainly on the combustion side, you are probably have fewer mess up opportunities with gas.

Steamhead

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/204594/oil-v-gas

Where are you located?

Jon_blaney

Gas boilers may use less electricity to run and therefore easier to power when the main utility goes down.

Jamie Hall

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1900067#Comment_1900067

Only the atmospheric sort. Some older ones with millivolt systems need no power at all. But anything with a blower — power burner or what have you — is going to be within a few watts of an oil burner.

Steve_211

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1900063#Comment_1900063

Clifton, NJ

Steamhead

Talk to @EzzyT or @JohnNY . The most important factor is the proper contractor.

EBEBRATT-Ed

@Steve_211

The two contractors @Steamhead mentioned will probably not be the cheapest in town. But if you want the job done right and working, they are your best bet.

mattmia2

or @Mad Dog_2 or @clammy