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Davidb6 · 02-03-2009, 02:04 PM

I will need to replace my oil (hot water baseboard) furnace next year and would like to make sure I don’t miss an opportunity to lower costs.

Should I replace it with another oil furnace or something else?

2300 sf , 4 zone home, Connecticut

I do not have natural gas in my area, would require a tank.
Another consideration, the 275 gal oil tank in my basement is 42 years old and will also need to be replaced soon.

Thanks

tk03 · 02-03-2009, 02:27 PM

The only way to guarantee a fuel savings is have a heat loss done and do not use a domestic hot water coil in the new boiler if you stay with oil.
Have it properly piped. Most equipment today is oversized when installed and decreases efficiency and increases maintenance. Proper sizing and installation should save 25% - 40%.
For more info see on the importance of heat losses.
http://www.comfort-calc.net/faq.html

Davidb6 · 02-03-2009, 04:12 PM

Good advise on getting the heat loss of the house checked either way I go.
Thanks

I've read that a natural gas furnace is more efficient than an oil furnace. Is that difference exaggerated? If not, it may make more sense to switch away for oil just because of the advanced technology alone.

One disadvantage of natural gas is I would need to install a tank in my back yard...not very appealing.

Bondo · 02-03-2009, 05:06 PM

Quote:

One disadvantage of natural gas is I would need to install a tank in my back yard...not very appealing.

Ayuh,... Natrual Gas is piped from a Utility,... You're thinking of Propane, LPG....

If there's never been a Water in the fuel issue with your 40 year old tank,...
It'll last Another 40 years if it's kept Water Free...
It's Water laying along the bottom that Rots them out,... No Water, they last Forever...

Davidb6 · 02-03-2009, 06:45 PM

Oh....Natural Gas is piped from a Utility

Good thing I'm starting my research early.

No water that I know of in the tank but there is a very slight sign of surface rust...the kind you can wipe off with a rag.

Are propane & LPG burners the same as natural gas...that is, is there technology considered better then oil fired? I wonder if the same logic applies..if the efficiency of the burner is higher than oil...use it.

Bondo · 02-03-2009, 07:22 PM

Quote:

No water that I know of in the tank but there is a very slight sign of surface rust...the kind you can wipe off with a rag.

Ayuh,... The outside rust usually isn't the problem,...

It's the Inside,..
Along the very bottom, where the water will lay under the oil if it can...

If your tank was set up right,+ it appears it was,...

It shouldn't play into your decision,..
Other than getting the monster Out of the house if you switch....

tk03 · 02-04-2009, 09:31 PM

The gas appliances are more efficient as AFUE efficiencies go. But remember you get more BTU's out of fuel oil. The idea of oil having more service is not true anymore as the higher efficiency equipment require annual maintenance.

**Scuba_Dave** · 02-04-2009, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tk03

The only way to guarantee a fuel savings is have a heat loss done and do not use a domestic hot water coil in the new boiler if you stay with oil.

Curious as to why not get the domestic hot water coil?
I can buy one at a great price - Weil-Mclain - & it has the water coil
I had only planned on using it during the season when the heat was on

The rest of the time hot water would be supplied by electric
With electric costs oil is more cost effective
And as long as it is running in the winter.......

tk03 · 02-04-2009, 10:20 PM

Most expensive way to make hot water. See my opinion at the following link
http://www.comfort-calc.net/Domestic...r%20_Coil.html

**beenthere** · 02-05-2009, 07:32 AM

Tankless coils in a boiler are a waste of money.

Why do you want to maintain a high temp in the boiler, so that it increases your standby loss, and pts more money up the chimney then need be.

Davidb6 · 02-05-2009, 10:34 AM

You guys are showing me how little I know...thanks!

tk03, I'm very new at this but if I have how water baseboard as heating wouldn't my domestic hot water be free...at least during the winter months?