converting to oil - questions

Danielle Marchand

I live in a 2700 sq. ft. home in upstate NY. Currently, our heat is propane gas - hydro air (costs us about $2000/yr in fuel.) We've decided to convert to oil to save fuel cost. We are looking for a high efficiency unit that will also heat our hot water for the house. We've gotten one quote so far for the Energy Kinetics EK1. Is this a good unit? Are there others we should consider? We plan to live here for a very long time, so we want the best.
Any suggestions would be great appreciated.

Ken_8

Forcasting tomorrow's fuel costs

is an excercise in futility.

However, it is known that propane is a direct derivative of oil - and so there is dynamic linkage between fuel oil prices and propane. Which is a bad thing. If oil goes up, LP will likely mimmick this action.

Unless you use an extremely efficient oil boiler, like the Monitor FCX, the pay back for the conversion might be outside your lifetime. Even WITH the FCX, the "payback" may not be in your lifetime!

In making comparisons, always check the following data: the cost per gallon of different fuels. The BTU content of # 2 vs. LP (LP has 92,000BTU's per gallon vs. # 2 oil at 140,000/gallon), and the actual efficiency of the boiler being used or selected.

90% of the time, installing insulation always gets the biggest bang for the investment buck. Does your house fall into that 90% catagory?

If so, put the money where the return is greatest.

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Firedragon_4

I think the most important

decision in a case like this is always to find a dealer you feel comfortable with first. That means not only the salesmen, but also ask for references and check them out!

Second, buy the equipment that they are comfortable and happy selling, why buy a Chevy from a Ford dealer, you know it's gonna be tough!

Robert O'Connor_3

Check the numbers

Add up the cost of a boiler, indirect HW tank and oil tank, plus install costs. Now #2 was at least $1.50 on average for the season and you'll need it durring the rest of the year for hot water. With a cold winter like this one, you'll probably still use 1,000 gals, so your operating cost might be $1,500/year. Worth switching? I would look into buying a burried 500 gal LP tank. Shop around for prices and see if a dealer will let you pre-buy LP in the summer at a lower rate, etc. I might think about a conversion only if the water heater and boiler both were in need of replacement.

Weezbo

sir ,here is another idea,

lets ask, another question as you go about this....2700 sq ' on average 14- 1700$ a year. now ,$'S arent oil gallons so every year oil changes a bit. these # include a 2 car garage and domestic water heating.well insulated . no two people are the same however an idea of what an oil fired boiler ,by state, for a similar size home might be some sorta gauge for you ........ there are lots of boilers ,water makers,combination and stradgeies. the installer is very important part of your equasion...your comfort and health are right up there too.:)maint.and operation costs are totally seperate costs also. quality workmanship the choice of distribution and insulation may be the hidden benifits over time as it were...i like to sell boilers and am certainly willing to install many sizes and manufacturers from america or anywhere else however...the installer in your area may have a product that he recommends,a fuel oil company and a service company that he recommends and that too may help you figure costs ...

Steve Eayrs

In our area.....

difference between the two adds up to almost 50% savings w/ oil.
(30% in btu/gal and propane is usually about 20% higher cost/gal.)
And yes the EK boiler is a good boiler, which will save a good 20% more than some other boilers. IF the monitor can save any more than the EK, it will soley rely upon the controls and piping (not included), in order to get condesate return temp.s low enough to condensate.

Steve