Dilemma - oil to gas conversion

jb0412

Full disclosure - I am a working mom of 2 who knows absolutely nothing about heating systems. Go easy on me! Here's my dilemma:

I live in a 100 year old home on the South Shore of Long Island, NY, and our house has always had insulation issues - some rooms are much hotter than others, others feel much colder than others. We have an Smith 8 series oil boiler (installed 13-14 years ago), with a steam heat radiator system throughout the house. Our water heater (Bock model 33E) is also oil powered. We already have a gas line in the home for our stove, fireplace, and dryer.

Our oil tank (which is very rusted) and hot water heater is nearing the end of its life (installed 2012/2013), so because we probably have to replace those anyway, we got several quotes for an oil to gas conversion, all of which are very high.

Everyone says new gas boilers are high efficiency, but from my research, it seems that the only gas boiler we are eligible for with a steam system would provide up to 82% AFUE.

In learning this, I'm wondering if we should put the money towards properly insulating our home instead, keeping the oil heat, getting a new oil tank and switching to a gas hot water heater. I feel that switching the gas won't solve the problem of our home letting in cold air, especially if the AFUE of the boiler will be about the same.

Help!

Robert O'Brien

That is correct, the AFUE is much less for steam boilers. Tightening the envelope is always a good investment, no sense putting water in a leaky bucket. The only ROI on converting is the fuel cost differential, no guarantee the present situation will persist

jb0412

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1909444#Comment_1909444

Robert, to confirm, is the AFUE For an oil powered steam boiler higher than a gas powered steam boiler?

Jamie Hall

One minor rule — no prices for jobs. If you wouldn't mind editing your question to remove the price?

Now. Having been petty, let's look at the actual question — and it is a somewhat perplexing one, I agree. There are, though, when we really look at it, at least three parts.

First — the best possible place to put your money is in insulation and draught sealing. Within very broad limits, any money you put there is the gift that keeps on giving. So that's the place to start.

Second part is not mentioned — but keep the steam heat. You have it, it's working, and it is incredibly comfortable compared to anything else.

Now. What actually provides your heat? Personally, I would keep the oil for both your heat and your hot water. True, the highest efficiency you can get for the heat is around 82 to 85 percent — but this is true for either oil or gas for steam, for some fundamental physics reasons. The higher efficiencies yyou hear quoted are only for certain types of hot water heating systems. If the steam boiler is sill perking along — you didn't say, but that Smith probably is — there's no reason to replace it, at least not now. The water heater may well be on its way out, but… I'd replace it with another Bock. Very fast recovery, runs on the same oil, and isn't that big. You will undoubtedly hear gas suggested, but if you have oil already… you will also undoubtedly hear a strong pitch for a heat pump water heater. That must be evaluated very carefully. They do have advantages, but unless you get the biggest one to be had you will disappointed in the amount of hot water available in comparison to your oil fired one. And they take up more space.

Now you mention the oil tank. They do eventually rust out — but they can be replaced, and while that isn't cheap it doesn't have to be outrageous, either. Again, you will likely be pitched a nice modern double containment plastic top feed etc. tank. You can get a verry nice new steel tank, with safe containment, for half the price… if you have a regular oil company you deal with, they can likely check the tank for how rusted it really is — and they certainly can assist should it begin to leak (and they start to leak with a drip, which you will likely notice — not a flood!)

Mad Dog_2

The good news is that Oil-fired systems can work very efficiently when properly-tuned. The other big thing that affects fuel usage and comfort is how efficient your steam system itself (System piping, radiators and air vents, pressure settings) is set up. Mad Dog

bburd

That Smith is a good boiler, and not even halfway through its expected service life. Have you considered putting a gas conversion burner in it?

The problems with uneven temperature in the house could be from varying insulation levels, but are more likely to be from a poorly balanced steam system. This can happen if the system is not well maintained over time. The book "We Got Steam Heat!" by the founder of this site was written for homeowners and explains clearly what can cause this and how it can be fixed.

Have you tried the "Find a Contractor" link on this site? There are some good steam specialists in your area.

ethicalpaul

Some people can't switch away from oil due to not having natural gas available. Those people are in an unfortunate situation.

You are able to (probably). If I were in your shoes I would never consider installing a new oil tank. I would take the opportunity to convert to natural gas.

pecmsg

where on the South Fork?

IF NG is available than it’s something to consider.

Now can it happen this year? That really lowers the odds of getting it right.
will you ever see a return on your investment? Probably not even if everything is right.

get through this season

find a contractor you can trust
If you’re going to tighten that envelope that’sgonna change a lot of things