Hello all -
I have posted about this system before. The time has come to sell the family place and deal with the 1986 Peerless JO series as the oil tank has developed a case of incontinence. Recently, a gas generator was installed, so we now have gas on the property. Converting the system to gas (new boiler, plumbing, controls, flue, and labor) would easily run beyond $15,000 even with rebates offered. (Massachusetts offers rebates of up to $3000 for boilers up to 96% AFUE if I'm correct). That kind of cost doesn't make sense for selling the house. As such, I am considering a power gas burner conversion for this boiler. The thinking is that buyers would see the oil tank removed from the basement with the opportunity of upgrading the boiler easily in the future. Some questions:
The Peerless JO/JOT series is known for being a tight boiler. We have had issues with clogging and our trusty tech has had to break out the saw to clean the sections. Would the tightness of the heat exchanger pose an issue for a gas burner in any way?
What considerations have to be taken with the flue? It looks like we would need a special MG-1 type damper with a spill switch. Is a costly lining installation required? The flue is in pretty good shape.
Could this boiler support a sixth zone for a sidearm tank? We can't keep the two burner arrangement as is seen in the photo - it makes no sense. I don't know what the boiler's rated for but it doesn't look super deep. House is roughly 3,000 sqft.

Thanks!
Comments
Just putting in a gas power burner, if that boiler would support it, requires a chimney liner, running gas pipe, permits, an indirect tank, removing the oil tank, etc.
I doubt a prospective buyer would feel very comfortable with that arrangement and figure the boiler needs replacement, and will probably ding you on the price anyways.
The neighbor's house was recently renovated. This is what they pulled out after over a decade of trusty service, so there is a precedent for this on a JO boiler:
I see no reason not to convert that boiler to gas with the right technician.
Ma rebates are for 96% + not up to 96%
Replacing the system. Converting to gas. Monetarily it doesn't make sense to spend X thousands when it wont increase the home value by much. Definitely not enough to recoupe your out of pocket costs. And you wont even be there to see the savings from converting. On the other hand, if you like throwing money at people, PM me.😁
The listing agreement for selling your home has a check mark for heating system. You only get to check GAS.
So spending 15,000 for a really efficient GAS heat system will get you no more for the house than spending less than $5000.00 on a power burner, atmospheric water heater and an aluminum chimney liner (they are cheeper then stainless steel).
The new gas pipe and burner, new water heater and some elbow grease on the old Peerless will impress most buyers. Remember, most buyers are not HVAC experts, but will be looking at the Kitchen and Bathrooms.
Go for the low price and get rid of the oil tank.
that Bock 32E looks fairly new, Put that on crags list and get a few bucks for it.
Sure, stainless costs a bit more than aluminum, but far less than doing the job twice or facing possible legal action from a subsequent owner.
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